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Shaping A Circular Future: Covestro’s High-Performance Polycarbonate Solutions For Sustainable Innovation In The Electronics Industry

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The global plastic waste crisis is intensifying, with approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually. Among this, electronic waste contributes around 2-3%, significantly impacting our environment (Source: Nature; World Economic Forum). Addressing this challenge requires solutions such as extending the lifecycle of products, recycling materials, and developing alternatives to traditional fossil-based plastics.

High-performance polycarbonate (PC) has become essential in various devices, including consumer electronics, industrial automation, and house appliances. Each application presents unique challenges that demand exceptional material performance.

Covestro, a global leader in high-quality polymer materials and components, has a rich history of innovation. As the inventor of polycarbonate, Covestro has been at the forefront of advancing industries with its pioneering and high-impact PC solutions.

Outdoor Applications: Facing the Elements 

The outdoor environment poses numerous challenges due to climate, location, and the specific functions of devices. For instance, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations endure prolonged UV exposure and heat during the day, while high-latitude regions face extremely low temperatures in winter, increasing the risk of material cracking. Additionally, housing for base stations must ensure not only excellent signal transparency but also strong dimensional stability to protect internal components from humidity, pressure, or impact.

APEC® XT grades are the ideal solution for these demanding conditions. They remain resilient even in the harshest conditions. The new copolymer technology enables the production of products that exhibit high impact strength even at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. These copolymers have improved chemical and ageing resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability in outdoor applications.

*Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02252-x; https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/e-waste-electronic-climate-recycling/

The Makrolon® series also performs strongly outdoors, with specific grades like FR6020 and 6040 series tailored to meet various performance requirements, such as excellent impact resistance, heat resistance with high RTI, flame retardancy, and signal transparency, while maintaining cost efficiency.

Portable Devices: Durability and Lightweight Design 

Portable or wearable electronic devices, such as laptop, headphones, AR/VR headsets, mobile phone, require materials that withstand impacts from falls and pressure while remaining lightweight. Additionally, exposure to chemicals from sweat or lotion can weaken housing strength. Modern aesthetics demand compact, durable designs.

Covestro Thin-wall solutions meet these demands by using less material to achieve lightweight yet reliable performance in crack resistance and flame retardancy. Aging tests with cosmetics, such as sun cream, perfume, and face scream, demonstrate their strong chemical resistance, which ensures higher durability of devices.

Sustainable Solutions: Meeting Regulatory and Market Demands

Proper material selection and application can significantly extend the lifecycle of electronic devices, reducing plastic waste. While waste is inevitable, the end of a product’s life does not mean the end of its material. Covestro’s post-consumer recycled (PCR) PC, Makrolon® R series, uses advanced recipes and high-quality feedstocks to reintroduce PC waste into the next lifecycle. Recent advancements have achieved up to 90% recycled content with performance comparable to virgin materials, greatly reducing reliance on fossil-based resources.

In addition to the R series, Covestro recently introduced a range of polycarbonates based on chemically recycled attributed material from post-consumer waste via mass balance: Makrolon® RP. The aim is to manufacture high-quality and durable products with chemically recycled attributed feedstocks. At the end of a long usage phase, the plastics can still achieve a “third product life” through mechanical recycling and the further development of chemical recycling technologies.

Covestro also explores alternative materials from bio-waste and bio-residues: certified mass-balanced grades of the Makrolon® RE series. The RE series is now also available with 25 percent renewable attributed sustainable share.

All three series belong to the Covestro CQ* family, a holistic portfolio of solutions that enables the electronic industry to move away from a linear approach and to materialize the Circular Economy.

Note: CQ is derived from “Circular Intelligence,” a smart approach to more sustainable materials, technologies, and services. Covestro solutions with the “CQ” label are living proof of its CE vision becoming reality. By using alternative raw materials and developing unique new recycling technologies and services, Covestro showcases their Circular Intelligence, transforming the industry to achieve climate neutrality. Learn more at Covestro Solution Center.

The demand for products with recycled raw materials is growing, driven by regulatory requirements and voluntary programs, such as the European End-of-Life Vehicle Directive under review (ELV) and the U.S. Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) for electronics. High-performance recycled and alternative materials support OEMs in meeting these regulations, enhancing sustainability efforts, and opening new business opportunities.

Aesthetics and Consumer Appeal

Aesthetics play a crucial role in consumer electronics, influencing purchasing decisions. Eye-catching designs and colors set trends in the market. Covestro’s high-flow and de-molding capabilities offer design flexibility for creative ideas. Moreover, colorability, color stability, along with rich surface options including glossy, brushed, matte, transparent, translucent finishes, ensure premium user experiences and perceptions.

Interaction among all smart devices is a key factor for user experience, which highly depends on accurate signals. Covestro provides specific polycarbonate with outstanding signal transmittance, ensuring minimal signal attenuation. Meanwhile, visible lights are shielded, even in light color aligning with modern aesthetics needs.

Each year, Covestro launches a CMF (Color, Material, Finish) report, offering design insights based on market observations and customer collaboration. This guides OEMs and brand designers with design and material trends which enable winning consumer attention and gaining market opportunities.

High-performance polycarbonate is increasingly applied in across industries, driven by trends such as the circular economy, Internet of Things (ioT), AI empowerment, and future-oriented compliance. Covestro is committed to being a valued partner for industry players, driving toward a fully circular future with its extensive experience, knowledge, technical networks, and global expertise.

About Covestro:

Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is committed to becoming fully circular. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.4 billion in fiscal 2023. At the end of 2023, the company had 48 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents). Learn more at the Covestro Solution Center.

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Morrison Foerster Opens Amsterdam Office, Extending the Reach of Its Premier Privacy + Data Security Practice

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The firm’s 18th office worldwide and 4th in Europe, will create deeper connections with global clients.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Morrison Foerster (MoFo), a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that it has opened an office in Amsterdam to further extend the reach of its premier Privacy + Data Security practice, and forge deeper connections with global clients operating in Europe.
The office is the firm’s 18th globally and 4th in Europe, and will be led by partner Alex van der Wolk, co-chair of MoFo’s preeminent Global Privacy & Data Security practice. Initially, the office will include van der Wolk, partner Marijn Storm, and senior of counsel Lokke Moerel, all admitted to practice in the Netherlands, with further additions to the office expected following the office’s formal opening.

MoFo’s new Amsterdam office enables the firm to further entrench its roots with disputes and transactions clients globally and in the European market, offering closer and more strategic ties with clients that the firm is already advising in the Netherlands, alongside the opportunity to forge new relationships.

“Establishing a presence in the Netherlands creates an exciting proposition for clients as we grow Morrison Foerster’s global platform,” said Eric McCrath, Chair of Morrison Foerster. “Amsterdam represents a thriving, multi-industry hub, with many of the globe’s biggest corporations present in the city alongside innovative new startups and scale-ups. The founder members of our Amsterdam office have been practicing in the Netherlands for many years and already have an established network in the region, affording us a running start as we open our newest office in the MoFo network. We are excited at what Amsterdam can bring to our platform and look forward to the success of our newest office.”

The firm’s Amsterdam office will look to build on its strong Privacy + Data Security practice, advising a cross-section of companies in the technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence industries.

“Having advised numerous Netherlands-based clients for many years, I am excited to lead our new office in Amsterdam, welcoming existing and new clients to Morrison Foerster’s premier global platform for data privacy and security matters,” said van der Wolk. “Our team in Amsterdam, with market-leading attorneys in data privacy, will not only lead on complex work in their own right, but are also play a crucial role on an array of the firm’s global mandates, from cross-border disputes to billion-dollar deals. I am excited to build the firm’s 18th office in its global network.”

Media Contact

Alexander Smith, Morrison Foerster, +44 (20) 79204064, alexandersmith@mofo.com, mofo.com

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AmpUp and Hubject Join Forces to Accelerate EV Charging Across North America

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New collaboration to introduce Plug&Charge technology, followed by expanded access through the eRoaming network

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AmpUp, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and Hubject, the global leader in eRoaming and Plug & Charge services, today announced a partnership aimed at accelerating the EV charging experience across North America.

Under this collaboration, AmpUp will first implement Hubject’s Plug&Charge technology across its new charging stations. This innovative feature simplifies charging by allowing EV drivers to initiate payment without relying on app-based methods or RFID cards. Following this rollout, AmpUp’s charging stations will be integrated into Hubject’s extensive eRoaming network, providing seamless access to over 1 million charging points globally.

“Charger availability and ease of use are vital for making the EV transition accessible to all,” said Tom Sun, CEO and co-founder of AmpUp. “By partnering with Hubject, we are committed to enhancing the charging experience for our customers while expanding charging opportunities in their communities.”

Key benefits of the partnership include:

Plug&Charge Implementation: A simplified payment process for EV drivers.Access to a Vast Network: Integration into Hubject’s global network of over 1 million charging points.Enhanced Interoperability: Ensures driver choice and access to charging infrastructure across borders.

Trishan Peruma, Hubject North America CEO, said, “We welcome AmpUp as a valued partner in the Hubject eMobility ecosystem as we look to provide a seamless and secure charging experience for even more drivers across North America.”

The partnership between AmpUp and Hubject marks a pivotal advancement in expanding reliable and user-friendly EV charging infrastructure across the continent. Together, the companies are driving toward a future where sustainable transportation is accessible to everyone.

About AmpUp
AmpUp is breaking down barriers to widespread EV adoption with the most reliable, flexible, and user-friendly EV charging platform. Since its founding in 2018, AmpUp has powered over 1,500 charging networks across 75 North American markets, enabling businesses and property owners to seamlessly deploy and manage EV charging solutions. Trusted by industry leaders such as JLL, CBRE, Domino’s Pizza, Goodyear, Under Armour, and Hilton, AmpUp is at the forefront of advancing sustainable transportation. For more information, visit www.ampup.io. For marketing inquiries, please contact randa@ampup.io

About Hubject
Hubject simplifies the charging of electric vehicles. Through its eRoaming platform intercharge, the eMobility specialist connects Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (EMPs) to provide standardized access to charging infrastructure regardless of any network. Hubject has established the world’s largest cross-provider charging network for electric vehicles by connecting CPO networks encompassing over 1 million connected charging points and more than 2,250 B2B partners across 63 countries and four continents. In addition, Hubject is a trusted consulting partner in the Mobility market, advising automotive manufacturers, charging providers, and other EV-related businesses looking to launch eMobility services or implement Plug&Charge using ISO15118-2 and ISO15118-20. In essence, Hubject promotes eMobility and its advancement worldwide. For more information, please visit www.hubject.com follow us on LinkedIn.

 

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Therap Services Strengthens Documentation with Advanced HIPAA-Compliant Secure Video Documentation Tool

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TORRINGTON, Conn., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Therap Services, the national leader in HIPAA-compliant electronic documentation solutions for organizations in the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and other human services industries, strengthens its documentation capabilities with the Secure Video Documentation tool and giving service providers a highly secure and HIPAA-compliant solution for managing videos containing Protected Health Information (PHI). This tool is designed to meet the needs of organizations that require efficient, secure, and integrated video documentation within their workflows.

The Secure Video Documentation tool allows users to upload and store videos in a centralized Video Library. These videos can be attached directly to existing modules within the Therap system, including General Event Reports (GER), GER Resolution, Individual Home Page, ISP Program, and T-Logs. This integration strengthens the documentation process by enabling providers to enhance traditional records with video evidence, improving both the clarity and comprehensiveness of reports.

Therap’s solution ensures that PHI-related video content is managed in a secure environment, with access strictly controlled through user privilege assignments. Based on their roles, users can view or download videos as needed, supporting collaborative workflows while safeguarding sensitive data. This functionality aligns with Therap’s commitment to privacy and security, ensuring that service providers can meet regulatory requirements while improving care and operational efficiency.

Designed specifically for service providers, the Secure Video Documentation tool is an invaluable resource for documenting incidents. By integrating video content into their systems, organizations can achieve better communication, more detailed documentation, and greater accountability in their service delivery.

The availability of this tool highlights Therap’s dedication to providing innovative and practical solutions for the human services sector. Service providers using the Therap system now have a reliable and secure way to incorporate video documentation into their processes, further enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality care while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.

For more information on Therap’s HIPAA Compliant Secure Video Streaming, please visit:
https://www.therapservices.net/products/hipaa-compliant-video-storage/

About Therap

Therap’s comprehensive and HIPAA-compliant software is used in human services settings for documentation, communication, reporting, EVV and billing.

Learn more at  www.therapservices.net.

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http://www.therapservices.net

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