-
What to make of the EPA’s fracking report?
Lucy Wallwork Natural ResourcesThe U.S. fracking lobby had all of its birthdays at once earlier this month when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft of a 1000-page report that throws into doubt the contribution of fracking practices to groundwater contamination in states like North Dakota and Pennsylvania. The headline of the report, several years in the making, is that fracking has "not led to widespread, systematic impacts to drinking water resources." This is the latest contribution in a series of highly politicized and heavily contested reports on the impact of the chemicals injected into fracking wells on public health.
-
Automotive lightweighting drives plastic materials and processes
Don Rosato EngineeringInnovative materials together with new production methods and reinforcing structures will play an important role in reducing automotive vehicle weight. Lower vehicle weight not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the load on the brakes and suspension systems.
-
F-Gas: Europe must act now or face the consequences
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI wrote last month of the concerns swirling around Europe regarding the F-Gas Regulation, particularly what the HFC phasedown might do to supply and demand and pricing. Since then, we have talked to leading policy experts, end-users and suppliers, and I can report that the consensus is this: The industry must act sooner rather than later, or face the consequences in terms of high prices and refrigerant shortages.
-
Soft-touch packaging: An innovative answer
Sharon Derbyshire EngineeringConsumers want cosmetic, personal care and household products that are convenient and easy to use. This has resulted in an increased demand for packaging where the applicator is included as part of the package and viewed as a key piece of the package design, rather than just an accessory.
-
Wooing and helping manufacturing at the federal and state level
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingOn May 7, the Obama administration announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is part of the U.S. Commerce Department, approved 16 advanced manufacturing grant proposals totaling $7.8 million. The approvals were announced in Gaithersburg, Maryland, by NIST's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech).
-
HVAC maintenance — a pretty cool idea
John Haley Facilities & GroundsThe ancient Egyptians are known for developing the concept of air conditioning. In an attempt to find relief from the heat, reeds were hung from windows as small, constant streams of water trickled down them. As the water evaporated on the reeds, it cooled the air blowing through the windows.
-
Automotive lightweighting trends drive plastics technology
Don Rosato EngineeringThe global shifts in automotive manufacturing haven't slowed plastics innovation and the adoption of new plastic materials. In 2006, Japan passed the U.S. to become the world's largest car manufacturer. This position changed again when in 2009 when China overtook Japan for this top position with a current 35 percent market share in vehicles produced, while U.S. production has gone to 25 percent in the last five years.
-
Whirlpool’s Dave Szczupak: Energy efficiency benefits businesses
Ryan Clark ManufacturingDave Szczupak, executive vice president of global product organization for the Whirlpool Corporation, was awarded the Visionary Award for his innovative work, leadership and commitment to energy productivity earlier this month at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Global Forum.
-
Soft-touch packaging: A boost for brands
Sharon Derbyshire EngineeringWhen faced with revitalizing an iconic brand, Bayer wanted to differentiate itself from the competition with a package makeover. The company ultimately chose an oversized ergonomic cap for its aspirin and Aleve over-the-counter medications. The new cap — overmolded with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) — makes it easier for arthritis suffers to grip and get to the pain reliever inside. The easily-recognized caps with raised logo are preferred by consumers and are even endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.
-
Stanford’s Oil-Climate Index: Not all oils are created equal
Lucy Wallwork Natural ResourcesThis December in Paris, 196 countries will meet to try to overcome the gridlock over 2030 carbon emissions targets. Could the impasse over global climate change policy be partly the result of the stark choice we are presented between "clean" renewable sources and the "dirty" oil industry?
All Engineering Articles