NOTES TECH

Ahlstrom Launches Renewable Lignin-Based Automotive Filter Media

Ahlstrom is introducing a new range of renewable and sustainable filtration solutions for automotive applications. Ahlstrom ECO™ is a technology supporting the increasing sustainability demands of the global transportation market and offering a new choice for filter manufacturers.

Developed by Ahlstrom, a new renewable and sustainable filter media utilizes lignin-based* impregnation, replacing fossil-based resin. The resin solution contains a significant amount of bio-based, renewable lignin, while the mechanical properties and the durability of the filter media, even in challenging environments, are maintained.

According to Ahlstrom’s initial estimates, the new lignin-based impregnated filter media displays a lower carbon footprint than a standard fossil-based resin media. Additionally, the lignin-based impregnation recipe brings a significant reduction, between 50-70%, of formaldehyde emissions during the curing process.

Ahlstrom is partnering with Tecfil, a leading automotive filter manufacturer in Latin America, who is incorporating Ahlstrom ECO™ solution into a final filter design. www.ahlstrom.com

VEOCEL™ Upgrades Lyocell Shortcut Fiber Offering

Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has launched upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers by VEOCEL™ for the flushable market. The upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers not only have high dispersibility, which make them ideal for use in flushable wipes, they also have an upgraded finish, an added benefit for wipes manufacturers. The upgraded finish enhances efficiency of the wipe production process, improves the processability of fibers and helps to create higher quality products. The fibers are also offered as carbon neutral, thus contributing to a global push to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

The new finish of the upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers offers protection against mechanical stress at commonly used water temperatures such as 0°C to 40°C during the wetlaid production process. This helps to avoid the creation of fiber lumps during the opening and dilution of fibers in preparation tanks. The finished product will also have enhanced physical quality and appearance thanks to the upgraded finish which improves web formation during the process.

The new and improved carbon neutral lyocell shortcut fibers by VEOCEL™ can be purchased from Lenzing’s production site in Mobile, Alabama. www.lenzing.com

CLEANR Debuts Rapid Prototyping of Its Microplastic-Filtering Technology for Washing Machine

CLEANR, a market-disruptive microplasticfiltration technology company, has accelerated the development of its solutions for washing machine manufacturers through its early access to the Formlabs Automation Ecosystem. The new platform enables new levels of 3D printing productivity through a highly scalable and automated workflow that can produce back-to-back 3D prints 24/7 with minimal human intervention.

The 3D printing platform will enable CLEANR to accelerate the introduction of its new microplastic-filtering solutions and collaborate quickly and efficiently with appliance manufacturers to integrate the tech- nology into their washing machine designs. Washing machine wastewater is the world’s largest source of microplastic pollution and has come under growing regulation in Europe and North America. Multiple governments are developing and enacting legislative requirements to mandate manufacturers to outfit new household washing machines with microplastic-filtering devices to prevent the flow of harmful microplastics into waterways, ecosystems and food chains.

Beginning in January 2025, France will require all new washing machines sold incountry to include a microplastic-filtration solution. Meanwhile, members of the UK par- liament, California and Oregon state legislators in the U.S., and provincial legislators in Ottawa, Canada are working through similar proposals. www.cleanr.life

 The CLEANR internal washing machine filtration product utilizes its small form factor and elegant design to fit easily inside existing washing machines. CLEANR’s patent-pending filtration technology allows for existing washing machine systems to push water though our market leading solution while simultaneously removing more than 80% of microplastics measured down to 50-microns.

DuPont Launches Next Generation of PES In-Out Ultrafiltration (UF) Membranes

DuPont announced the commercial launch of the next generation of multi-capillary PES In-Out Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes – DuPont ™ Multibore ™ PRO. Customers can leverage Multibore ™ PRO to reduce the number of modules needed in water purification systems – as part of multi-technology approaches to desalination, municipal drinking water, or industrial water applications.

The first polymeric membrane with a completely new geometry since the seven-capillary Multibore™ debuted over two decades ago, DuPont™ Multibore™ PRO combines 19 bores within a single fiber to enable customers to realize both performance and sustainability benefits through the increased surface area and reduced installation area for a given flow rate target.

DuPont ™ Multibore ™ PRO is the newest innovation within the recently launched DuPont™ IntegraTec™ UF portfolio, one of the most versatile ultrafiltration technology offerings in the industry. Integrating technologies from three legacy brands, DuPont™ IntegraTec™ offers an extensive range of reliable and durable modules and rack configurations, capable of solving a wide variety of water treatment challenges by harnessing precision membrane chemistry.

With more than double the capillaries, this increased membrane filtration surface area per module means fewer modules are required in water treatment installations to achieve higher productivity and efficiencies, driving value for operational expenses. UF modules equipped with Multibore ™ PRO membranes can achieve floor footprint savings of up to 15 percent per rack, while also reducing both capital expenditures due to reduced rack components and assembly costs. www.dupont.com