Basic Materials

Researchers in Osaka have developed a method to separate cotton and polyester in blended fibers using a microwave-like device, potentially revolutionizing textile recycling and reducing waste. This method could pave the way for more efficient recycling of discarded clothing, currently only 34% recycled or reused.

Astral's shares dropped by up to 4.9% on the BSE after the company reported a 12% decrease in profit after tax for the January-March quarter of fiscal year 2023-24. The manufacturer of PVC pipes and plastic products saw a decline of 11.7% year-on-year in net profits, with revenues from operations increasing by 8% compared to the previous fiscal year.

Indonesia's chief economic minister announced the relaxation of import rules for electronic products, footwear, and textiles to address a backlog of imported items at ports due to previous regulations. This decision comes after tightening import rules in March, which led to over 26,000 containers stuck at ports, including steel, clothes, electronics, and chemical products.

Indian equities witnessed a volatile trading session on Thursday, May 17, 2024, as investors grappled with a deluge of corporate earnings reports and adjusted their positions during the weekly Futures and Options (F&O) expiry. The benchmark indices, S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50, fluctuated significantly throughout the day before closing with modest gains.

A team of researchers in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, led by Professor Hiroshi Uyama from Osaka University, has devised a method using heat in a microwave-like device to successfully separate cotton and polyester in blended fiber. This innovation could revolutionize the recycling of mixed-spun fibers found in discarded clothing, addressing the challenge posed by the increasing use of composite fibers in fashion and functionality.