Untangling Polymer Complexity
Leading With Science - Not Sensation This Issue
We are living through one of the most complex and challenging periods in recent history. The world is facing multiple crises simultaneously, economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, environmental degradation, and growing concerns over chemicals in everyday materials. These challenges are not abstract; they are affecting human health, ecosystems and industries across the globe.
Norner aims to meet these challenges, not with alarm, but with scientific data, advanced technology, and measurable outcomes. This approach helps partners make better materials, safer infrastructure, and more effective policies for both immediate and long-term benefit.
Microplastics: from uncertainty to traceable evidence
We need more knowledge about microplastics and the effect it has on the environment and human health. Current science has gaps in how we sample, identify, and quantify micro‑ and nanoplastics. New research shows that 13C-labelled microplastics allows researchers to precisely track plastic derived carbon during abiotic and microbial degradation.
Europe is facing Water Crises
p. 36 LooPP - Composites
p. 38 Speaking Truth about Plastics
p. 40 Smart Materials for Smarter Fertility
p. 42 Sustainable Pipes
p. 44 Fatigue Resistance in Aquaculture Materials
Turning chemical concerns into innovation opportunities
Recent studies and regulations have focused on potentially harmful, unregulated chemicals in plastics that can have a negative impact on ecosystems and human health. As global awareness of these risks grows, strong scientific clarity, transparency, and sustainable alternatives are needed, despite the fact that the public debate often is being influenced by sensational headlines.
Norner is uniquely positioned to respond to these challenges. Our advanced laboratories and analytical capabilities enable us to solve today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. By combining polymer expertise with advanced analytics, we help customers make informed choices, reduce their environmental footprint, and earn trust from conscious consumers.
Europe faces an urgent need to renew its aging pipe infrastructure due to widespread leakage, climate change impacts, and decades of underinvestment. In some regions, up to 70% of drinking water is lost before reaching consumers. Across the EU, over 2.6 billion cubic meters of drinking water are lost annually through leaks. There is an urgent need for new advanced pipe infrastructure. Norner has strengthened its effort to support the industry for testing, welding and installation expertise as well as material development.
In this issue of Norner News we also lean into topics like advanced exposure testing, PFAS challenges, products development with partners, low odor recycling with Norner Fresh, barrier layers for safe food packaging, and pilot scale support for PET recycling and processing.
We hope you like it. Have a good read!
CEO Kjetil Larsen
Elen Sonja Klouman / Universitetet Innlandet
Author: Ravindra Chowreddy ravindra.chowreddy@norner.no
Microplastics:
How Can We Detect and Track Microplastics More Accurately?
Microplastics are particles smaller than 5 mm. Nanoplastics are plastic particles ranging from approximately 1 nanometer (nm) to 1 micrometer (µm) (or 1000 nm).
By tagging plastics with “harmless” ¹³C stable isotope-labelled polymers, we can finally trace where they go.
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread pollutants found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems across the globe. As large plastic debris breaks down through natural weathering, it fragments into microplastics par ticles smaller than 5 mm. The presence of MPs is a highly discussed topic, with numerous scientif ic studies reporting their detection in air, water, soil, sediments, and living organisms.
Although research on their impacts is growing, signif icant uncertainties remain regarding the environmen tal and health effects of MPs. Both legislative groups and consumers are increasingly concerned about the sources, risks, and mitigation strategies for micro and nanoplastics. However, identifying microplastics in various environments relies on advanced analytical methods, and current scientific knowledge often lack definitive conclusions.
Challenges in Microplastic analysis
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has highlighted the lack of uni versally accepted standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling, extracting, purifying, and ana lysing microplastics. Without harmonized methods, it is difficult to ensure high-quality research or to com pare findings across studies. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT IR) and Raman
spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py GCMS), various microscopy meth ods (LM, SEM, TEM), and light scattering are all used to characterise MPs. However, the low concentra tions and small particle sizes of MPs, especially in organic-rich media like soil, make identification and differentiation challenging. The complexity of these matrices can complicate interpretation, as it is often difficult to distinguish plastic degradation products from naturally occurring biogenic substances.
Advantages of 13C Stable Isotope Labelling for Microplastic Detection and Tracking
One promising approach to overcoming these chal lenges involves the use of stable isotope labelled polymers. Carbon, for example, exists naturally both as the radioactive 14C isotope and the stable 13C isotope. By incorporating 14C or 13C into polymers, researchers
Ravindra Chowreddy, senior researcher, examining a ¹³C labelled polymer sample made at Norner’s lab.
can selectively track the movement of carbon during chemical transformations and biodegradation. This isotopic labelling technique has been recognised since the early 1970s, with initial studies focusing on 14C. However, 14C-labelled materials pose several drawbacks, including high costs, strict safety and handling regulations, and the need for specialised, radioactivity compliant equipment.
In contrast, 13C-labelled polymers offer significant advantages. The 13C isotope is stable and does not cause radioactive contamination, avoiding restrictive regulations. 13C-labelled monomers are also more readily available and less expensive for polymer syn thesis. By producing polymers in which some stan dard carbon (12C) atoms are replaced with 13C, it is possible to track how the polymer’s carbon is trans formed, whether it becomes CO2, microbial biomass, or other compounds, thus providing insight into deg radation pathways and carbon cycling.
Tracking Microplastic Fate and Degradation in the Environment
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how various microplastics move and transform within ecosystems is essential for accurate risk assess ment. The use of 13C-labelled microplastics allows researchers to precisely track the fate of plastic derived carbon during abiotic and microbial deg radation, distinguishing fully degraded plastics from persistent fragments and revealing their en vironmental persistence and bioavailability. This approach not only clarifies the pathways and trans formation products of microplastics across diverse environments but also provides valuable insights for assessing ecological and health risks. Furthermore, 13C labelling is an effective method for evaluating the biodegradability of polymers. Biodegradable plastics are particularly valuable in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries, where faster degradation is essential to prevent the build up of plastic waste in the environment.
For detection and analysis, advanced tools such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py GCMS) are used. Researchers can also study how 13C-labelled carbon is incorporated into microbes using methods like DNA stable isotope probing and nanoscale sec ondary ion mass spectrometry.
13C-Labelled Polymers Enable Precise Tracking and Degradation Analysis of Microplastics in Environmental Systems
By utilising 13C-labelled polymers, researchers can achieve a more accurate understanding of how microplastics break down and move through different ecosystems, as well as assess the potential risks associated with these particles.
Recently, Norner has successfully produced 13C-labelled polyethylene in gram-scale quantities. This labelling approach can easily be applied to other types of polymers and additives, making it a versatile tool for future research into microplastic behaviour and degradation.
Author: Vinh Cao vinh.cao@norner.no
Low Odor Recycling, Smarter and Cheaper
As industries worldwide accelerate toward a circular economy, the demand for high-quality recycled plastics is surging. But performance alone isn’t enough—sensory quality matters too.
Recycled materials must be clean, safe, and odour free to meet the standards of mod ern applications. NornFresh, developed by Norner, is a breakthrough technology that transforms post consumer recycled (PCR) plastics into clean, low odour and high performance materials, unlock ing new possibilities for sustainable manufacturing.
Volatiles Organic Compounds
Recycled polymers often carry volatile organic com pounds (VOCs) and unpleasant odours from their previous lifecycle. These contaminants limit their us ability in sensitive sectors like:
• Food packaging
• Cosmetics
• Automotive
Traditional deodorization systems are effective but re quire long process time and high energy, through a pro longed exposure to high temperature air. This drives up production costs and slows throughput, making recy cled plastics less competitive than virgin materials.
The NornFresh Process
NornFresh introduces a smart and efficient approach. Through a proprietary process integrated directly into the extrusion phase, NornFresh enables the for mation of microbubbles within the molten polymer. These bubbles increase free volume, accelerating the diffusion of VOCs. When combined with vac uum degassing, this method removes VOCs and odors during extrusion, often eliminating the need for post processing.
The number of odour components per scenario
Figure 1. GC Olfactometry, an advanced analytical technique for identifying and quantifying VOCs and odor giving components in recycled materials.
Whether you’re processing packaging films, rigid containers, automotive components, or cosmetic tubes, NornFresh can be the solution for the clean, low odour quality your customers expect.
Commercial Impact
NornFresh delivers more than technical excellence–it offers real business value:
• Lower energy consumption
• Higher extruder throughput
• Reduced production costs
• Improved resin quality
• Better market competitiveness
By streamlining the deodorization process and im proving material quality, NornFresh helps companies meet sustainability goals without sacrificing perfor mance or profitability.
Enabling a Greener Future
Clean, high quality recycled plastics are essential to achieving global sustainability targets. NornFresh makes it possible to use recycled materials in applications that were previously off-limits due to odour concerns. This expands the market for recycled polymers and supports a more circular, resource efficient economy.
Redefining What’s Possible in Recycling
With NornFresh, Norner is not just improving recy cled plastics, it’s redefining the future of sustainable materials.
Proven Results on rHDPE (See Figure 2):
• VOCs reduction: >70%
• Number of odour components are reduced from 15 to 7
• Significantly lower odour intensity
When paired with a hybrid approach, NornFresh + de odorizer, the results are impressive:
• VOCs reduction: 88–94%
• Number of odour components are reduced from 15 to 5
• Deodorizer runtime reduced to only 1–3 hours
• Significantly lower odour intensity
• Substantial Energy savings
This hybrid method delivers equivalent or superi or performance to standalone deodorizer systems, while dramatically reducing energy consumption and cycle time. The result is a cleaner, greener recycling process that boosts throughput and lowers opera tional costs.
Science-Driven Innovation: Chemistry Meets Engineering
At the heart of NornFresh is Norner’s deep ex pertise in polymer chemistry and process engi neering. Using advanced analytical tools like Gas Chromatography (GC) Olfactometry and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC MS), Norner identifies specific odour components, such as acetic acid, camphene, and D limonene, and customizes solutions to neutralize them effectively.
This precision driven approach ensures consistent, high quality results across a wide range of materi als and applications.
Versatile Across Polymer Types
NornFresh is designed for versatility and has been successfully demonstrated on a range of virgin and recycled materials.
• Virgin and recycled PP
• Virgin and recycled HDPE
• Virgin and recycled LDPE
Figure 2. VOCs reduction under varying process conditions highlights the effectiveness of NornFresh technology in en hancing volatile compound removal.
Extrusion with NornFresh Technology.
One of Norner’s key capabilities is its high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) exposure laboratory, where polymer materials are tested under extreme conditions. Using advanced autoclaves and integrated testing facilities, Norner helps clients identify and optimize materials that meet both performance and sustainability goals.
Ammonia: A Crucial Component in the Green Energy Transition
Author: Henriette Skarpeid henriette.skarpeid@norner.no
Ammonia (NH₃) is widely used in agriculture as a key component in nitrogen fertilizers. But its potential goes far beyond that.
As a hydrogen carrier and zero emission fuel, ammonia is an important tool for decarbonizing the energy sector. While most ammonia is still produced using fossil fuels, new technologies such as carbon capture (blue ammonia) and renewable syn thesis (green ammonia) are paving the way for cleaner production. This shift brings new demands for materi als that can handle ammonia safely and efficiently.
To support this shift, polymeric materials are being ex plored for use in infrastructure and storage systems. Norner is actively involved in such projects focusing on material selection, advanced testing, and evaluation, ensuring that the materials used are both technically sound and environmentally responsible.
Petter Kjellemyr and Tom Anders Torgersen at the Exposure Lab in Norner.
Real-Life Testing of Ammonia Permeability in Polymeric Materials
In collaboration with VIPO and NOV, we built and designed testing setups to address technical challenges associated with ammonia storage and the requirements for advanced material solutions.
VIPO, collaborating with NOV, has over the years focused efforts on developing rub ber materials tailored for ammonia storage solutions. Ammonia’s small molecular size and high condensability make it highly permeable in polymers, especially in the presence of water. Norner has played a significant role in this R&D project, contributing both to the initial screening process and to the development of permeation test equipment.
Tailor-made permeation test equipment
Norner has played a pivotal role not only in the initial screening process of materials but also in creating the permeation test equipment. Their process began by immersing potential materials in liquid ammonia for up to a year, periodically
retrieving samples and conducting post exposure analyses to identify the most suitable options. While immersion tests can measure properties such as absorption and solubility, they do not account for the influence of other environmental factors. This underscores the necessity of conducting tests under real world conditions.
Norner’s testing setup was to be based on real life conditions and the main principles were:
• Dual chamber system with ammonia and water
• 5-bar pressure and a temperature of 4 °C
• Continuous water circulation
• pH monitoring to track ammonia migration
“At Norner, we often go
beyond standard testing. We design and construct specialized equipment to support our customers in their innovations, such as for VIPO and NOV ammonia storage solutions”
In the permeability testing, the lower chamber will be filled with ammonia gas, and the upper chamber will be filled with distilled water, only separated by the selected material as a membrane. There will be an osmosis-driven diffusion of ammonia through the rubber membrane in water, and ammonia will permeate the membrane due to its solubility in the rubber and its concentration gradient across the membrane. The process is influenced by the pH of the solutions, as well as the membrane’s properties
(such as polar and non polar nature). A continuous pH measuring probe was utilized to measure an increase in pH over time upon migration of ammonia to the waterside and formation of ammonium hydroxide. The initial increase in pH with time until equilibrium will determine the permeation of the material.
The test revealed high ammonia permeability and de velopment of new material is essential in the project moving forward.
NOV: provides the technical expertise, advanced equipment, and operational support for the Energy industry.
VIPO: develop, manufacture, and deliver corrosion, fire protection and thermal insulation solutions in demanding environments.
Anita Gusfre Thoner, Group Leader Exposure Lab
What we do: Exposure test facility
Norners advanced exposure laboratories including 40 autoclaves used in high pressure, high temperature testing in extreme conditions. Norner supports our customers with material development, qualification testing and lifetime estimations. We are committed to delivering precise and reliable results, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety for our clients.
Capabilities include:
• Max temperature: 300 ºC
• Max pressure: 300 bars
• Media exposure: ammonia, seawater, CO₂, hydrocarbons and up to 50% H₂S
• Testing according to international standards
• Bespoke testing according to customer specifications
Safety First: Handling Ammonia with Expertise Ammonia is highly toxic and demands rigorous safety protocols.
Norner’s lab is equipped with
• Strict routines, guidelines and trained personnel
• Suitable gas detectors
• Advanced ventilation systems
• PPE including chemical-resistant suits, full-face shields, and respiratory protection to avoid any fatal consequences in the case of leakage
Our commitment to safety ensures reliable testing without compromising health or compliance.
Coating development for steel infrastructure
Steel infrastructure is often used for storage and transportation of ammonia and coating is essential for several factors:
• Corrosion Prevention: Ammonia can cause sever corrosion, especially when impurities like oxygen or carbon dioxide are present
• Stress Corrosion Cracking: SCC is a known risk in steel exposed to ammonia, particularly in welded or high stress areas
• Environmental Protection: Qualified coatings reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of infrastructure, supporting sustainability goals in green ammonia applications
Norner supports customers in identifying optimal coating systems through exposure testing in liquid ammonia. Post exposure evaluations include:
• Visual and physical inspections
• Adhesion performance testing
• Testing of mechanical properties
• Microscopy and SEM examination of surfaces and cross sections
This enables clients to compare coatings under iden tical conditions and advance the most promising solution for long term durability.
An example of fracture found from cross section examination of steel.
Autoclave test facility equipped with automated control systems and high resolution logging of temperature and pressure.
Author: Anders G. Andersen anders.andersen@norner.no
Norner’s Expertise in Aramco Qualification Testing for Protective Coating Systems
Being recognized as an Aramco approved lab oratory underscores Norner’s reputation for technical excellence and integrity. This qualifi cation enables Norner to perform critical testing and evaluation for protective coating systems, making them a trusted partner for manufacturers, suppliers, and end users who operate within the framework of Saudi Aramco’s stringent requirements.
Aramco, a global energy giant, demands rigorous qualification processes for every component in its supply chain, especially protective coatings that safeguard vital infrastructure against corrosion, chemical exposure, and harsh environmental con ditions. Norner’s approval is a testament to its profi ciency, reliability, and the high caliber of its laboratory facilities.
Comprehensive Testing Services in Accordance with Aramco Specifications
Norner is qualified to carry out extensive testing in compliance with several specific Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications (SAMSS), ensuring
that protective coating systems meet all the neces sary criteria for performance, durability, and safety. The laboratory offers qualification testing in accor dance with a variety of these specifications, such as:
• SAMSS 067
• SAMSS 069
• SAMSS 070
• SAMSS 071
• SAMSS 089
• SAMSS 091
• SAMSS 107
In combination with our ISO 17025 accreditation with in coating testing, Norner is prepared to offer high quality service within coating qualification testing, now also for Aramco specification. With in-depth knowledge of these specifications, Norner’s dedi cated team utilizes state of the art analytical meth ods and testing protocols to evaluate protective coating systems across the full spectrum of Aramco’s requirements.
Can Barrier Layers Make Recycled Plastic Safe for Food Packaging?
As the EU pushes for more recycled content in food packaging, safety concerns are increasing. Can recycled plastics truly meet the high standards required for food contact?
Author: Ole Jan Myhre olejan.myhre@norner.no
This question was addressed in the Norwegian “RecyFoodPack”-project (2022-2024), fund ed by The Research Council of Norway and led by Norner. The project engaged several companies in the food and packaging value chain and studied how sus tainable food packaging could utilize recycled plastics. Two key research questions were if and how this could be achieved through closed loop recycling and/or the use of recycled plastics sandwiched behind barrier layers?
Experimental
The project investigated whether special barrier layers in packaging films can effectively block harmful substanc es from migrating into food. The focus was on low den sity polyethylene (LDPE), one of the most used plastics in food packaging. Norner produced ten different co extruded film samples according to an experimental design. This included virgin LDPE, two different recycled LDPE of different source and purity (T2 = post commer cial waste and F = post consumer waste) and two dif ferent barrier layers; EVOH (EVAL by Kuraray) and BVOH (G-polymer by Mitsubishi). The actual film structures are shown in table 1.
The films have been analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy for their chemical structure, light microscopy to examine
Film coextrusion pilot plant at Norner.
physical quality, migration plus NIAS screening with GC MS to identify chemical substances, and a miniaturized version of the Ames test to detect DNA damaging (mu tagenic) effects. The AMES tests were conducted and concluded by the team of FH Campus Wien, Section for Packaging and Resource Management.
Results
FT-IR showed little difference between virgin and recy cled films, apart from the variations in polymer composi tion. Hence FT IR do not seem to be a relevant technique.
Microscopy revealed more particles and defects in re cycled films, which may compromise barrier integrity and increase toxicological risks. To ensure safety in food packaging, both barrier performance and recycled ma terial quality must be improved.
The GC MS NIAS screening detected 35 substances, including unknowns. It was shown that migration was significantly reduced when a barrier layer was included and that BVOH was more efficient than EVOH in this re spect. This study also highlights the limitations of rely ing solely on GC MS to detect non intentionally added
substances (NIAS) in recycled LDPE films. Several un known compounds exceeded the safety threshold. Bioassay tests like Ames are a good complementary.
It’s a concern that some samples showed mutagenic ef fects in the Ames test. One recycled sample triggered a 28-fold increase in mutagenic activity—raising red flags for food safety.
The promising news is, samples that included function al barrier layers (EVOH and BVOH), showed significantly reduced mutagenicity. These barriers appear to prevent harmful substances from reaching the food contact surface, making recycled materials potentially safer for reuse in packaging.
Both barrier materials proved to reduce the migration and mutagenicity. Virgin LDPE combined with EVOH low ered mutagenicity by about one third, while G polymer achieved a two thirds reduction.
The promising results obtained encourage the need for further investigation, like understanding the effect of waste sourcing and treatment on migration and safety,
validate the long-term effectiveness of barrier technol ogies as well as the need for better analyses to identify unknown contaminants.
About the project
The RecyFoodPack project was carried out with sup port from The Research Council of Norway under “SIRKULÆRØKONOMIPROGRAMMET” with Grant no 320461. Participating companies were Bama, Bewi, Mills, MCC and Tomra and institutes where Norner, Nofima and Norsus. The project cooperated with FH Campus Wien, Section for Packaging and Resource Management who carried out the AMES tests.
Washing process for recycling of packaging films.
Film samples produced at Norner for migration and Ames testing
Author: Ida Marie Wold ida.marie.wold@norner.no
Polymer Excellence for Defence Applications
Norner is recognized as a trusted leader in polymer development and testing, providing advanced expertise to address the complex challenges encountered within the defence sector.
With a robust foundation in high performance polymer materials, Norner enables defence organizations to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency across a broad range of applications.
Lightweight and strong materials
Developing materials that are both light and excep tionally strong is a central challenge in modern de fence technology. Balancing weight reduction with the need for durability, protection, and high perfor mance requires advanced skills in polymer science and engineering.
For applications such as drones, vehicle panels, helmets, and body armor, the demand for lighter
materials is driven by the need for increased mobility, rapid deployment, and reduced fatigue for personnel.
Yet, pursuing lighter weight often means contending with limitations in impact resistance, flexibility, and en vironmental durability. Norner’s polymer experts must carefully optimize polymers and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and support design and develop ment of hybrid materials to acheive the necessary balance of low mass and high mechanical strength. The ongoing evolution in this field underscores the critical role of lightweight solutions in enhancing op erational effectiveness.
Performance Under Extreme Conditions
In defence environments, materials are required to endure exposure to temperature changes, humidi ty, fire, chemicals, and pressure. Extensive exposure testing of polymers, composites, and coated steel is a crucial part in optimizing material selection, includ ing the development of weather , UV , temperature , and chemically resistant material solutions.
Norner offers testing according to military standards and can design custom test setups to meet specific client requirements. Our use of advanced laboratory testing to characterize failure mechanisms under high strain rates ensures that materials perform reliably under extreme conditions. Our accredited coating laboratory provides rigorous testing and verification of paints and coatings, ensuring effective corrosion protection for military equipment and infrastructure.
FACTS
• Norner develops lightweight, strong, and durable polymer materials for defense.
• The company works with polymer and composite solutions, and support development of hybrid materials that combine polymers with ceramics or metals.
• All materials are tested under extreme conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, chemicals, and mechanical loads.
• Testing follows military standards and can be adapted to specific customer needs.
• Coatings and paints are also developed to protect equipment and infrastructure from corrosion.
• Applications include drones, vehicle panels, helmets, body armor, and critical infrastructure.
• The goal is to improve mobility, ensure personnel safety, and meet future requirements for protection and performance.
Author: Hany Anwar hany.anwar@norner.no
Author: Bavan Mylvaganam bavan.mylvaganam@norner.no
Author: Jorunn Nilsen jorunn.nilsen@norner.no
Navigating the New EU Drinking Water Regulations:
Implications for Water Pipes and Arvin Substances
The European Union has introduced a comprehensive revision of its Drinking Water Directive (DWD), aimed at strengthening public health protection by tightening requirements for materials that come into contact with drinking water. These changes, set to take effect on December 31, 2026, will have a significant impact on manufacturers of water pipes, fittings, and related components.
Key Regulatory Changes
The updated directive introduces several important measures:
• Minimum hygiene requirements for materials used in water abstraction, treatment, storage, and distribution.
• A Positive List of approved substances for manufacturing water contact products, ensuring that only safe and thoroughly assessed chemicals are used.
• Harmonized certification and marking across EU member states, streamlining cross border compliance.
• Stricter limits on pollutants, including endocrine disruptors, microplastics, and heavy metals such as lead.
Arvin Substances: Regulatory Focus and Compliance Challenges
Arvin substances, organic compounds identified by Professor Erik Arvin, are non intentionally added substances (NIAS) that migrate from plastic additives into drinking water. They are typically impurities or degradation products formed from intentionally added stabilizers and antioxidants used in polymer formulations. These include phenolic compounds such as 4-ethylphenol (Arvin 1) and 3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxy-styrene (Arvin 5), with their Maximum Tolerable Concentrations (MTCtap) listed in Table 1. Their presence has raised concerns due to potential health risks and odor issues.
The updated EU Drinking Water Directive introduces specific migration limits for ten Arvin substances. Notably, Arvin 1 and Arvin 5 have proposed limits as low as 0.1 µg/L. These stringent thresholds present a dual challenge: resin manufacturers must reformulate additive recipes to reduce Arvin content, while analytical laboratories must develop and apply highly sensitive detection methods to reliably quantify these substances at ultra trace levels.
Advanced Detection of Arvin Substances for Regulatory Compliance
Norner stands at the forefront of polymer analysis,
offering cutting-edge techniques to detect Arvin impurities at the ultra trace levels mandated by the EU Drinking Water Directive. By combining internal up concentration techniques with LC UV MS QTOF analysis, Norner is exploring and developing meth ods to detect Arvin substances down to 0.1 ppb. This capability ensures compliance with the strict migra tion limits set by the EU, including substances such as Arvin 1 and Arvin 5.
Norner’s laboratory infrastructure and expert team enable precise quantification of NIAS in both polymer matrices and migration water, supporting polymer suppliers in developing new polymer formulations with reduced Arvin concentrations. In addition, Norner supports pipe manufacturers in delivering pipes that comply with the new regulations, while maintaining essential mechanical integrity and long term ageing performance.
Ensuring Compliance with EU Drinking Water Standards
The EU’s revised Drinking Water Directive marks an important shift toward safer drinking water infrastruc ture. Norner is well positioned to support the entire drinking water pipe value chain by evaluating prod ucts to meet the stringent requirements of the new regulation.
Table
Author: Lars Henry Evensen lars.evensen@norner.no
Accelerating Product Development with AI and Mini-Pilots
In a rapidly changing polymer market served by large and inflexible production plants, it is essential to have access to the right tools for development and scale-up. Continuous mini pilots offer a cost effective and highly relevant step between lab scale and pilot scale or full scale.
I
n a market that demands faster innovation and cost-effective solutions, Norner is developing a scalable and flexible model for polymer productand catalyst development. By integrating artificial in telligence (AI), machine learning (ML), High Throughput Screening (HTS), semi batch lab reactors, mini pilots, and industrial pilots, Norner provides an efficient path from concept to industrial realization.
Automated HTS Accelerates Catalyst Screening and ML Model Training
Catalyst development often begins with HTS offered by Xplore, Norner’s sister company in Naples, en abling up to 48 polymerizations per day at milligram scale. This automated setup facilitates broad param eter screening and rapid data generation, ideal for training ML models to optimize catalyst recipes and predict polymer properties. Norner and Xplore have established correlations between HTS and Norner’s semi batch reactors, allowing promising catalysts to be evaluated under conditions closer to the intended technology and application.
Early-Stage Testing with Semi-Batch Reactors Accelerates Scale-Up
Semi batch reactors are used for early testing of polyolefin catalysts and process conditions, as well as for developing high value added (HVA) products.
These reactors provide insights into polymer struc ture and properties under realistic conditions and produce sufficient material for application testing. This early feedback helps refine formulations for scale up to mini pilots, advanced lab pilot plants with capacities of 2–5 kg/hour available to Norner.
Mini-Pilot Systems Simulate Industrial Polymerization
One mini pilot includes three continuous stirred tank re actors (CSTR) in series, simulating industrial processes like Mitsui CX and Hostalen ACP with high control and repeatability. It also yields valuable data for slurry loop technologies such as Innovene S and Chevron Phillips MarTECH™. Additionally, a polypropylene (PP) mini pi lot is under development, combining bulk and gas phase polymerization to replicate commercial technol ogies like Spheripol and Mitsui Hypol II, providing critical data for further scale up.
This stepwise approach, from semi batch to mini pi lot to industrial pilot plants at third party facilities, gives Norner unique flexibility. Through partnerships, Norner accesses pilot plants with capacities of 10–50 kg/hour, including loop reactors, gas phase systems, and CSTR configurations. This enables validation un der realistic conditions and ensures readiness for commercial deployment.
Norner’s scale-up concept involves three parties: the client who needs pilot capacity, Norner, and a third party with available pilot capacity. Typically, both the client and third party are polymer producers and potential competitors. To prevent conflicts and unin tentional sharing of confidential information, Norner acts as a gate keeper, representing the client during mini pilot and industrial pilot campaigns.
Industrial pilot campaigns are costly for both HVA and catalyst development and should be minimized. Mini pilots offer great value in the intermediate phase, re quiring less investment and operating without shift workers. This results in significant cost savings and al lows parallel testing of multiple concepts, narrowing down to those requiring industrial pilot verification. AI and ML play an increasingly central role in this model. Using such digital platforms, Norner performs predic tive modeling and process optimization. These tools support forward prediction and reverse optimization, enabling researchers to define target properties such as MFR, Density, or Modulus and receive optimized
process conditions and formulation suggestions. This significantly reduces design-of-experiments (DOE) iterations, cutting timelines and resource use. With over 40 years of semi batch lab data, Norner has a robust foundation for training AI. So far, AI has been used to develop and validate models from various datasets, followed by experimental testing to confirm accuracy.
The next step is to apply AI and ML to mini pilots and industrial pilots.
To meet evolving client demands in a dynamic market, Norner is upgrading its Catalyst & Polymer Technology (CPT) lab with new reactors and infrastructure. This in cludes autoclaves capable of higher temperatures and pressures than conventional technologies, en abling development of more sustainable processes and products.
Author: Albrecht Dix albrecht.dix@norner.no
PFAS-Free Polymer Processing Aids
Concerns about Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are growing. PFASs have been found to persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and pose toxicity worldwide. International and national restrictions on PFASs are increasing - affecting industries such as flexible food packaging.
Polymer Processing Aids
Polymer Processing Aids (PPAs) are additives used in plastics manufacturing to improve processability, particularly during extrusion and molding of prod ucts like films, pipes, and packaging materials. They help prevent melt fracture and die build up, ensuring smoother material flow and higher quality surfaces. PPAs are essential in producing polyethylene films for food and agriculture. Their use enhances efficiency, reduces energy consumption, minimizes equipment cleaning downtime, and supports cost-effective and sustainable plastic production.
Major Upcoming PFAS Regulation Changes for PPA Use in Europe
REACH PFAS restriction proposal
Authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a proposal on 13 January 2023 to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA, aiming to lower emissions and enhance safety. ECHA’s scien tific committees are reviewing the proposal, with an updated process released in August 2025. The final evaluation is expected by the end of 2026.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR )
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, published on 22 January 2025, contains import ant regulations on limiting perfluorinated and polyflu orinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. From 12 August 2026, food packaging may no longer be placed on the market if it contains PFAS in the following concentrations:
• 25 ppb for each specifically analysed PFAS (excluding polymeric PFAS).
• 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS, measured as the sum of specific analysis and degradation of precursor compounds, if applicable (excluding polymeric PFAS).
• 50 ppm for PFAS (including polymeric PFAS); if the total fluorine content exceeds 50 mg/kg, the producer or importer must provide evidence of the amount of fluorine measured on request.
Impacts on the industry
These regulations are especially pertinent to manu facturers of food packaging, as they impact the ap plication of F Based PPA. Fluoropolymers present in PPA masterbatches are subject to the 50 ppm thresh old specified in these guidelines. If total fluorine con tent exceeds 50 ppm, manufacturers must provide evidence of the fluorine source (PFAS vs. non-PFAS). These PFAS limits are stricter and earlier than those expected under the broader REACH PFAS restriction proposal.
Future Considerations
PFAS may also be classified as Substances of Concern (SoCs) under the PPWR, potentially affect ing non food packaging in future revisions.
The Norner offer
Consultation: Polymer additive and master batch suppliers now offer a variety of PFAS-free PPA op tions (see Table 1). Norner has extensive knowledge and laboratory experience with PFAS free solutions, allowing to help select the most suitable replacement for your specific application.
Testing: Lab scale screening of alternative PPA pro vides a cost-effective method for accelerating the replacement process in commercial production. For this purpose, Norner has modified its Collin mono layer blown film line to allow film extrusion under high shear conditions. As a result, melt fracture can be re liably simulated in LLDPE and mLLDPE resins (Figure 1). The performance of new PPAs can be assessed us ing Norner’s adapted methodologies for measuring time to melt fracture clearance (Figure 2) and die lip build up.
Analysis: To help clients to comply with PPWR Regulation (EU) 2025/40, Norner is improving test methods through funding* of the Future Materials Catapult project “Competence Development for PFAS analysis”. For analysis of non‑polymer (<25 ppb) and polymeric (50ppm) PFAS, LC/QTOF and Py‑GCMS are now in use.
Figure 1: Metallocene LLDPE under high shear giving highly visible melt fracture .
Three questions to our PFASs expert: Naveen Singh – Principal Researcher Norner
AS
1. What alternative solutions, other than PFAS-free PPA additives, should be considered to achieve an optimal PFAS-free approach in food packaging?
Answer: Beyond PFAS free PPA additives, the most promising alternatives center on polyolefin-based solutions and barrier coatings. PE and PP based films with advanced multilayer structures could achieve excellent grease and moisture barriers when com bined with mineral-based coatings/fillers like silica or clay nanocomposites. Water based barrier coatings containing renewable polymers, bio based waxes, polyolefins and chitosan-derived materials offer ef fective alternatives for paper substrates. Polyolefinbased laminations with aluminium oxide or silicon oxide vapor deposited layers provide superior bar rier properties without PFAS chemistry. Additionally, functionalizing polyolefin surfaces can enhance their natural barrier and staining capabilities while main taining recyclability.
2. Which applications, apart from PPA in food packaging, currently require PFAS alternatives and are considered a priority for replacement?
Answer: Critical applications demanding immedi ate PFAS replacement include textiles (outdoor ap parel, upholstery, carpeting), where polyolefin or silicone-based solution-dyed fibers and mechani cal finishing techniques could replace PFAS-based stain resistance, with appropriate modification. Firefighting foams represent another urgent prior ity, with fluorine-free formulations gaining traction. In electronics, PFAS free thermal management ma terials and conformal coatings are essential. Food service items like pizza boxes and takeout contain ers can effectively utilize polyolefin-coated papers or molded fiber alternatives. Industrial applications including oil and gas operations, semiconductor manufacturing, and automotive fuel systems also re quire immediate attention, with polyolefin/silicone/
nitrile based gaskets and seals showing promise in many applications.
3. In what way are F-PPA PFAS influencing the recyclability of plastics?
Answer: Fluorinated PPA additives severely com promise recycling streams by introducing persistent contaminants that cannot be removed through con ventional mechanical recycling processes. PFAS mi gration during melt processing contaminates entire batches of recycled material, making them unsuit able for food contact applications and reducing
their market value, especially in line with new and up coming regulations. The stability of PFAS compounds means they accumulate in recycled resins, creating a persistent contamination cycle. Chemical recycling processes may break down some PFAS compounds, but this generates other fluorinated byproducts of concern such as HF. Modified polyolefin/hydrocar bon-based alternatives offer superior recyclability because they're chemically compatible with existing polyolefin waste streams and don't introduce chem istries that complicate sorting and reprocessing operations.
Figure 2. Change in blown film appearance in a time to melt fracture clearance trial.
Table 1 Examples of PFAS free PPAs (not a complete list).
Author: Karolina Stankiewicz karolina.stankiewicz@norner.no
Expanding Support for Pilot-Scale PET Recycling and Processing
In Europe, beverage bottles will need to contain 30% recycled PET by 2030, and the collection rate must reach 90% selective collection of bottles by 2029.
As the demand for sustainable packaging grows, requirements for recycled content in PET prod ucts are becoming stricter. Estimates show that rPET volumes in Europe will need to at least dou ble by 2030 to meet these targets, putting significant pressure on supply and quality.
Higher shares of PCR in the raw material stream may affect key properties, including clarity, colour, intrin sic viscosity (IV), and process stability. As the rPET content in packaging increases, so does the risk of contamination and processing challenges, making it more difficult for converters and recyclers to ensure consistent processing and high material quality.
An Evolving PET Recycling Landscape
Chemical PET recycling is becoming an established, regulated route in Europe. It will undoubtedly boost the available volumes of rPET, but it also means that a growing share of chemically recycled material will enter — and thereby influence — the well-established mechanical recycling loop. Considering that the
share of recycled PET continues to grow, this means the overall stream not only becomes more com plex but also more prone to impurities and residual contaminants.
This raises important questions for the industry: How will the recycled PET behave after multiple loops, re garding key properties like processability, rheology, and long term material performance? Could these change in unexpected ways? Given the increasing complexity of recycled inputs, will the quality stan dards originally defined for rPET still remain valid in this new reality? Maybe rPET in five years’ time is a funda mentally different material than it is today — requiring new approaches to control, testing, and processing.
To stay ahead of these shifts and support our part ners in adapting to them, Norner is actively working to answer these questions — helping the industry manage higher recycled content while ensuring safe, high quality PET.
Norner Support Across the PET Loop
Norner combine deep technical knowledge with hands on industry insight to help our partners meet evolving needs. Through collaboration with recy clers, converters, and brand owners, we have built broad experience in solving real challenges across the PET value chain — from polymer production and waste washing, through mechanical and chemical recycling, to extrusion of sheet and film, Solid State Polycondensation (SSP), and final applications such as bottle blow moulding and thermoforming.
Instead of costly testing on full scale production lines, converters and recyclers can now run realistic process simulations at pilot scale. To make this possi ble, we have recently made several investments.
• Agglomerator, which enables us to densify low-bulk-density trays and films. This ensures stable feeding and more efficient downstream processing.
• PET crystallizer, which allows us to optimize drying and crystallization steps for different PCR fractions before extrusion.
• Solid State Polycondensation (SSP) simulations, where we precisely control the temperature, drying, vacuum, and nitrogen flow, to establish optimal processing window for each type of recycled PET.
• Automated polymer viscometer for IV measurements which enables rapid and precise analysis of intrinsic viscosity across many samples
• These fit strategically into our recycling and processing pilot centre and analytical laboratory
where we can work with both PET flakes and pellets as input materials and support a wide range of packaging formats and other PET applications.
In our pilot scale SSP process, we achieve excellent results — increasing intrinsic viscosity from 0.76 dL/g to 1.24 dL/g, enabling the material to meet require ments for more advanced applications. These capa bilities help our partners unlock the full potential of re cycled PET, from improved quality to better process performance.
Practical Solutions & Analytical Control
For every stage of PET processing, Norner provides advanced analytical services covering the key prop erties needed to qualify and certify recycled PET to meet regulatory and market expectations. We don’t just approach challenges from a laboratory perspec tive, we connect insights from the factory floor with targeted testing, analysis, and development work at pilot scale, supported by a team of experienced sci entists and professionals with strong industrial back grounds. This integrated approach enables us to de liver faster troubleshooting, more relevant data, and practical solutions that accelerate decision making and improve production results.
Haze
Yellowness Index
Contaminant Detection in Recycled PET
Intrinsic viscosity
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Method
ASTM E313
ISO 12418-2
ASTM D 5225-22
ISO 1628-1:2024
Internal Method
ISO 11357-3
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) ISO 11358
GC-MS, LC-MS, Pyro-GC-MS Internal Method
FTIR Internal Method
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) + EDS Internal Method
HPLC Internal Method
Solid & Melt State Rheological Testing Internal Method
Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA) Internal Method
Ash Content ISO 3451-1
Microscopy Internal Method
Density / Specific Weight ISO 1183
Tensile Test
ASTM D638 / ISO 527
Top Load Testing Internal Method
Barrier testing
ASTM D3985 – 17 ASTM F1307 – 20
ASTM F1927 – 14 ISO 15105-2:2003
ASTM F1249 – 13
Closing the Loop: PET to Packaging. Evaluation, Troubleshooting and Pilot Support at Every Stage.
LooPP: Pioneering Fully Circular Self-Reinforced Polypropylene
NORNER-LooPP is an innovative self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) composite that combines high mechanical performance, cost efficiency and sustainability by using over 50% post-consumer recyclate and being recyclable in open loop.
Author: Carlos Barreto carlos.barreto@norner.no
NAuthor: Hany Anwar hany.anwar@norner.no
orner LooPP has been validated in the metal to plastic replacement for rear seatback pan els for the FIAT 500-E, with potential for use in other industries. Therefore Norner LooPP is a tool to meet the challenges of the EU PPWR, EU ELV and EU Ecodesign regulations.
Norner-LooPP was developed through cooperation with industry and the EUfunded H2020 REVOLUTION project.
Challenges with Composites
Traditional polymer composites, especially those reinforced with glass fibers or mineral fillers, present major challenges forrecycling and circularity. Their higher densities and complex compositions often prevent effective recovery through density sepa ration, the cornerstone of recycling processes for automotive, electronics and construction waste. Moreover, the environmental footprint of glass fiber production and its own weight are substantial, further complicating the sustainability equation.
Author: Naveen Singh naveen.singh@norner.no
Norner’s LooPP SRPP meets these challenges with a monomaterial composite made entirely from poly propylene. Its mechanical strength comes from uni directional PP films, no extra fibers or filler, enabling full open loop recyclability and grades with over 50% PCR consumer recyclate.
Cross-plying and laminating oriented PP films
Unlike conventional SRPP, which relies on woven tapes, LooPP is produced by cross plying and laminating oriented PP films. This novel process, enabled also by novel PCR upgrading technology, not only streamlines manufacturing but also allows for the integration of high PCR content without compromising mechanical properties. Techno economic analysis made by a third party estimates fabrication costs at just 4–6 EUR/kg for full scale production, making LooPP SRPP a cost effective alternative to commercial SRPP .
Benchmarking tests reveal that the fully virgin grade of Norner’s SRPP outperforms both commercial SRPP and the 50% PCR grade in tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact resistance. Remarkably, even the PCR-rich grade surpasses commercial SRPP in key performance metrics, demonstrating the robustness of Norner’s technology.
The FIAT 500-E Case Study
A major milestone in LooPP’s development was its deployment in the H2020-REVOLUTION project, in partnership with Stellantis CRF. The challenge: replace the steel rear seatback panel in the FIAT 500-E with a lightweight, recyclable alternative. The result: a thermoformed LooPP SRPP panel delivering a 50% weight reduction (compared to the original steel panel), over 50% PCR content, and a 50% drop in material cost compared to commercial SRPP. Technical validation by Stellantis CRF and economic analysis by IDENER confirmed the solution’s viability for automotive applications.
LooPP-SRPP’s versatility extends far beyond automotive panels
LooPP SRPP’s unique structure supports rigid and flexible panels, sandwich composites and thermo formed products, with options for functional skins and intermediate layers. Proven in automotive, it also shows strong potential for luggage, sports gear, ar moring, and impact protection, plus emerging uses in returnable packaging, furniture, building materials, and energy components.
Designed for upcoming EU-regulations
LooPP SRPP is designed to meet the stringent upcoming EU regulations, including the End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Its monomaterial composition and high PCR content position it as a leading solution for manufacturers aiming to future proof their products against regulatory changes.
Shaping the future
With LooPP SRPP, Norner is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high performance composites. By combining innovative processing, circular design and validated real world applications, LooPP SRPP offers a compelling pathway for industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining top tier performance and cost efficiency.
Join us in making NORNER-LooPP a successful commercial product and discuss your ideas with us.
Author: Thor Kamfjord thor.kamfjord@norner.no
Speaking Truth to Plastics
Plastics are essential—but also under intense scrutiny. Public debate on their environmental and health impacts is vital, yet too often driven by fear instead of facts. Emotional narratives and alarming headlines risk overshadowing science, leading to well-meaning but misguided policies.
I
n the public debates about plastics, Norner aims to contribute with factual and scientific perspectives. Norner’s latest response to the PlastChem Report is more than a technical critique, it’s a call to ground the global plastics dialogue in scientific integrity.
With the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations stalled in August 2025, the stakes are high: today’s decisions will shape materials, manufacturing, and environmen tal protection for decades. These choices must rest on robust data, interdisciplinary expertise, and trans parent methods, not misinterpretation or hype.
This article outlines Norner’s concerns about the PlastChem Report and recommendations, calling for a fact based debate on plastics that values science over speculation and truth over fear.
Norner Challenges PlastChem Report’s
In 2025, Norner issued its second critique of the PlastChem Report– “State of the science on plas tic chemicals,” published by NTNU and funded by Norwegian authorities. While intended to guide pol icy, Norner raises major concerns about its meth odology, accuracy, and global policy implications. Despite peer review, these issues went uncorrected when the findings appeared in Nature.
A Call for Scientific Integrity
The PlastChem Report has been widely referenced at governmental levels in different countries, and the European Commission, and actively used in the ne gotiations around a Global Plastic Treaty. Norner’s re sponse emphasizes the urgent need for fact based discourse in shaping international agreements.
Key Concerns Raised by Norner
• Lack of Polymer Expertise: The PlastChem team lacked specialists in plastics and polymers, leading to flawed interpretations and conclusions.
• Misleading Claims: The report suggests that over 16,000 chemicals are associated with plastics, with only 6% regulated. Norner counters that the actual number of chemicals used in plastic manufacturing is significantly lower and that these are well-known and regulated.
• Misinterpretation of Migration Studies: The report misrepresents chemical migration data, potentially fueling public fear and policy misdirection, by associating such chemicals with the manufacturing of plastics.
• Inclusion of Non-Plastic Chemicals: Substances such as pesticides were incorrectly listed as plastic chemicals, further undermining the report’s credibility.
Norner’s Recommendations for Scientific and Policy Reform
To address these concerns and guide future re search and policy, Norner offers the following recommendations:
1. Accurate Data
Correct misleading claims and ensure that the number and nature of chemicals associated with plastics are accurately represented.
2. Polymer and Plastics Expertise
Ensure that future scientific assessments and policy reports include specialists in plastics and polymers to avoid misinterpretations.
3. Improve Methodological Rigor and Transparency
Adopt transparent, peer reviewed methodolo gies and clearly distinguish between chemicals used in plastics and those merely associated with plastic packaging, where chemicals in product use phase or packed content might migrate into the packaging.
4. Migration and Exposure
Use migration data as an indicator for exposure and include case studies to illustrate chemical behavior in real world contexts.
5. Hazard and Exposure
Consider both hazard classification and ex posure data to avoid overregulation based on theoretical risks.
6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue Bridge knowledge gaps through interdisci plinary collaboration and foster trust between stakeholders.
7. Scientific Integrity
Use only scientifically robust and unbiased sources to inform international agreements like the Global Plastic Treaty.
Looking Ahead: Science and the Global Treaty
As the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations continue, Norner’s intervention serves as a reminder that scien tific integrity must be the foundation of environmental policy. Norner calls for interdisciplinary collaboration and urges policymakers to critically evaluate sources before adopting them as the basis for regulation.
Sustainability Director at Norner, Thor Kamfjord thinks the debate about plastics are driven by fear instead of facts.
Smart Materials for Smarter Fertility
Norner and SpermVital Develop the Future of Insemination Solutions.
Author: Irene Hellend irene.helland@norner.no
NAuthor: Siri Stabel Olsen siri.stabel.olsen@norner.no
orner and SpermVital are collaborating on the development of a new insemination biotube tailored to the evolving needs of modern livestock breeding. The project’s objective is clear: deliver a technically new, biologically safe, and ef fective, product with added functionality. This part nership combines materials science expertise with agricultural applications and focuses on innovation, performance, and sustainable development.
The project focuses on introducing advanced ther moplastics that offer improved sustainability and processing efficiency, without compromising safety or performance. The selected materials meet high standards for biological compatibility and durability, ensuring they are well suited for modern breeding
practices. Beyond material improvements, the team is also working to integrate new functionality into the Biotube to enhance its overall value and effective ness. These enhancements are designed to support evolving agricultural needs while maintaining the highest levels of safety, usability, and reliability.
Precision in Polymer Selection and Processing
Selecting the right material is a critical foundation in polymer-based product development. It influences not only the mechanical and thermal properties of the final product but also its compatibility with biological systems and its ability to perform reliably under de manding conditions. In the context of this project, ma terial selection has been particularly important—not only to meet demanding requirements and enable the
integration of additional functionality into the bio tube design, but also to ensure excellent performance in bio tube extrusion at sub millimetre level, where stringent accuracy specifications must be met.
However, material choice alone does not guarantee success. The way these materials are processed, meaning how they are compounded, thermally con ditioned, and shaped through extrusion and mould ing, will significantly affect the product’s consisten cy, functionality, and long term performance. Even subtle variations in processing parameters can lead to major differences in functionality surface quali ty, dimensional stability and reproducibility across production batches. This highlights the necessity of establishing a thoroughly developed, tightly con trolled, and well documented production process, one that is built through iterative testing, refinement, and validation to ensure consistent quality and reli able performance.
Cross-Sector Collaboration Delivers HighPerformance Fertility Biotube
The development of the insemination biotube has required a close coordination between materials science and process engineering. Selecting the right polymer and optimising its formulation and functionality are key to achieving the desired performance and reliability. The project brings together experts in polymer science, animal reproduction, and
From Idea to Solution
SpermVital is a Norwegian biotechnology company specialising in reproductive technologies for livestock. Their core innovation lies in extending the lifespan of sperm cells after insemination, thereby improving fertilisation rates and offering greater flexibility in breeding schedules. By combining biology with smart delivery systems, SpermVital aims to enhance genetic progress and efficiency.
industrial processing, forming a multidisciplinary team capable of addressing both technical and biological challenges. The team is steadily progressing towards a scalable, sustainable solution that aims to set a new standard in the artificial insemination industry. The collaboration between Norner and SpermVital demonstrates how targeted innovation and cross sector expertise drive meaningful advancements in agricultural technology.
Artificial Insemination. Photo: Geno SA/Jens Haugen
Bull Semen Straws.
Compounding trials at Norner.
About Tenaris Tenaris is the leading manufacturer of pipes and related services for the world’s energy industry. The company originally known as Thermotite AS in Orkanger, Norway, was established in 1992 and is a world leading producer and solution provider of wet thermal polymer insulation for subsea pipelines. The R&D centre and technical department in Orkanger have a worldwide responsibility of developing and supporting wet thermal insulation products in Tenaris.
How Advanced Pipe Coating Solutions Are Changing the Energy Industry
Author: Espen Ommundsen espen.ommundsen@norner.no
New pipe-insulation technology for flow assurance unlocks hotter, deeper, longer subsea tie-backs—cutting transport emissions and energy use. The breakthrough in advanced thermal insulation technology for subsea pipelines, developed through the long-standing collaboration between Tenaris and Norner, is changing the energy sector.
Transporting hydrocarbons through thermally insulated pipelines that minimize the need for additional heating represents the most envi ronmentally responsible method of transportation. This approach eliminates CO2 emissions from ship engines and reduces hydrocarbon emissions as sociated with tank filling and cleaning processes. Furthermore, it significantly decreases the risk of ma jor oil spills resulting from maritime accidents.
The expected operational lifetime for new trans portation pipelines is typically at least 30 years. Installing a 30-kilometre pipeline may involve an investment of approximately 100 million euros. Pipeline blockages can lead to significant daily losses due to the potential shutdown of oilfields. Consequently, removing and replacing a dam aged pipeline is generally not considered a via ble alternative.
Global
Innovation and Record-Breaking Achievements
The Tenaris site in Orkanger, Norway, has de veloped advanced insulation systems and pro duced thermally insulated pipes for subsea pipelines worldwide. These efforts have en abled projects where steel pipes were shipped from Japan to Norway for insulation, then sent to Australia for installation. Tenaris has set world records in wet thermal pipeline insulation,
including lowest U-value, highest fluid temperatures, deepest installation, and longest pipeline. Their com mercial wet thermal insulation solutions are qualified for temperatures up to 180 °C (XtremeTemp 350) and unlimited water depths (Thermotite® ULTRA™).
For almost two decades, Norner has supported Tenaris with material development, R&D, testing, and documentation.
“Tenaris has utilized Norner’s extensive range of expertise; from polymer synthesis and processing technology to failure analysis and advanced testing methods. Norner has been a flexible partner for us, delivering quickly and according to the task, whether it involves conducting standard tests or large research projects.”
Jan Peder Hegdal, Coating Technology Manager, Tenaris.
XtremeTemp® 350 - insulation technology as a game-changer for subsea energy transport
Especially the successful commercial application of the XtremeTemp® 350 insulation system stands out, as it enables the safe and efficient transport of hydro carbons at higher temperatures, greater depths, and
over longer distances than ever before. This technol ogy directly contributes to reducing transport emis sions and energy use in the energy industry, offering a more environmentally responsible alternative to al ternative methods.
20 years of collaboration
Norner has during almost two decades supported Tenarisas a dedicated partner in material develop ment, R&D, testing and documentation. The services include advanced laboratory analyses, assistance in root cause analyses, consulting about polymers and processing, development of novel polymer formula tions and as a research partner in innovation projects developing, testing and qualification of new products and solutions with and without public funding. Norner has also assisted in the process of applying for public funding. The expertise Norner has built up in high pres sure and temperature liquid filled autoclave testing is very much the result of the demanding requirements needed in the testing and qualification of wet thermal insulation systems.
Projects
From 2017 to 2020, Tenaris and Norner partnered on the project “High temperature thermal insulation for deepwater pipelines” (RCN IPN project no. 269212), which resulted in the XtremeTemp 350 insulation sys tem. XtremeTemp 350 has been utilised for one pipe line so far.
The project “iHWI Intelligent Heated Wet Insulation for pipelines” from 2020 to 2025 (RCN IPN project no. 309626) was a key contributor to the develop ment of FlowHeat, a completely new pipeline insu lation concept, where heating cables are installed inside the pipe insulation after laying of the pipeline.
Sketch of layered pipe insulation system.
Photo: Tenaris
Author: Manéa Lebrun manea.lebrun@norner.no
Exposed to the Elements: Fatigue Resistance in Aquaculture Materials
Fish pens are exposed structures and consequences for failure in load-bearing constructions can be dramatic, it is thus essential to design and test materials for extreme conditions. Floating collars will encounter an average of 100 million waves over a 20-year lifespan. As the industry pushes boundaries with recycled materials and longer service life, it is essential to ensure these materials can endure these new and demanding conditions.
To evaluate the ability of recycled PE material to resist slow crack growth in floating collars, we used the cracked round bar (CRB) method, a well-known, practical, and effective approach for de termining fatigue resistance of HDPE materials1. The tests were performed using the Electroforce 3550 instrument, following the ISO 18489 standard, which is specifically designed for assessing slow crack growth in polyethylene pipe materials. In this test, cylindrical specimens with a machined notch (typically 1.5 mm) are subjected to cyclic loading at ambient tempera ture (23 °C), with frequencies commonly around 10 Hz. The number of cycles to failure is recorded as a func tion of stress range, enabling material ranking and life expectancy predictions for long term applications.
Slow Crack Growth (SCG) is a significant concern in the pipe industry. Repeated movements, even at low stress, gradually propagate defects like cracks,
eventually leading to failure. Figure 1 shows how pres surized PE pipes fail, highlighting SCG stress/time zones, the shift from ductile to brittle failure, and how mechanical and chemical factors affect their lifespan.
RESULTS: Wave-Tested: Fatigue Resistance in Recycled Materials and Pipes
Cracked round bars from four types of pipes, virgin, recycled, mixed, and a 14-year-old used pipe, were machined and tested.
Samples underwent high stress at high frequency mimicking extreme weather.
Microscopy image of failure surface on the cracked round bar specimen.
Figure 1:
Schematic illustration of the failure behavior of pressurized
pipes.
Photo Credit : ScaleAQ
“Extensive testing and qualifications have ensured a high level of safety and confidence regarding the forthcoming deployment of recycled fish pens.”
Ragnar
Sæternes, R&D coordinator at Sinkaberg AS, fish farming company
The results shown in figure 2 indicate that recycled HDPE materials, despite showing minor signs of previ ous use, can attain fatigue resistance close to virgin ma terials when the recycling process is properly managed and additives are preserved. The recycled material is suitable for another life. Both materials and pipes un derwent extended cyclic loading to replicate the most extreme conditions encountered in fish farming envi ronments, and their performances were comparable.
Key findings:
• Recycled HDPE materials showed strong resistance to slow crack growth, very close to virgin HDPE resistance.
• The CRB method provided reliable, repeatable results for both material samples and finished pipes.
WAY FORWARD: Full-Scale Exposure: Piloting Change in Aquaculture Standards
The next phase of the SirkAQ project is a full scale pilot, where recycled materials will be deployed in
operational fish farming environments. This pilot will generate even more empirical data to support reliability and push towards industry standards changes, demon strating that recycled materials can meet or exceed current requirements for durability and safety.
By supporting these changes with robust empirical evidence, SirkAQ is creating a new value chain for recycled plastics in aquaculture, setting new bench marks for sustainability and circularity in the industry.
Next Steps:
• Launch the full scale pilot in collaboration with industry partners, autumn 2025.
• Collect and analyze performance data under real world conditions.
• Continue advocating for updates to industry standards, supported by empirical results.
• Reinforce the new value chain for recycled plastics, driving the transition to a circular economy in aquaculture.
Cyclic CRB Test (From Pipes)
f=10Hz, R=0,1
About the SirkAQ project
The SirkAQ project aims to transform aquaculture from a linear to a circular economy by creating sustainable value chains for plastics from discarded equipment. Through reuse, repair, recycled materials, eco-design, traceability, and environmental documentation, the project seeks to optimize resources and lower the industry’s environmental footprint. The goal: zero plastic waste by 2030. SirkAQ brings together partners across the supply chain, led by Scale Aquaculture AS, with strong R&D support. SirkAQ is a Green Platform project funded by the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway, with Future Materials Catapult Center as a partner funded by Siva. Tests and analysis for fatigue resistance work were performed by Future Materials and Norner Research.
Figure 2: Failure curves of PE100 materials from different pipes determined with cyclic CRB test.
Norner
Polymer Research Centre
We cover the entire polymer value chain, spanning from catalyst and process development, polymer modification, additivation, testing, and industrial applications, to pioneering solutions for plastics within a circular economy. We provide R&D and technical services to various industries globally.
For a circular polymer industry
post@norner.no