Insights

Global water security initiatives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are pressuring water industry leaders to improve drinking water safety, reduce their carbon footprint, and manage water resources more sustainably. As a result, more water distribution systems are being fitted with smart water meters, which measure usage more precisely, detect leaks, and track peak consumption hours. The global market for these Internet of Things (IoT) devices is estimated to be valued at $8.61 billon US by 2026—which creates opportunities for water system parts manufacturers to differentiate themselves and win new business.

Envalior is launching a new high-performance thermoplastic UD tape for high-pressure all-thermoplastic hydrogen pressure vessels. With the continuous fiber-reinforced tape, which can be used to wrap and mechanically reinforce polyamide liners, tank systems can withstand high pressure loads that occur during tank filling and storage.

Envalior, a member of the Sustainable Castor Association, is expanding its portfolio of bio-based and recycled materials to cover all product lines by 2030. EcoPaXX® PA410 exemplifies this commitment—offering high performance with lower environmental impact. Through sustainable innovation, Envalior supports customers in meeting circularity and carbon-reduction goals.

As cities move toward greener, more efficient mobility, e-bikes are quickly emerging as a sustainable transportation solution. To meet growing consumer expectations for longer ranges and lightweight designs, e-bike manufacturers are replacing metal components with advanced plastics. Envalior’s Stanyl® PA46 provides exceptional mechanical performance and wear resistance at elevated temperatures, as well as design flexibility—making it the ideal gear material for compact, high-torque e-bike drive units.

There are a handful of trends in the food contact and water safety markets today—sustainability, globalization and safety, which is of utmost importance. Since these markets are global, food and water contact industries are diverse and driven by different regulations in different regions—some being stricter than others. Currently, PA66 is under a microscope because of the exposure of cyclic oligomers exceeding the newly advised surface migration limit of 5 mg/kg food.

Smart home technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) enhance convenience and security in our lives by enabling us to wirelessly connect to a range of home appliances via our smart devices. The growing adoption of connected living technology is driving transformation in the electrical appliances industry at the same time. Although smart homes are controlled virtually, appliances still require physical connectors to operate. As manufacturers produce more appliances that integrate with smart homes, the demand for smaller connectors with better performance, reliability and userfriendliness is increasing rapidly.