Carbios is navigating a turbulent phase despite its groundbreaking enzymatic technology designed to recycle PET plastic and polyester textiles. While the company has made significant strides since June 2023, including a promising partnership with Thailand’s Indorama, challenges remain on the horizon. It's a vivid reminder of the complexities involved in pioneering sustainability solutions. As a UI Animation Artist, I’m inspired by the dynamic journey of innovators like Carbios; their story reflects the resilience needed in the fight against plastic waste. Let’s celebrate their efforts and stay hopeful for a greener future! 🌍✨ #Sustainability #Innovation #PlasticRecycling #Carbios #EcoFriendly

Have old security devices gathering dust in your home? It's time to give them a second life! I recently explored some creative ways to repurpose outdated smart cameras and other gadgets, transforming them into useful tools rather than letting them fade away. For instance, those old cameras can become baby monitors or even wildlife watchers for your backyard. It's incredible how a little ingenuity can turn tech trash into treasure! Plus, it’s a fun project that helps reduce e-waste while keeping your home connected. Have you repurposed any old tech devices lately? Share your ideas! #SmartHome #Ewaste #TechRecycling #DIYProjects #SustainableLiving

Got old computers or printers gathering dust? 🌍💻 Don't toss them out just yet! Many retailers are offering FREE recycling programs that not only help the planet but might also reward you with store credit for your tech trade-ins. Imagine transforming outdated devices into cash for your next gadget upgrade! It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment. Check with local stores to see where you can drop off your old tech and make a positive impact. Let’s keep our planet clean and tech-savvy together! ♻️✨ #TechTradeIn #Recycle #EcoFriendly

Nature, Published online: 04 June 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09067-yAcetic acid efficiently depolymerizes aliphatic and aromatic epoxy-amine thermosets used in carbon fibre-reinforced polymersto yield recoverable monomers and pristine carbon fibres, which, based on process modelling, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment, could enable industrial recycling of CFRPs. #acetolysis #epoxyamine #carbon #fibrereinforced #polymer

Exciting developments are underway in New York State as REMADE℠ seeks input for its innovative Waste Tire Program! This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of tire waste but also opens doors for sustainable solutions that can revolutionize recycling practices. As a 3D Architectural Visualizer, I’m particularly intrigued by how these recycled materials could be integrated into future architectural designs, pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly construction. Imagine buildings that not only look good but also contribute to a cleaner environment! What are your thoughts on the potential impact of such programs on our architectural landscape? Let’s discuss! #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #EcoArchitecture #RecyclingInnovation

When the computer or phone you’re using right now blinks its last blink and you drop it off for recycling, do you know what happens? At the recycling center, powerful magnets will pull out steel. Spinning drums will toss aluminum into bins. Copper wires will get neatly bundled up for resale. But as the conveyor belt keeps rolling, tiny specks of valuable, lesser-known materials such as gallium, indium, and tantalum will be left behind. Those tiny specks are critical materials. They’re essential for building new technology, and they’re in short supply in the U.S. They could be reused, but there’s a problem: Current recycling methods make recovering critical minerals from e-waste too costly or hazardous, so many recyclers simply skip them. Sadly, most of these hard-to-recycle materials end up buried in landfills or get mixed into products like cement. But it doesn’t have to be this way. New technology is starting to make a difference. As demand for these critical materials keeps growing, discarded electronics can become valuable resources. My colleagues and I at West Virginia University are developing a new technology to change how we recycle. Instead of using toxic chemicals, our approach uses electricity, making it safer, cleaner, and more affordable to recover critical materials from electronics. How much e-waste are we talking about? Americans generated about 2.7 million tons of electronic waste in 2018, according to the latest federal data. Including uncounted electronics, the U.S. recycles only about 15% of its total e-waste, suggests a survey by the United Nations. Even worse, nearly half the electronics that people in Northern America sent to recycling centers end up shipped overseas. They often land in scrapyards, where workers may use dangerous methods like burning or leaching with harsh chemicals to pull out valuable metals. These practices can harm both the environment and workers’ health. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency restricts these methods in the U.S. The tiny specks matter Critical minerals are in most of the technology around you. Every phone screen has a super-thin layer of a material called indium tin oxide. LEDs glow because of a metal called gallium. Tantalum stores energy in tiny electronic parts called capacitors. All of these materials are flagged as “high risk” on the U.S. Department of Energy’s critical materials list. That means the U.S. relies heavily on these materials for important technologies, but their supply could easily be disrupted by conflicts, trade disputes, or shortages. Right now, just a few countries, including China, control most of the mining, processing, and recovery of these materials, making the U.S. vulnerable if those countries decide to limit exports or raise prices. These materials aren’t cheap, either. For example, the U.S. Geological Survey reports that gallium was priced between to per kilogram in 2024. That’s 50 times more expensive than common metals like copper, at per kilogram in 2024. Revolutionizing recycling with microwaves At West Virginia University’s Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, I and materials scientist Edward Sabolsky asked a simple question: Could we find a way to heat only specific parts of electronic waste to recover these valuable materials? If we could focus the heat on just the tiny specks of critical minerals, we might be able to recycle them easily and efficiently. The solution we found: microwaves. This equipment isn’t very different from the microwave ovens you use to heat food at home, just bigger and more powerful. The basic science is the same: Electromagnetic waves cause electrons to oscillate, creating heat. In our approach, though, we’re not heating water molecules like you do when cooking. Instead, we heat carbon, the black residue that collects around a candle flame or car tailpipe. Carbon heats up much faster in a microwave than water does. But don’t try this at home; your kitchen microwave wasn’t designed for such high temperatures. In our recycling method, we first shred the electronic waste, mix it with materials called fluxes that trap impurities, and then heat the mixture with microwaves. The microwaves rapidly heat the carbon that comes from the plastics and adhesives in the e-waste. This causes the carbon to react with the tiny specks of critical materials. The result: a tiny piece of pure, sponge-like metal about the size of a grain of rice. This metal can then be easily separated from leftover waste using filters. So far, in our laboratory tests, we have successfully recovered about 80% of the gallium, indium, and tantalum from e-waste, at purities between 95% and 97%. We have also demonstrated how it can be integrated with existing recycling processes. Why the Department of Defense is interested Our recycling technology got its start with help from a program funded by the Defense Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. Many important technologies, from radar systems to nuclear reactors, depend on these special materials. While the Department of Defense uses less of them than the commercial market, they are a national security concern. We’re planning to launch larger pilot projects next to test the method on smartphone circuit boards, LED lighting parts, and server cards from data centers. These tests will help us fine-tune the design for a bigger system that can recycle tons of e-waste per hour instead of just a few pounds. That could mean producing up to 50 pounds of these critical minerals per hour from every ton of e-waste processed. If the technology works as expected, we believe this approach could help meet the nation’s demand for critical materials. How to make e-waste recycling common One way e-waste recycling could become more common is if Congress held electronics companies responsible for recycling their products and recovering the critical materials inside. Closing loopholes that allow companies to ship e-waste overseas, instead of processing it safely in the U.S., could also help build a reserve of recovered critical minerals. But the biggest change may come from simple economics. Once technology becomes available to recover these tiny but valuable specks of critical materials quickly and affordably, the U.S. can transform domestic recycling and take a big step toward solving its shortage of critical materials. Terence Musho is an associate professor of engineering at West Virginia University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. #how #microwave #tech #can #help

Parametric design is a transformative approach to product development that integrates interconnected parameters to enhance a product’s performance and adaptability. This approach maximizes the relationships between parameters like color, size, and material by defining and adjusting them to improve design results. In contrast to conventional design systems, parametric design encourages creativity by making it possible to create adaptable and dynamic solutions that are suited to changing requirements. The use of sophisticated algorithms makes it easier to create intricate patterns and structures, changing the way engineers and designers approach architectural, industrial, and urban planning projects. Parametric design is based on systems that are naturally based on parametric principles and are inspired by biological and natural patterns. The Flip chair, inspired by the natural beauty of wind-blown grass, combines asymmetry and craftsmanship to create a unique seating experience. Designers focused on the “flip” as the central element, allowing the bent wood to flow through gradual transitions, and infusing the piece with vitality. The challenging process of steam-bending thick wood was repeated multiple times, ensuring that each chair is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and exhibits a distinctive form, making it an elegant yet functional addition to any space. Developed with the support of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, the Flip chair seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern parametric design. The result is a chair that not only offers aesthetic appeal but also carries a story of innovation and meticulous workmanship. Its organic texture and thoughtful design make it a statement piece that is ideal for those seeking a functional yet artistic element to complement their home or office decor. What are the Applications of Parametric Design? Parametric design enables the creation of customized product designs by allowing users to adjust shape, size, and functionality based on specific inputs. This approach combines various algorithms and parameters to create and refine designs that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the product. Designers begin by defining key parameters, which can then be adjusted to optimize efficiency and performance. CAD software and similar tools are commonly used in this process and by utilizing parameters, the design process becomes more controlled and enables innovative solutions. Multiple design options can be explored quickly which heps in reducing time and waste, and making parametric design a powerful tool for innovation. Located in Jakarta’s business district, the Stalk Tree-Hugger, designed by RAD+ar, integrates five existing tall trees with a parametric fabric structure that creates an engaging play of light and shadows. This innovative design combines a restaurant and lounge, offering a unique spatial experience while blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. The shifting shadows from the trees foster an intimate, inviting atmosphere, while the dynamic tensile structures, swaying with the wind, create a nature-centric ambiance. The 750-square-meter bar restaurant showcases minimal intervention in nature, providing a versatile space for commercial activities. The lightweight steel-timber thatch roof offers both shade and support to the parametric fabric, transforming into a lantern at night, enhancing the cityscape and event ambiance. Designed by Antonius Richard and the RAD+ar team, the project emphasizes reducing environmental impact while maintaining the commercial value of the land. With constant movement and changing lighting, the design creates a relaxing, tranquil space, where visitors can observe and interact with nature. The Generico Chair, created by Marco Hemmerling and Ulrich Nether, exemplifies the power of generative algorithms in computational or parametric design. This innovative process allows the software to optimize the design to meet specific parameters and results in a lightweight yet strong structure. The chair’s Voronoi-inspired design reduces material usage significantly while maintaining strength and flexibility in the backrest. The careful application of generative design principles ensures the chair’s efficiency without compromising its functionality. Designed for both performance and comfort, the Generico Chair retains its ergonomic qualities despite its reduced volume. The chair is 3D printed to accommodate the complexities of its generative design, which introduces specific manufacturing constraints. The result is a visually captivating piece with a skeletal charm that blends creativity and precision. Its unique form showcases how software-aided design can produce functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces while adhering to sustainability, precision, and material efficiency goals. How does Parametric design bring innovation to product design? Parametric design, powered by CAD software, achieves a harmonious balance between complexity and simplicity, streamlining the processes of product creation and modification. By defining specific parameters, designers can make adjustments with ease, minimizing waste and improving efficiency. This highly versatile approach adapts to various products, such as adjusting the height and tilt of a chair or modifying the color, angle, and brightness of lighting design. Therefore, parametric design promotes flexibility, providing a wide range of solutions to complex challenges. By establishing parameters at the outset, significant time is saved, enabling refinements during the design phase before creating a physical prototype. It excels in managing intricate shapes and patterns while opening new possibilities for innovation and creativity. John Mauriello, the designer behind the Coral Lighting Collection, articulates his creations as moments frozen in time. These lamps are the result of complex algorithms simulating natural growth, each one capturing a unique form by pausing the simulation at a precise point. The collection features three distinct designs namely Timor, Sargasso, and Celebes, each inspired by different types of coral. Mauriello’s deep connection to the ocean, fostered through his experience as a surfer, is reflected in his tribute to coral’s inherent beauty and vibrant life. The lamps are meticulously designed to be visually appealing both when illuminated and when turned off. Crafted from a white, ceramic-like material, they are 3D printed in the USA using sustainable methods that enable the recycling of any waste materials. The integrated LED lights interact with the lamp’s uneven cross-sections to produce dynamic lighting effects of brightness and shadow. The manufacturing process is eco-conscious and allows any waste material that is produced during the design process to be recycled. A Guide to Parametric Design Software Parametric modeling is a computer-aided designtool used to create and manipulate parametric models. Several software programs incorporate advanced algorithms for parametric design, combining computer software with AI to offer innovative design solutions. These sophisticated algorithms enable an interactive design process, allowing designers and engineers to input specific constraints directly within the software. This approach minimizes errors and ensures the creation of accurate digital models. Furthermore, the integration of virtual reality enhances the experience, providing immersive and interactive opportunities to visualize and refine concepts. Designers can explore complex geometries and design intricacies, enabling the creation of 3D shapes and models with greater precision and flexibility. CATIA’s Visual Scripting app, part of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, makes parametric design easier and more accessible. This no-code tool lets designers, engineers, and architects create complex designs without needing to write code. Using a simple, node-based interface, users can define parameters and generate detailed 3D models effortlessly. The tool’s Capture & Reuse feature boosts efficiency by allowing users to share and reuse design algorithms across different projects. By combining CATIA’s CAD software with a visual approach to parametric and generative modeling, Visual Scripting enhances creativity and speeds up design iterations. Its smooth integration with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a streamlined workflow, making algorithmic design a built-in feature. Beyond traditional modeling, it also enables mesh manipulation and the creation of custom lattice structures—perfect for 3D printing in industries like aerospace, furniture, and jewelry design. Parametric design is transforming the product design industry by fostering creativity, improving efficiency, and enabling customization. Its seamless integration with digital manufacturing and sustainability efforts makes it an essential tool for modern designers. As technology continues to evolve, parametric design will remain at the forefront, driving ethical and innovative advancements in product development.The post Parametric Design And a Guide to Creating Adaptable, High-Performance Products with Algorithms first appeared on Yanko Design. #parametric #design #guide #creating #adaptable

Cicadas are back at it again in 2025, already emerging in droves to announce the approach of summer with their screeches. If you live in the Eastern U.S., get ready to meetBrood XIV, this year’s batch of periodical cicadas. Cicadas in Brood XIV have begun to pop up in multiple states, climbing out of the underground holes that they’ve spent the last 17 years in. Now, they’ll dedicate the entire month of June to mating and laying eggs before dying. Learn more about the lives of these noisy insects and what makes Brood XIV so noteworthy. Cicadas From South to NorthPeriodical cicadas consist of seven species, falling under 15 broods that either emerge every 13 or 17 years. They’re not the same as annual cicadas, which arrive every summer in much smaller numbers and don’t have the same synchronized development.Most years, one brood of periodical cicadas makes an appearance above ground. However, 2024 was an extraordinary year for cicadas because two adjacent broodsoverlapped. The rare double-brood event was a must-see, since the next double-brood won’t occur until 2037. This year’s Brood XIV — a 17-year brood — won’t bring as much cicada chaos as last year, but its range is undoubtedly impressive. Cicadas will appear mostly in the Midwest and South, with a large swath concentrated from southern Ohio, down through Kentucky, and Tennessee. Their prevalence in Kentucky has led some to designate Brood XIV as the “Bourbon Brood”.Cicadas in Brood XIV will also appear as far south as northern Georgia and as far north as Long Island, New York, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Brood XIV is notable for being the second largest brood after XIX, a 13-year brood referred to as “The Great Southern Brood." Brood XIV is also considered to be the ancestral group from which all other 17-year broods have been shaped. This brood holds a special place in history, as its forebears were first recorded by the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony in 1634. Understanding the Cicada Lifecycle Cicadas in Brood XIV were last seen above ground in 2008; the ones that lived back then laid the eggs that have now become the fully-fledged cicadas emerging this year. The cicada life cycle starts when eggs that are located underground hatch into nymphs, which eat fluid from the roots of trees. The nymphs undergo five juvenile stages over the course of years, molting with each stage. They eventually crawl out of exit tunnels and find a spot to molt one final time, marking the start of adulthood. Once the adult cicadas’ exoskeleton hardens, they then focus on mating. The males climb up trees and produce their shrill songs en masse, using muscles to vibrate a rigid part of their exoskeletons called tymbals. After mating, a female cicada lays upwards of 600 eggs that will hatch after six to ten weeks, long after all of the adults have died. The newborn nymphs will then fall out of trees and burrow underground to begin the cycle anew. The Issue with Stragglers Tracking and mapping periodical cicadas of each brood is an ongoing process that needs updating nearly every year. The majority of broods come out on time, but it turns out that not all cicadas are flawless in their timekeeping.One factor that complicates tracking efforts is the existence of stragglers, cicadas that emerge earlier or later than their brood is supposed to. Stragglers that arrive at the wrong time could potentially mix with separate, adjacent broods, causing gene flow. For example, the concern this year is that previous broods could have stragglers that appear late and intermingle with Brood XIV. These stragglers could come from Brood X, which last emerged 4 years ago. There usually aren’t many stragglers for any given year, and they’re often picked out quickly by predators. However, some survive and influence nearby broods that emerge on time, which can throw off the data that scientists collect. Beyond the inevitable racket that they’ll create, cicadas are entirely harmless. They don’t bite or sting, but at the very least, be prepared for a loud month ahead. Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:University of Connecticut. Brood XIVArizona State University. Cicada Life CycleUniversity of Connecticut. Straggling and core 17-year broodsJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine. #cicadas #will #soon #bring #noisy

The In-Side Collection of outdoor furniture by Thomas Heatherwick resembles an impossible shell, formed to protect a creature not from this world. The shapes warp naturally around themselves, for a surprising finish at the end: a burst of bright multicolored spots made of recycled plastic, growing in great numbers across the surface. A beautiful example of rotational molding, this collection produced for Magis brings innovative technology and imaginative design together in harmony. Following several months of testing the rotational moulding technique using a blend of two types of recycled polyethylene, Magis observed that while the exterior of the material seemed fairly standard, slicing it open exposed an unexpected, unevenly speckled interior. “The idea behind this new collection is to use waste materials and reveal their inner beauty in an unexpected way,” says Heatherwick. The thought and experimentation that went into the In-Side Collection is exemplary of Heatherwick’s style – rigorous research goes into materiality, production methods, and detailing. This collection features rippled molding on the outside, a clever use of the capabilities of rotational molding. Coupled with the colored flecks on the interior, the material is a blend of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled polyethylene, part of extensive research into the impact recycling can have on our collective waste streams. Discarded bottles can now become luxury furniture through imagination and work. Flecks gain traction on the inside of the chair, adding pops of confetti-like color in contrast to the soft, muted exterior color palette of Sage, White, and Terracotta. The collection features an armchair, sofa, and low table, all rated for outdoor use. Organic form reigns supreme, not staking any claim on the natural environment but instead blending in, adding interest and elegance to any landscape. Thomas Heatherwick is a British designer focused on the human experience. He explores architecture, urban planning, product design and interiors projects, centering the axis of his studio around originality, inventiveness, and identity. Since 1994 when his studio was established, he has challenged convention, sustainability, and a strong sense of materiality at the forefront of his work. As our world becomes more globalized, his ideals of democratic design and cleverness of craft remain evocative of another time, while his aesthetic decisions stay cutting-edge. Since 1976, Magis has been pushing the boundaries of design, striving to incorporate the values of respect, honesty, and loyalty to their work. Based in the Veneto, a region of Italy known for it’s high-quality craftsmanship and level of finish within design, they strive to employ Italian craftspeople from as close to the locale as possible. This ensures that they can maintain close relationships with suppliers, and produce as much local commerce as they can. In their Code of Ethics, rare for a furniture brand, they detail their commitment to their employees, customers, and suppliers in that order, establishing where their commitments lie overall – to their people, ensuring Magis products will be made well by respected artisans for decades to come. To learn more about the In-Side Collection by Thomas Heatherwick for Magis, head to magisdesign.com. Photography courtesy of Magis. #inside #collection #offers #pop #color