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VW, which relies on gallium and germanium for automotive products, said it was "ready to take measures together with its partners if necessary" but did not elaborate. The metals will also play a role in future autonomous driving functions, a spokesperson for the German carmaker said. The export curbs are likely to further strain U.S.-China relations as the countries vie for dominance in semiconductor and defence technologies. But if prices rise as restrictions take hold companies would have another reason to shift supply chains. Chipmaker NXP Semiconductors (NXPI.O) sees no material impact on its business.

Persons: Imelda Medina, Yellen, Janet Yellen, carmaker, Liao Chien, Taiwan's TSMC, chipmaker, NXP, Josephine Mason, Catherine Evans Organizations: Volkswagen, REUTERS, VW, WIN, Treasury, Capital Securities Corp, WIN Semiconductors, Reuters, Apple, Nvidia, Thomson Locations: Puebla, Mexico, Beijing TAIWAN, China, Beijing, U.S, Germany, Japan, Taiwan

☆ Should you prewash your rice?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Evangeline Mantzioris | University Of South Australia | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The three types were glutinous rice, medium grain rice and jasmine rice. In this study, glutinous rice was the stickiest, while medium grain rice and jasmine rice were less sticky, and also harder as tested in the laboratory. Washing rice will have no effect on the bacterial content of the cooked rice, as high cooking temperatures will kill all bacteria present. What is more concerning is how long you store cooked rice or washed rice at room temperature. If wet rice or cooked rice is kept at room temperature, this can activate the bacterial spores and they begin to grow.

Persons: Rice, It’s, Evangeline Mantzioris Organizations: CNN, dolmades, World Health Organization, Nutrition, Food Sciences, University of South Locations: Asia, Africa, Greece, risottos, Italy, paella, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, University of South Australia

WASHINGTON, July 5 (Reuters) - The United States "firmly" opposes export controls announced by China on gallium and germanium, metals needed to produce semiconductors and other electronics, a U.S. Commerce Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, adding that Washington will consult its partners and allies to address the issue. Earlier this week, China put export controls on gallium and germanium products, used in electric vehicles (EVs) and fiber optic cables. The abrupt announcement of controls from Aug. 1 has sent companies scrambling to secure supplies and bumped up prices. Gallium is used in radar and radio communication devices, satellites and LEDs. The United States will engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains," the Commerce Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Persons: China's, Janet Yellen, Robert Habeck, Kanishka Singh, Eric Beech, Bill Berkrot Organizations: U.S . Commerce, Commerce Department, U.S, Independence, European Commission, Thomson Locations: United States, China, U.S, Washington, Beijing

☆ China adviser warns chipmaking export curbs are 'just a start', as Yellen visit looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Shares in some Chinese metals companies rallied for a second session, with investors betting that higher prices on gallium and germanium, which Beijing's export restrictions target, could boost revenues. Germanium is used in high-speed computer chips, plastics, and in military applications such as night-vision devices as well as satellite imagery sensors. China is the world's biggest producer of rare earths, a group of metals used in EVs and military equipment. CURBS ON EXPORTS TO CHINAWashington is considering new restrictions on the shipment of high-tech microchips to China, following a series of curbs over the past few years. China's germanium ingot was priced at 9,150 yuan per kg on Tuesday, also flat on the day and on the week, Refinitiv data showed.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Yellen's, Biden, China's, Wei Jianguo, Wei, Xi Jinping, Eikon, Brenda Goh, Amy Lv, Christopher Cushing, Muralikumar Organizations: Independence, Analysts, Micron, Commerce, China Daily, China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Global Times, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Beijing, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, SHANGHAI, Beijing, Japan, Netherlands, China, CHINA Washington, United States, Yunnan

☆ What are Gallium and Germanium and which countries are producers?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Germanium ores are rare and most germanium is a by-product of zinc production and from coal fly ash. Gallium is found in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite, and gallium metal is produced when processing bauxite to make aluminium. U.S. imports of gallium metal and gallium arsenide (GaAs) wafers in 2022 were worth about $3 million and $200 million, respectively, according to USGS. U.S.-based Indium Corporation also produces germanium, while Belgium's Umicore (UMI.BR) makes both germanium and gallium. "Zinc selenide and germanium glass substitute for germanium metal in infrared applications systems, but often at the expense of performance."

Persons: Belgium's, Eikon, Dominique Patton, Mai Nguyen, Melanie Burton, Pratima Desai, Tom Hogue, Himani Sarkar, Catherine Evans, David Evans Organizations: Alliance, . Geological Survey, WHO, Teck Resources, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Thomson Locations: China, Canada, Finland, Russia, United States, Europe, Japan, U.S, South Korea, Germany, Kazakhstan, Teck, North America, British Columbia, Beijing

☆ Which countries produce strategic materials Gallium and Germanium?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Germanium ores are rare and most germanium is produced as a by-product of zinc production and from coal fly ash. China produces around 60% of the world's germanium, according to the European association Critical Raw Materials Alliance (CRMA), with the rest coming from Canada, Finland, Russia and the United States. Gallium is found in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite, and gallium metal is produced when processing bauxite to make aluminium. U.S. imports of gallium metal and gallium arsenide (GaAs) wafers in 2022 were worth about $3 million and $200 million, respectively, according to USGS. U.S.-based Indium Corporation also produces germanium, while Belgium's Umicore (UMI.BR) makes both germanium and gallium.

Persons: Belgium's, Eikon, Dominique Patton, Mai Nguyen, Melanie Burton, Tom Hogue, Himani Organizations: Alliance, WHO, United States Geological Survey, Teck Resources, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Thomson Locations: China, Canada, Finland, Russia, United States, Europe, Japan, U.S, South Korea, Germany, Kazakhstan, Teck, North America, British Columbia, Beijing

☆ Factbox: Where are strategic materials germanium and gallium produced?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Germanium ores are rare and most germanium is produced as a by-product of zinc production and from coal fly ash. China produces around 60% of the world's germanium, according to the European association Critical Raw Materials Alliance (CRMA), with the rest coming from Canada, Finland, Russia and the United States. Gallium is found in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite, and gallium metal is produced when processing bauxite to make aluminium. Around 80% is produced in China, according to the CRMA. Gallium is used to make gallium arsenide for use in electronics.

Persons: Eikon, Dominique Patton, Mai, Tom Hogue Organizations: Alliance, Shanghai Metal Exchange, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Canada, Finland, Russia, United States, Europe, Japan, U.S, Mai Nguyen, Beijing

☆ The US's biggest arms buyers are looking elsewhere for a next-generation fighter jet, but it won't be easy to find
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Paul Iddon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But Washington has proved to be wary of selling those countries US-made stealth fighter jets. That leaves the Gulf states with various non-US options, which don't look all that promising — at least not any time soon. A prototype of Russia's Su-75 fighter jet at the MAKS-2021 air show outside Moscow in July 2021. AP Photo/Alexander ZemlianichenkoIn 2021, shortly after unveiling its Su-75 fighter, Russia offered to co-produce the jet, which is still in development, with the UAE. While China may eventually offer its FC-31/J-35 stealth fighter for export, it must first demonstrate the jet's effectiveness to attract serious buyers.

Persons: —, Sebastien Roblin, Chris Thornbury, Abraham, Abu Dhabi, FCAS, Roblin, Russia's Su, Alexander Zemlianichenko, Abu Dhabi's, Emily Hawthorne, RANE, Hawthorne, isn't, JOHANNES EISELE, Paul Iddon Organizations: Qatar —, Service, United Arab, —, US Air Force, Al Dhafra, Base, Staff, Abraham Accords, Reuters, AP, East, Korea's KF, Yonhap, Cooperation Council, KF, FC, Getty Locations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Washington, Gulf, United Arab Emirates, Chris Thornbury But Washington, Israel, Riyadh, British, France, Germany, Turkey, Moscow, Russia, Ukraine, Abu Dhabi, Russian, North Africa, Sacheon, South Korea, Seoul, Korea, Zhuhai, AFP, China

☆ More than retail or hotels, the film industry is destroying the planet. But sustainable sets like Oscar winner 'The Whale' may offer a new way forward.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Parisa Hashempour | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

InsiderThe film industry has a sustainability problem, and it's massive: The average tentpole production — a film with a budget over $70 million — generates 2,840 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the British Film Institute reported. Yawger saw raw materials from industry waste transform into items such as tables, outdoor furniture, bowls, and benches. "It revealed the film industry was the second most polluting behind aerospace," Jennifer Sandoval, the director of service development at Earth Angel, told Insider. "Plastic and trash are very visible in the film industry, and people can understand why we need to change things," Yawger said. These changes might help drive a more climate-conscious narrative or simply enable Earth Angel to swap out a character's plastic water bottle for a reusable one.

Persons: Max, Leonardo DiCaprio's, Tamsin Hollo, Hollo, Quinn Yawger, Yawger, it's, we're, Jennifer Sandoval, Sandoval, NBCUniversal, Bosque Organizations: British Film Institute, Railroad, University of California, Netflix, United Locations: Thailand, Atlanta, Los Angeles, California, Niebla, Mexico, United Nations

☆ Germany's Covestro rejects takeover proposal from ADNOC -Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FRANKFURT, June 22 (Reuters) - German plastics and chemicals maker Covestro AG (1COV.DE) has rejected an initial takeover proposal from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) saying the offer was too low, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter. The stock jumped as much as 3.7% after the report was published, after trading down earlier in the day. Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that ADNOC had approached Covestro with a takeover proposal worth more than 10 billion euros ($11.00 billion). It would probably only be a matter of price whether the existing shareholders would accept such a takeover offer," Arne Rautenberg, fund manager at Union Investment, told Reuters. Covestro, a maker of transparent polycarbonate plastics, as well as chemicals for insulation and upholstery foams, in April issued earnings guidance that reassured markets about its growth prospects.

Persons: ADNOC, Covestro, Arne Rautenberg, Gursimran Kaur, Victoria Farr, Jason Neely, Conor Humphries Organizations: Covestro, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, Bloomberg, Reuters, Union Investment, Thomson Locations: FRANKFURT, Abu Dhabi, Bengaluru, Emma, Frankfurt

[1/2] A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File PhotoJune 20 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has approached German plastics and chemicals maker Covestro AG (1COV.DE) with a takeover proposal worth more than 10 billion euros ($10.9 billion), two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The OMV deal would indirectly also increase ADNOC's holding in both European petrochemicals maker Borealis and Abu Dhabi-listed petrochemicals company Borouge (BOROUGE.AD). SABIC (2020.SE), also of Saudi Arabia, in the same year purchased a stake of almost 25% in Swiss chemicals maker Clariant (CLN.S). Thanks to a 2007 deal to buy GE's plastics unit, SABIC competes with Covestro in polycarbonate plastics.

Persons: Christopher Pike, Abu Dhabi's, ADNOC, Sultan, Jaber, Lanxess, SABIC, Ludwig Burger, Patricia Weiss, Christoph Steitz, Hadeel Al, Greg Roumeliotis, Louise Heavens, Sharon Singleton, Elisa Martinuzzi, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: United, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Covestro, Alexandra Hudson Our, Thomson Locations: Abu Dhabi, United Arab, Covestro, Europe, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia, Swiss, Frankfurt, Hadeel Al Sayegh, Dubai

[1/2] A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. ADNOC and Covestro declined to comment. The OMV deal would indirectly also increase ADNOC's holding in both European petrochemicals maker Borealis and Abu Dhabi-listed petrochemicals company Borouge (BOROUGE.AD). SABIC (2020.SE), also of Saudi Arabia, in the same year purchased a stake of almost 25% in Swiss chemicals maker Clariant (CLN.S). Thanks to a 2007 deal to buy GE's plastics unit, SABIC competes with Covestro in polycarbonate plastics.

☆ Lacking land, Israel to cover its rooftops with solar panels
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Ari Rabinovitch | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] An aerial view shows solar panels, installed by Nofar Energy, on the rooftops of cowsheds and chicken coops in Kibbutz Or HaNer, Israel June 19, 2023. Cover it in solar panels. You can't just cover the entire Negev desert in solar panels," Eifer said. Roughly 60% will eventually be dual-use, he said, referring to solar panels that serve as roofing as well as to generate power. He said that developed countries often offer broader economic support, like loans and green bonds to promote renewable energy.

Persons: Amir Cohen JERUSALEM, Ron Eifer, Eifer, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Amit Bracha, Adam Teva V'din, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Nofar Energy, REUTERS, Energy, Thomson Locations: Kibbutz, Israel

☆ The world’s most eco-conscious airlines
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Elissa Garay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —Most sustainability experts will scoff at the idea of “sustainable” and “airlines” in the same sentence. In 2022, an Airbus wide-body Beluga XL transport aircraft was filled with Sustainable Aviation Fuel" (SAF) for the first time. WiderøeNorway-based Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, says it is on track to become one of the world’s first fully emissions-free airlines. Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines has invested heavily in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty ImagesWhile most major global airlines are targeting 2050 for net-zero carbon emissions, Alaska Airlines intends to meet that target as soon as 2040.

Persons: ”, Pedro Piris, Sola Zheng, Sina Schuldt, Nicolas Jammes, ” Akbar Al Baker, “, Zheng, –, that’s, it’s, Beata Zawrzel, Fabrizio Gandolfo, Nicolas Economou, Bauer, Griffin, It’s Organizations: CNN, Environmental Defense Fund, International Council, Clean Transportation, Commercial, International Air Transport Association, UN, Airbus, Beluga XL, Sustainable Aviation, Qatar Airways, SAF, European Union, Google, Environmental Defense, Airlines, United Airlines United, Aerospace, United, Flight Fund, Widerøe Norway, Widerøe, Royce, SAS SAS, Scandinavian, SAS, Wizz, Wizz Air, Etihad Airways Etihad, Getty, Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates, Boeing, Etihad, Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines, Aviation Fuels, AaronP, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada Canadian, Air Canada Locations: Europe, Denmark, Sweden, ICCT, Scandinavia, Norway, Canada

☆ Tampa’s ‘Litter Skimmer’ Trash Boat Tackles a Growing Problem
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Rebecca Carballo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As plastics accumulate in rivers and bays, localities across the country are seeking creative, affordable solutions to keep their waterways clean. Many have turned to “trash skimmers,” boats that are designed to remove litter. As far back as the 1950s, scientists have been warning that marine life was getting stuck in discarded fishing gear and other types of plastic waste. Since then, consumption of single-use plastics has risen to the point where tens of millions of tons of plastic enter Earth’s oceans each year. Over the years, plastics have harmed local ecosystems and disrupted storm water management, leading to flooding.

Persons: Alexis Black Organizations: Tampa’s Department, Solid, Environmental, Management Locations: Tampa, Fla

☆ The recycling idea at Levi's, Adidas, Zara to stop trillions in fast fashion from going to waste
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Carolyn Chun | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The multi-trillion dollar fashion industry contributes significant greenhouse gas emissions, between 8% to 10% of total global emissions, according to the United Nations. With the majority of textiles in the fashion industry blended, it is harder to recycle one fiber without harming another. Spinnova partnered with the world's largest pulp and paper company this year, Suzano, to turn wood and waste into recycled textile fiber. Textile waste, by some measures, is a bigger issue than plastics waste, and it has a similar problem. Late last year it worked on a limited collection with fast fashion clothing giant — and consumer consumption flashpoint — Zara, using its recycled textile waste material.

Persons: LEVI, Alexander Donka, Paul Dillinger, Levi Strauss, Spinnova, Chloe Songer, Songer, Victor J, Levi's Levi Strauss, Dillinger, You've, we're, —, Stacy Flynn, Flynn, Levi's, Stella McCartney, — Zara Organizations: McKinsey, United Nations, McKinsey Sustainability, Co, Shoppers, Blue, Bloomberg, Getty, Adidas, CNBC Locations: Sweden, Africa, Zara, New York

☆ Flesh-eating bacteria on beaches: What to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Out of more than 100 Vibrio species, about 12 — the most common in the US being Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus — can cause a human illness known as vibriosis. Vibrio vulnificus is the species that can cause flesh-eating infections, known as necrotizing fasciitis. Vibrio bacteria can enter through even minor wounds, including cuts, scrapes, scratches, recent piercings, new tattoos or surgical incisions. Even though the risk of a Vibrio vulnificus infection is low, if contracted the effects can be severe. Around 1 in 5 people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within a day or two of getting sick.

Persons: Daniel Slim, Vibrio, vulnificus, it’s, ”, Jae Williams, wasn’t, Tracy Mincer, “, Linda Amaral, Williams, “ It’s, ” Williams, parahaemolyticus, Hurricane Ian, Vibrio vulnificus, Don’t Organizations: CNN, Research, Florida Atlantic University, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Florida Department of Health, Florida, Branch Oceanographic Institute, University of Amsterdam Locations: Florida, United States, Africa, Gulf of Mexico, Cancun, AFP, Caribbean, Hurricane, sargassum

☆ Recycling and Regulation Are Hot Issues in Likely Update to U.S. Sustainable Marketing Guides
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-08 | by ( Dieter Holger | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

The FTC last updated its guides in 2012 after a review that it launched in late 2007. “For the average consumer, it’s impossible to verify these claims,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in December when the review was launched. “It therefore is critical for the FTC’s framework on environmental claims to stay flexible and nimble,” Nestlé said in its public comment. Published comments from Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal and Unilever support keeping the current 60% threshold and say recyclable claims shouldn’t be based on how much of their products get recycled. Its CEO also said he hopes the Green Guides will be updated more regularly given the rapidly changing landscape of environmental marketing.

Persons: “, Lina Khan, Nestlé, PIERRE ALBOUY, REUTERS Nestlé, Perrier, Johnson, Fisk Johnson, ” Johnson, ”, Sarah Dearman, Ting Shen, L’Oréal, Unilever didn’t, Keith Srakocic, S.C, Dieter Holger Organizations: U.S . Federal Trade, FTC, Green Guides, Justice Department, REUTERS, ” SC Johnson, Sustainable Business, Green, Recycling, Bloomberg, The Recycling, U.S . Environmental Protection Agency, Greenpeace, Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, Unilever, ” Unilever, Guides, dieter.holger Locations: North America, Virginia, U.S

☆ Nigerian parents pay school bills with recyclable waste
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Kazeem Sanni | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Fatimoh Adeosun, 48, a parent of a student of My Dream Stead, a low-cost school that accepts recyclable wastes as payment, sorts plastic waste for submission, in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria May 19, 2023. My Dream Stead school, in the sprawling, impoverished Ajegunle neighbourhood where the Adeosuns live, is one of 40 low-cost schools in Nigeria's commercial capital that accept recyclable waste as payment. Tuition fees at My Dream Stead stand at $130 per year and the school is expanding into a second apartment block to accommodate its 120 pupils. Some mornings, Fatimoh and Fawas walk to the school together with bulging sacks of rubbish over their shoulders. The waste is weighed on school premises and its sales value added to Fawas' account.

Persons: Adeosun, Stead, Temilade Adelaja, Fawas Adeosun, Fatimoh, Alexander Akhigbe, Seun Sanni, Sofia Christensen, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Temilade, Fawas, Thomson Locations: Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria, Temilade Adelaja LAGOS, Nigerian, recyclables

☆ Explainer: What are the health risks from wildfire smoke?
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Nancy Lapid | Thomson Reuters | Nancy Has Been A Health News Editor At Reuters For More Than A Decade. Previously She Was A Writer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

More toxic than normal air pollution, wildfire smoke can linger in the air for weeks and travel hundreds of miles. Along with particles of soil and biological materials, wildfire smoke often contains traces of chemicals, metals, plastics and other synthetic materials. New data from California also show an increase in fungal infections in the months following wildfire smoke exposure, likely due to fungal spores in the smoke. But the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure over multiple seasons are not yet clear. Doug Brugge, who chairs the Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn School of Medicine, said wildfire smoke can be deadly.

Persons: Kent Pinkerton, Davis, Keith Bein, Doug Brugge, Nancy Lapid, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Center for Health, University of California, UC, Davis . Studies, Environment, UC Davis, U.S . Environmental Protection Agency, of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Thomson Locations: United States, Canada, New York City, California, U.S

☆ Opinion | Real Solutions to Reduce Plastics Pollution
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

To the Editor:Re “To Keep Plastic Out of Oceans, Start With Rivers,” by Boyan Slat (Opinion guest essay, May 28):When your bathtub is overflowing, what is the first thing you do? Find a mop or turn off the faucet? Meanwhile, the plastic pollution tap remains wide open. Only 9 percent of all the plastic waste ever produced since the start of this industry has been recycled. Also, a large portion of ocean plastic sinks and is out of the reach of surface mops.

Persons: Boyan Slat Locations: ”

June 2 (Reuters) - After a rocky start to a week of negotiations, around 170 countries agreed to develop a first draft by November of what could become the first global treaty to curb plastic pollution by the end of next year. The "zero draft" text would reflect options from the wide-ranging positions of different countries by the start of the next round of talks to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in November. You have done so by providing us collectively with a mandate for a zero draft and intersessional work," said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution at the closing plenary. Countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia have favored national plans rather than global targets to tackle the problem. Tadesse Amera, co-chair of the International Pollutants Elimination Network, said with growing public concern about the plastic pollution crisis, the negotiations need to result in a strong agreement.

Persons: Jyoti Mathur, Marian Ledesma, Amera, Valerie Volcovici, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Economic Co, Intergovernmental, Greenpeace Philippines, Reuters, Samoa, Ambition Coalition, Thomson Locations: Paris, Nairobi, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, INC, Japan, Chile, United States, Washington

☆ Jaguar Land Rover's VC arm backed a $2 million round in plant-based leather startup Uncaged Innovations after seeing this 11-slide pitch deck
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Biotech startup Uncaged is mimicking the characteristics of traditional leather but using plants. Uncaged just nabbed $2 million from Jaguar Land Rover's investment arm using this pitch deck. A startup creating animal- and plastic-free leather just netted $2 million in a pre-seed round that was backed by Jaguar Land Rover's investment arm InMotion Ventures. US biotech company Uncaged Innovations, founded in 2020, mimics the characteristics of skin proteins with plants. Uncaged Innovations is taking a "two-pronged approach" by serving the fashion and automobile industries.

Persons: Stephanie Downs, Xiaokun Wang, Johns Hopkins, Tesla, Downs, VegInvest, Alwyn Capital Organizations: Biotech, Land, Jaguar Land, InMotion Ventures, Uncaged Innovations, Downs, Brands Locations: York

☆ Congolese artists wear costumes made of trash to shine a light on Kinshasa’s pollution problem
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Flo Cornall | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Artist Junior Mungongu made an interactive costume from plastic bottles and lids to raise awareness of the city’s lack of action on single-use plastics. Walking around the city in his elaborate creation, he engages with his audience by asking people to screw plastic bottles onto the lids. Artist Junior Mungongu wears a costume made out of plastic bottles and lids. Colin Delfosse“Giving echo”Brussels-based photographer Colin Delfosse has created “Fulu Act,” a portrait series featuring some of the KinAct artists. It is estimated that Kinshasa’s inhabitant, known as “Kinois,” produce around 9,000 tons of garbage daily, including 1,500 tons of plastic waste which clogs rivers, contributing to flooding.

Persons: Junior Mungongu, “, ”, Colin Delfosse, Jean Precy Numbi, ” salvages, Samba, ” Jean Precy Numbi, Delfosse, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, Democratic, Sony Locations: Democratic Republic of Congo’s, Kinshasa, Colin Delfosse Belgium, Congolese, DRC, Lingala, Europe, Africa, Brussels

☆ Column: Germany energy transition faces key chemical sector conundrum
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Gavin Maguire | Thomson Reuters | Gavin Maguire Is The Global Energy Transition Columnist. He Was Previously Asia Commodities | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

However, Germany is also home to Europe's largest chemicals sector which churns out plastics, paints, acids and other key inputs that are critical to manufacturers and heavy industries that form the backbone of the German economy. Sharply lower business activity also caused a drop in chemicals consumption last year, but as economic activity recovered in 2023 a lingering shortage of key chemical products has pushed German chemicals prices to near record premiums over those supplied by other producers. DAMAGE DONEThe sustained high prices of German chemical products over international rivals have two important damaging consequences. If the German chemicals sector is to ensure its own long-term future, it must somehow win back any business lost among commodity manufacturers by driving product prices steadily lower relative to rival offerings. On its own, the chemicals sector may struggle to both cut costs and clean up its own product lines and emissions footprints.

Persons: Gavin Maguire, Christopher Cushing Organizations: German Chemicals Association, Reuters, Thomson Locations: LITTLETON , Colorado, Germany, Europe, South East Asia, Polymerupdate, United States

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