Technology

Recycling polystyrene: Fuelre4m launches solutions

The company has said that it is already in discussions with leading global businesses, and the interest is significant, demonstrating the urgent demand for a solution like Styrex. (Image source: Fuelre4m)

Fuelre4m has introduced a new product called Styrex, which can revolutionise how we manage and repurpose polystyrene waste.

The company has said that it is already in discussions with leading global businesses, and the interest is significant, demonstrating the urgent demand for a solution like Styrex.

Global emergency

Polystyrene, commonly referred to as Styrofoam, has become a significant environmental hazard due to its persistence as a pollutant. Annually, around 14 million tons of polystyrene waste are produced globally, but the recycling rate remains alarmingly low. This non-biodegradable material can take up to 500 years to break down, leading to overflowing landfills and severe ocean pollution. It poses a significant risk to marine life, with approximately 1 million marine animals dying each year as a result of plastic pollution, including polystyrene. Shockingly, polystyrene makes up about 30% of the global landfill volume, highlighting the urgent need for a groundbreaking waste management solution.

A viable solution

Styrex is the first and only solution capable of effectively addressing the polystyrene waste crisis. Utilising state-of-the-art nanotechnology, Styrex converts polystyrene into a valuable, sustainable resin, representing a major breakthrough in waste management. With the UAE set to lead the way in adopting this innovative technology, the potential for both national and global environmental change is substantial.

In this cutting-edge process, polystyrene waste is carefully collected and prepared for transformation. The advanced nanotechnology involved deflates and reduces the hydrocarbon chains of polystyrene, converting it into a high-value resin. The material is then compressed to 1/50th of its original size, creating a solid, sustainable fuel.

"Styrex is not just a product; it is a revolutionary leap forward in solving one of the most critical environmental crises we face today," said Rob Mortimer, Founder, and CEO of Fuelre4m. "This isn’t just about offering a solution; this problem shouldn’t even exist anymore! It is imperative that everyone on the planet recognises their responsibility to tackle this issue. Our technology does more than just manage waste; it transforms it into a resource that can lead us to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The real issue is when people choose worse alternatives instead of embracing what works.”

Bentley Systems announces the finalists of the 2024 Going Digital Awards

Finalist representatives will present their projects to a panel of 34 independent judges. (Image source: Bentley Systems)

Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company, has announced the finalists for the 2024 Going Digital Awards.

This annual event celebrates the exceptional achievements of Bentley’s global users, highlighting how innovative software is driving the advancement of infrastructure worldwide, ultimately enhancing quality of life. This year, 36 finalists across 12 categories were chosen from over 250 nominations submitted by organisations from 36 countries.

Finalist representatives will present their projects to a panel of 34 independent judges, who will determine the winners. The winners will be announced on 9 October, during the 2024 Going Digital Awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

Some of the finalists in the 2024 Going Digital Awards are:

BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

JMT – Digital Experience for I-95 Rappahannock River Crossing Construction Project, Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States
QK4, Inc. – Going Digital Survey with Bridging Kentucky, Kentucky, United States
Tecne Systra-Sws Advanced Tunneling Srl – Digital Implementation in Tunnel Assessment and Rehabilitation, Italy

CONSTRUCTION

PT Hutama Karya (Persero) – Navigating the Complexities of Jakarta MRT Phase 2A CP203 with Digital Solutions, Jakarta, South Jakarta, Indonesia

Webuild s.p.a. – 4D Modeling and Construction Management for a Pedestrian Steel Bridge Erection in the New ENI Headquarter Complex in Milan, Italy, San Donato Milanese, Lombardia to Milano, Italy

Proicere Ltd. – SPRS Retreatment (SRP) Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, United Kingdom

RAIL AND TRANSIT

SPL Powerlines UK – Midland Main Line Electrification, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and South Yorkshire; United Kingdom

Transport for London – The Elizabeth Line, London, England, United Kingdom

INECO – Master Design Stage RBDTD-LV-DS3 North Latvian Section, Latvia

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Highway Engineering Consulting Corporation – Phnom Penh – Bavet Expressway, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

WISDRI Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited – Wuhan Gaoxin 4th Road Comprehensive Reconstruction Project, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Digital Twin Implementation for NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, Caloocan to Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

“Infrastructure is essential. It connects us locally and globally, supporting our society and economic growth and development,” said Kristin Fallon, chief marketing officer, Bentley Systems. “This year’s Going Digital Awards finalists represent an impressive mix of international projects that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on land, at sea, and underground. These programs highlight engineering genius; they showcase the teams of infrastructure professionals that are unlocking the power of data with AI, digital twins, immersive visualisations, and more, to make modern life possible. We applaud and celebrate each finalist for their outstanding achievements to make better, more resilient critical infrastructure for an improved quality of life.”

KROHNE's new office in the Middle East

Ribbon cutting ceremony for office opening

The opening of the new office. (Image source: KROHNE)

KROHNE, a global leader in measurement technology, is enhancing its presence in the region with the opening of a new office in Expo City Dubai

The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for advanced solution sales and customer-centric services, featuring training facilities and a workshop to house minor repairs for the growing Services team. It will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that support sustainable industrial practices and will enable the company to strengthen relationships with key partners in the UAE government and the private sector, fostering collaborations across energy, water, and other critical industries.

Chief sales officer Marco Rudelli said, "This location not only enhances our ability to serve our customers but also aligns with our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable future. Expo City is a significant part of our legacy-building efforts, as it positions us at the heart of a vibrant, forward-thinking community. We are excited to deepen our ties with key partners in the UAE government and the private sector across energy, water, and all industries we operate in."

Frank Janssens, vice president of KROHNE Middle East and Africa, added, "Our new office represents a significant investment in the UAE. It allows us to be closer to our customers, understand their needs better, and deliver tailored solutions. We are committed to building a lasting legacy in the UAE, focusing on sustainability and innovation."

Emirates Biotech's new leadership team

The new leadership team. (Image source: Emirates Biotech)

Emirates Biotech has formed a new leadership team following the appointment of Marc Verbruggen as CEO last month.

Joining him are François de Bie as chief commercial officer, Aman Kulshrestha as chief technology officer, and Margrete L. Wie as head of finance. This team, based in Dubai, brings exceptional expertise and vision to propel Emirates Biotech towards becoming a leader in the PLA (Polylactic Acid) biopolymer industry.

Marc Verbruggen, a prominent figure in the bioplastics sector, previously served as CEO of NatureWorks. Under his leadership, NatureWorks expanded its manufacturing capacity and built a strong global customer base. Marc’s strategic direction will be crucial for Emirates Biotech in navigating the dynamic biopolymer market.

Growth in the Middle East

François de Bie, with his extensive background in business development and marketing within the plastics industry, formerly served as senior marketing director at TotalEnergies Corbion and president of European Bioplastics. His expertise will drive Emirates Biotech’s regional sales and marketing strategy.

Aman Kulshrestha, an expert with over 12 years of experience in biopolymers, has held positions at NatureWorks and Sulzer, specializing in production, biopolymer applications, and recycling technologies. She will oversee Emirates Biotech’s technological advancements, ensuring the production of high-quality PLA biopolymers.

Margrete L. Wie, appointed as head of finance, will manage Emirates Biotech's financial operations. She has a strong background in financial and strategic management within complex technology industries, both in start-up and mature business environments.

Emirates Biotech has recently commenced operations, focusing on the production and marketing of PLA biopolymers across the Middle East, Africa, and India. These biopolymers are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, and support the goals of a circular economy, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics.

AI tech for Middle East

Cassava Technologies launches Cassava AI unit, partnering with tech giants like Microsoft and Google to enhance AI offerings and support enterprise clients globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Cassava Technologies, a leading systems integrator in developing markets, has announced the creation of a new business unit, Cassava AI, to focus exclusively on its AI initiatives

This move follows the rise of Generative AI and includes strategic partnerships with major industry players such as Microsoft, Google, AWS, Anthropic, Oracle, Atlas AI, Cerebras, and Palo Alto Networks. These collaborations allow Cassava to deliver top-notch systems integration and support to enterprise clients in key international markets.

Cassava already offers a wide range of services, including data centers, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, fiber connectivity, and renewable energy, to both multinational and local businesses. The company has trained and deployed over 200 of its 5,000 employees to help customers adopt and utilise Generative AI services from leading global vendors.

Cassava, headquartered in the UK, was founded by African Entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa and includes many leading global institutional investors. Hardy Pemhiwa, president and group CEO, said, “Cassava AI is headquartered in London and can already provide services in any of the 40-plus markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava Technologies group companies operate. Ahmed El Beheiry, a veteran technology and telecoms executive, will lead this business unit.”