ROME, NY – EOS/ESD Association, Inc. (ESDA) completed a Product Qualification Laboratory Certification with Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China.

Companies that earn the Product Qualification Laboratory Certification meet the requirements for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an electrostatic discharge (ESD) product qualification laboratory that conduct ESD product qualification measurements on materials and control items generally used within an ESD control program, according to ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards.

Lisa Pimpinella, Executive Director of ESDA said, “Having established our organization’s second product qualification laboratory certification, we are excited to have worked with Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd. This laboratory certification gives Canmax the edge over its competition and the recognition it deserves in the area of ESD control.”

The audit that was performed verified that Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd. has the procedures, equipment, environment, and personnel to perform testing according to ANSI/ESD Standard Test Methods. Their certification meets these following standards:

1. ANSI/ESD STM9.1–2022 – Footwear and Foot Grounders – Resistive Characterization
2. ANSI/ESD STM11.11–2022 – Surface Resistance Measurements of Planar Materials
3. ANSI/ESD STM11.12–2021 – Volume Resistance Measurements of Planar Materials
4. ANSI/ESD STM11.13–2021 – Two-Point Resistance Measurement
5. ANSI/ESD STM11.31–2018 – Evaluating the Performance of Electrostatic Discharge Shielding Materials – Bags

Canmax is a diversified group of companies, and it has established itself as an industry leader in the ESD Control & Cleanroom Contamination Control field since 1997. With a strong foundation in R&D, Canmax is appointed as the only research and engineering partner to the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the static control industry. This appointment not only recognizes Canmax’s commitment to technical excellence, it underscores the company’s will to give back to the industry, offering services that benefit the industry.

CS Tay of Canmax said, "I would like to first congratulate the team at our laboratory as this milestone is a testament to their dedication and professionalism. Our assurance to our customers is our commitment to adhere to the strictest of standards when performing testing in accordance with ANSI/ESD methodologies. We thank the Association for their guidance and confidence as we look to expand the scope of our testing activities in the near future."

Earning the Product Qualification Laboratory Certification gives companies global recognition in the industry and confidence in their services. It also gives them the opportunity to meet regulatory requirements, manage risks effectively, expand international opportunities, and foster a culture of quality.

For more information about EOS/ESD Association, Inc., please refer to www.esda.org, social media presences on Facebook and LinkedIn, or contact Lisa Pimpinella, Executive Director via e-mail at lpimpinella@esda.org, or call (315) 339-6937.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – To drive the global chemical industry on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, the Low-Carbon Emitting Technologies (LCET) initiative, incubated and hosted by the World Economic Forum for more than three years, has now officially launched as the independent Global Impact Coalition.

With a suite of leading-edge projects, the CEO-led coalition, founded by BASF, SABIC, Covestro, Clariant, LyondellBasell, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, and Solvay will focus on accelerating the development and upscaling of low-carbon emitting technologies for chemical production and related value chains. With a focus on innovation, partnerships, and the development of net-zero production methods, the new Coalition can make an important contribution to carbon neutrality and sustainable growth.

“After over three years of incubation within the World Economic Forum and led by tangible results in the decarbonization space, we are delighted to witness the Global Impact Coalition emerge as an independent legal entity,” said Børge Brende, President, World Economic Forum. “We are dedicated to nurturing our strong relationship, bolstering sustainability and innovation within the chemicals sector.”

Leading Demonstration Projects

The Coalition will incubate projects with a proven approach pioneered by the LCET. Example projects coming from Coalition member companies:

The R&D Hub for Plastic Waste Processing - which will focus on developing new technologies for waste processing with a lower CO2 footprint and greater levels of plastic waste recycling.

Electrically Heated Steam Cracker Furnace - collaboration to construct the world’s first demonstration plant for large-scale electrically heated steam cracker furnaces.

Marking a milestone

The Coalition is a collaboration of incubation of low carbon emittance technologies in the chemical industry, supported by an expert community of more than seventy senior chemical industry executives. Its transition from a World Economic Forum initiative into the new, independent Coalition marks an important milestone and has been made possible by its founders.

“I see immense potential in reshaping the chemical industry's impact on our planet. One of our goals is in forging new pathways to achieve this, through collaboration, business model transformation, and solid partnerships that create true value in our drive to a net zero future. I am extremely excited to lead the charge, focused on less talk, more results”, said Charlie Tan, Global Impact Coalition’s Chief Executive Officer.

At the cornerstone of the global economy, the chemical industry provides essential materials, technologies and building blocks for 95% of all manufactured goods. As a crucial part of almost all sectors, sourcing and using alternative and sustainable sources of carbon will have an important impact in the fight against climate change.

WATERBURY, CT – MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions announced the company is actively supporting its customers in complying with the upcoming restrictions on chromium (VI) substances for use in decorative plating applications set by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The European Union Commission has been mandated to develop an Annex XV dossier to fully ban chromium (VI) substances under REACH. It is recommended that companies begin their preparations now, ahead of the 2026 deadline. In response to the mandate, MacDermid Enthone issued a communication to customers and partners outlining the proposed timeline to assist applicators in planning for their transition from hexavalent chromium processes to chromium (VI) free technologies.

"The transition to REACH compliance will pose opportunities and challenges for the industry," says Bob Geissler, Vice President, Europe at MacDermid Enthone. "As a leader in sustainable solutions for surface finishing, MacDermid Enthone stands ready to partner with customers, delivering production-proven technological solutions to support applicators across Europe, and around the world, in a successful transition."

MacDermid Enthone communicated the following timeline to customers:

1. October 2023: Mandate to ECHA, requesting the development of Annex XV dossier with a view to restrict Cr(VI) substances under REACH
2. October 2024: ECHA to finalize Annex XV dossier, RAC and SEAC do the conformity check and develop their opinion
3. October 2025: RAC and SEAC finalize and adopt final opinions about dossier, restriction scope and derogations Then, three-month scrutiny period for EU Commission starts
4. February 2026: Scrutiny period is over for EU Commission to decide if the restriction proposal can be adopted by the Commission and Member States
5. End of 2026: Adoption of hexavalent chrome restriction by EU Commission - Restriction with temporary derogations will become effective (estimated, not confirmed), Hex-Chrome will no longer be authorized, with no individual exceptions

MacDermid Enthone offers a complete solution for REACH-compliant chromium electroplating of plastics. To learn more, visit industrial.macdermidenthone.com 

CALUMET, MI – Calumet Electronics is proud to announce the appointment of Trey Adams to their team as Vice President, General Manager. Adams, a veteran professional, brings a wealth of experience in PCB manufacturing to Calumet Electronics during a transitional period of growth and advancements.

Adams is no stranger to Calumet Electronics. Prior to accepting an offer from the company, Trey served as VP of Operations at Price Circuits LLC in Chicagoland, where he led a group that produces high-density interconnect (HDI), flex, rigid-flex, and RF products. The facility at which Trey worked is known for its advanced capabilities, distinguishing it from other domestic PCB manufacturing operations.

Before Price Circuits, Adams had a career with top-tier suppliers in the PCB industry, including Insulectro, Rohm Haas/Morton International, and GE Electro-materials. From sales and technical support in laminates to chemistry and film applications, Trey will play a pivotal role in leading all aspects of PCB production at Calumet Electronics.

With a diverse and extensive background in the PCB manufacturing industry, Adams is well-equipped to find and lead opportunities that lie ahead at Calumet Electronics. He is known for his hands-on approach, stemming from his early experience as an operator on the work floor and his small-town upbringing in Southern Illinois. Adams values teamwork and believes in leading by example, ensuring that every decision considers the needs of the entire team.

Adams is excited to start his new chapter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he and his wife look forward to exploring the beautiful surroundings and establishing a new life in the Houghton area.

“We are thrilled to welcome Trey Adams to the Calumet Electronics team,” said Todd Brassard, Chief Operating Officer at Calumet Electronics. “When we approached him about this position, he already understood the bright future that lies ahead at Calumet Electronics. There was immediate and mutual excitement knowing the opportunities that lie ahead for the company, Trey and the hard-working employees at Calumet. Trey’s expertise will further strengthen our production and position as a leading provider in the industry.”