Hard to recycle plastic has successfully been biodegraded by two strains of fungi in a new laboratory experiment led by researchers at the University of Sydney. The researchers reported their success in breaking down the common plastic polypropylene in a study just published in npj: Materials Degradation, using two common strains of fungi. Polypropylene accounts…
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Defence contractor XTEK has announced an MoU between its US-based HighCom division and Indian conglomerate Tata, covering the use of Australian-developed composite curing technology for ballistic helmets for the Indian market. According to a statement from XTEK on Monday (Australian time), the collaboration agreement between HighCom Armour Solutions and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) covers…
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Mining analysis drives XRF Scientific growth Scientific equipment and chemicals manufacturer XRF Scientific (picture) has ridden a wave of increased mining and industrial activity, as well as geographic growth, to report a 30 per cent growth in March quarter profit of $2.8 million compared to the previous corresponding period of $2.2 million, on revenue up…
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Brisbane communications system manufacturer EM Solutions has announced new orders worth $8.5 million and success in its role as part of a Lockheed Martin Australia led group named as preferred tenderer to deliver on a new Australian defence satellite communication system. EM Solutions, part of the Electro Optic Systems group, received three new defence systems…
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Snacks and treats manufacturer Mars Wrigley Australia will invest a further $28.8 million in its Ballarat factory, adding to more than $67 million invested since 2021. The upgrading of manufacturing facilities comes as one of the factory’s biggest innovations – recyclable paper-based packaging (pictured) – begins to roll onto shelves across the country, replacing plastic…
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The nation’s science agency, CSIRO, is welcoming SME businesses focussing on cybersecurity and digital technologies to apply for its free, ten-week Innovate to Grow program. According to a statement on Monday, the online program will connect between 20 and 25 successful applicants with “knowledge, resources and mentors to advance their project or ideas” with possible…
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Innovation and entrepreneurship researcher Chad Renando has released an updated map of the Australian Innovation Ecosystem which shows the location and role of over 3,450 active in the sector in 3,744 locations around the country. Renando, the Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Australia, has updated the interface which allows people to zoom into the…
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By Peter Roberts Leading beverage manufacturers have now put their past, vigorous opposition to container deposit schemes behind them and have strongly backed the new CDS Vic scheme announced by the state government last week. Lion, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Asahi Beverages, all members of not for profit group VicReturn which has been appointed as…
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For the sixth profile of a nominee for our Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list, we learn about Wireman. Brent Balinski speaks to co-founder Ian Lowrey about how the fencing products company decides on the right problem. Five-year-old business Wireman has a simple mission. It gives its value proposition as: “Tools and equipment that make…
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What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to this site were reading. 5) ANOTHER NAVAL SHIP TO BE IMPORTED, NOT BUILT LOCALLY The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) just-announced procurement of a dedicated undersea support vessel along with other perplexing decisions by defence are raising questions over whether there is a sufficient…
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