Researchers discover way to safely destroy PFAS
An Australian-led team of international scientists have shown how harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be safely destroyed, in a world-first study to trace the entire chain of chemical reactions as PFAS break down during incineration. Researchers from CSIRO, the University of Newcastle, Colorado State University and the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory in Hefei, China, have defined a pathway for PFAS to be destroyed safely and completely, inside a hazardous waste incinerator. Study co-author, CSIRO’s Dr Wenchao Lu, said “By taking ‘snapshots’ of the chemical reactions as they occur, we can see what intermediaries or harmful free radicals form inside the incinerator… These chemicals had been hypothesised, but never actually detected.” Co-author Professor Eric Kennedy from University of Newcastle, added, “This study has identified intermediary molecules that are critical for us to ensure the PFAS molecule is completely destroyed, and to ensure no harmful byproducts are formed.”
Ultra-strong compressible material inspired by sea sponge
RMIT University engineers have developed a new material with high compressive strength and stiffness, inspired by the intricate skeleton of a Pacific Ocean deep-sea sponge known as Venus’ flower basket. Lead author of the study, Dr Jiaming Ma, said extensive testing and optimisation showed an impressive combination of stiffness and strength, mixed with an ability to contract when compressed. “While most materials get thinner when stretched or fatter when squashed, like rubber, auxetics do the opposite,” said Ma. “Auxetics can absorb and distribute impact energy effectively, making them extremely useful.” Natural auxetic materials include tendons and cat skin, and synthetic ones have uses in heart and vascular stents. Auxetic materials, however, have low stiffness, unlike the new material. Results published in Composite Structures show with the same amount of material usage, the lattice is 13 times stiffer than existing, honeycomb design-based auxetic materials.
SEMMA says its members will assist redundant Oceania Glass workers
The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has said it will attend the “Next Steps” job seeker event for retrenched Oceania Glass workers, intending to helping them find employment with local manufacturers. “The government has allowed this to happen on their watch. Their flawed policy decisions have shattered another sovereign capability manufacturing sector,” said SEMMA CEO Honi Walker in a statement on Friday. “This mirrors the automotive sector shutdown, and just like that debacle, SEMMA will help transition Oceania Glass workers and impacted local manufacturers into other sectors.”
Federal government to freeze draught beer excise
The federal government announced over the weekend that it will freeze indexation on draught beer excise for two years, which it claimed is a win for brewers, drinkers, and hospitality businesses. Indexation is applied twice a year under arrangements in place for decades. “While the February indexation accounted for a small percentage of the cost of a pint, this change will help pubs and their patrons” reads a statement from prime minister Anthony Albanese… “This announcement comes on top of new tax relief announced last week for Australia’s distillers, brewers and wine producers. Currently brewers and distillers get a full remission of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year. We will increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers and we will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax producer rebate cap to $400,000 from July 1 2026.”
Liebherr to work with FBR on US factory
Construction robot company FBR announced on Monday that it has entered into an agreement with machinery business Liebherr-Mischtechnik on consulting services by Liebherr USA for FBR’s US subsidiary, Fastbrick Americas Engineering (FAEL.) The agreement covers FAEL’s localisation and assembly of its Hadrian X machines in the US “including the mounting of Hadrian X machines onto US truck bases”, described as the “first step in establishing a complete assembly plant for the Hadrian X in the US”. The release explained that Initially, robotic modules will be made “by or for FBR in Australia” then delivered to the US plant for assembly into Hadrian X machines for the US market, though over time, it plans to move production of robotic modules and parts to the US, “generating further efficiencies in both cost and time of manufacture”. FBR CEO Mike Pivac said, “The ongoing engagement with Liebherr-Mischtechnik GmbH is a significant step toward commercialisation for the [company] and recognises the strong relationship we have built with the Liebherr team through our technical and commercial collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
S&P PMI up slightly in February
S&P Global Australian Final Manufacturing PMI for February 2025 came in at 50.4, up from January’s 50.2 but slightly below a preliminary score of 50.6. A score above 50 indicate expansion, exactly 50 equals no growth, and below 50 equals contraction. According to S&P’s commentary on the result, the data showed that business conditions continued to improve. “Forward-looking indicators, including a renewed rise in new orders and the highest future output reading seen in nearly three years, further provided positive signals for output growth in the coming months” the notes read. “Price pressures eased in the latest survey period with input prices notably rising at a pace below the long-run average in February, thereby supporting the softening of output price inflation. The continuation of an easing inflation trend will be important to help support improvements in demand over the coming months.”
Pure Dairy appoints two new GMs
Pure Dairy has announced the appointment of Lee Shipley as General Manager of Wholesale/Retail Sales and Tim Bonaguro as General Manager of Corporate Sales. According to a statement from the company on Monday, the appointments signal its “commitment to expanding its market presence and enhancing customer partnerships across the foodservice and retail sectors.” Pure Dairy set to open a dairy manufacturing and processing facility in Dandenong South this year. Adrian Josephson, Executive Chairman of Pure Dairy, said: “Lee and Tim bring extensive industry knowledge, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach that align with Pure Dairy’s vision for growth. Their leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our retail and foodservice divisions, delivering innovative solutions, and expanding our reach in the market.”
Picture: credit FBR
