27, Feb 2026
The Park Navi Mumbai Unveils Dual Holi Celebrations with Colour Festival & Exclusive Pool Bash
Mumbai, Feb 27 : This Holi, The Park Navi Mumbai is turning up the celebration quotient by hosting two distinct and high-energy experiences simultaneously on 3 March from 10 AM onwards, offering the city a choice between a large-scale colour festival and an exclusive poolside bash.
The highlight of the day is the much-anticipated Boom Colour Festival – Holi Party, celebrating seven successful years of vibrant festivities. Conceptualised in association with Boom Entertainment, the event has evolved into one of the city’s most premium Holi gatherings. Designed for those who want to celebrate in grand festival style, the experience promises top DJs, immersive colour play, large-format production, and curated food and beverage offerings all set against the backdrop of luxury hospitality.
Running alongside is the Aqua Holi Bash – Balam Pichkari Edition, an exclusive couples-only celebration crafted for guests seeking a more intimate yet equally dynamic setting. Hosted by the poolside, this edition blends vibrant music, premium ambience, and curated hospitality to create a stylish and sophisticated Holi experience. With controlled entry and a refined guest profile, the bash caters to those who prefer exclusivity while still embracing the festive spirit.
By offering two distinct formats under one roof, The Park Navi Mumbai continues to position itself as a trendsetter in experiential hospitality maintaining it’s brand ethos of Anything but Ordinary. Whether guests choose the high-energy festival atmosphere or the upscale poolside celebration, 3 March promises to be one of Navi Mumbai’s most anticipated Holi events.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Feb 2026
ATEN Showcases Advanced AV & KVM Innovations at Automation India South 2026
Bengaluru, Feb 27: ATEN Advance, the leading provider of KVM, AV/IT connectivity, and management solutions, will participate in Automation India South 2026, scheduled to take place from March 12 to 14, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Center. Visitors can experience ATEN’s latest innovations at Booth No: C-40.
At the expo, ATEN will demonstrate cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of control rooms, industrial automation environments, enterprise IT operations, and mission-critical applications.
Key Product Highlights at the ATEN Booth
One of the main attractions at ATEN’s booth will be the VW1608 Video Wall Processor, a powerful and flexible solution designed for modern control room environments. The VW1608 enables seamless management of multiple video sources and displays, delivering high-resolution visuals with real-time performance. It is ideal for applications such as monitoring centers, smart factories, transportation hubs, and security operations where situational awareness is critical.
ATEN will also showcase the KE8980MR KVM Extender, engineered to deliver high-performance remote access with low latency and uncompromised video quality. This solution allows operators to control systems securely from remote locations, making it particularly suitable for industrial automation, broadcast environments, and centralized IT control rooms.
Another key highlight is the KG0032 KVM over IP Switch, which enables scalable, IP-based KVM deployments across distributed networks. Designed for flexibility and secure access, the KG0032 allows organizations to manage multiple systems over standard IP infrastructure, simplifying operations while enhancing control and efficiency.
The KG0032 will be demonstrated in combination with the KA8585 Console Unit, which provides a streamlined user interface and centralized access to multiple servers and systems. Together, these solutions enable seamless, secure, and efficient management of complex IT and automation environments.
Driving Automation and Smart Infrastructure
ATEN’s participation in Automation India South underscores its commitment to supporting India’s growing focus on automation, smart infrastructure, and digital transformation. By integrating professional AV and advanced KVM technologies, ATEN helps organizations improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and ensure reliable system control in demanding environments.
Visit ATEN at Automation India South 2026
Visitors, system integrators, consultants, and enterprise decision-makers are invited to visit ATEN at Booth C-40 to experience live demonstrations and interact with ATEN experts to understand how these solutions can address real-world automation and control challenges.
27, Feb 2026
Optimum Nutrition Celebrates World Protein Day with Project Protein Thali, Launches Gold Standard Unflavoured Whey
Feb, 27: On the occasion of World Protein Day, Optimum Nutrition, the world’s 1 sports nutrition brand, today unveiled Project Protein Thali 2026, the next phase of its consumer awareness campaign focused on making every day Indian meals more protein-inclusive. As part of the initiative, the brand also announced the launch of Gold Standard Unflavoured Whey, its additive-free whey protein offering, developed to meet the growing demand for versatile and ingredient-transparent nutrition solutions.
As awareness around nutrition and fitness continues to rise in India, protein is increasingly being recognised as an essential macronutrient for muscle health, recovery, and overall wellbeing. However, a significant gap still exists between daily protein requirements and actual intake. Simultaneously, consumer preferences are evolving toward simpler, cleaner supplements with minimal ingredients, particularly among users who want to avoid artificial flavours and sweeteners or are looking for more versatile ways to incorporate protein into everyday diets.
Building on the ideology to make every home cooked meal protein rich, Project Protein Thali 2026 initiative aims to demonstrate how small changes in meal composition can significantly improve protein intake by making protein the hero of the plate. The initiative also expands the role of protein beyond post-workout consumption, positioning high-quality unflavoured whey as a convenient ingredient that can be added to regular foods such as rotis, dals, smoothies, and snacks to create more balanced meals.
Complementing the campaign, the newly launched Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey now Unflavoured with whey protein isolate as 1 ingredient, offering high quality protein that supports muscle recovery and performance. Crafted around a clean-label philosophy, it contains zero artificial flavours, zero added sweeteners, zero colors, and no additives, addressing growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients and simplicity. Its neutral taste allows consumers to customize flavour easily while blending seamlessly into shakes, coffee, oats, and both sweet and savory everyday recipes, making protein easy to incorporate beyond the post workout routine.
Commenting on the campaign and new product launch, Sumit Mathur, CEO of Glanbia India said,
“Protein awareness in India is clearly on the rise, with more people recognising its role in supporting performance, recovery, and overall health. At the same time, we are witnessing a growing preference for cleaner, simpler nutrition solutions. With Project Protein Thali, our goal is to demonstrate how small, practical changes can make everyday meals more protein-inclusive. The launch of Gold Standard Unflavoured Whey further strengthens this commitment by offering a versatile option that can be easily incorporated into daily diets. As the world’s 1 sports nutrition brand, we remain focused on delivering trusted, high-quality nutrition that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.”
With Project Protein Thali 2026 and the launch of Gold Standard 100% Whey – Unflavoured, Optimum Nutrition continues to advance its mission of making high-quality protein more accessible and relevant to Indian consumers. By combining practical nutrition education with clean, trusted products, the brand aims to inspire individuals to make small yet impactful changes to their daily meals, reinforcing protein as an essential part of everyday nutrition and active lifestyles.
27, Feb 2026
“CRF Conference 2026 Spotlights Women-Led Development as Key to Viksit Bharat 2047”
New Delhi, Feb 27: The consensus around women-led development is pivoting, away from merely being a social obligation, towards an economic and strategic imperative for a truly developed India. PM Modi has hailed this transformative role of women across India, as he states “…the mantra of Women-Led Development is giving India a new direction, a new future. Our mothers, sisters and daughters are today changing not only their own lives but also that of the society at large…”.
Under this backdrop the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), Delhi convened the “Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat: Women-Led Development @2047” Conference 2026 on February 26, 2026, in New Delhi. The conference advanced a solution-oriented national dialogue on women-led development and its centrality to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The day-long conference brought together constellation of policymakers, industry leaders, jurists, diplomats, media voices, grassroots changemakers, and women from various sectors to deliberate on the evolving role of women in India’s socio-economic and political transformation. The conference translated the national momentum around women’s empowerment into structural, measurable, and policy-relevant outcomes, aligned with India’s long-term developmental vision.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Priti Adani reiterated “a deeper question—Viksit Bharat—for whom, and by whom?” Drawing from her extensive practical experience in scaling social impact initiatives and advancing community-led development models, Dr. Priti underscored that “women empowerment is not about giving power,” rather it is about giving opportunities and unlocking power that already exists.
Smt. Annapurna Devi, Minister for WCD, Govt of India while delivering her special address articulated the government’s perspective on women development. While highlighting policy priorities and institutional commitments towards strengthening women-led development in India, she further emphasised that “Sarkar, Samaj, and the corporate sector must come together to build an ecosystem where every woman’s dream finds opportunity, every talent finds a stage, and every effort earns respect. This is the right time”.
Earlier welcoming the delegates, Mr Shishir Priyadarshi, President, CRF, asserted that Viksit Bharat is about GDP, but it is also about who participates, who benefits and who shapes the direction of the growth of a society.
Over the past decade, policy initiatives aimed at expanding women’s access to finance, education, digital tools, and entrepreneurship have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive growth model. Yet, persistent structural barriers—ranging from low labour force participation to the invisibility of unpaid care work—continue to constrain the full realisation of women’s economic potential. In this context, the idea of women-led development represents a strategic shift towards harnessing Nari Shakti as a foundational pillar of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The daylong conference also featured launch of the book “Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat: Women-Led Development @2047,” a compilation of contributions on India’s evolving gender-development scholarship.
The discussion explored institutional pathways for expanding women’s presence in strategic sectors, whereby it was reinstated that growth was the strongest when women are equal stakeholders, innovators and decision-makers. One of the special features of the day was grounded insights shared by women from rural India during the session ‘Daughters of the Soil: Voices from Rural India.’ It was highlighted that grassroots transformation in villages is achievable with appropriate professional support, while underscoring that rural women are converting local skills into sustainable livelihoods.
During the special panel ‘Listen to Her,’ celebrated author and director Shri Nandita Das explored the responsibility of the artist in turbulent times; the intersection of gender, identity, and storytelling; and the role of empathy in shaping public discourse.
A panel of Women Ambassadors deliberated on the pathways to leadership, the evolving role of women in foreign policy decision-making, inclusive diplomacy, and how gender perspectives enrich strategic thinking in trade, development cooperation, peacebuilding, and climate action.
The day’s rich discussion highlighted both the urgency of dismantling persistent structural barriers and the immense opportunity that lies in unlocking the full potential of Women.
The conference rounded off with the evening keynote address delivered by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, NCT of Delhi, who participated as the Guest of Honour.
27, Feb 2026
Swaranjali Delhi Presents Baithaki 2026
Raaga & Raasa of Indian Classical Music
In collaboration with Eternal Oasis Gurugram
Gurugram, Haryana | Feb 27 – Swaranjali Delhi, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music, proudly presents Baithaki 2026 – Raaga & Raasa of Indian Classical Music, an evocative evening celebrating the depth, devotion, and dynamism of India’s timeless musical heritage. The event is being organized in collaboration with Eternal Oasis Gurugram, a distinguished Centre for Art, Culture, and Spirituality.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 21st March 2026
Time: 5:30 PM onwards
Venue: Anandam | 1st Floor, Eternal Oasis
Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana – 122002
Baithaki 2026 promises an immersive classical music experience in an intimate baithak-style setting, where audiences can connect deeply with the raagas, emotions (raasa), and spiritual essence of Indian classical traditions.
Featured Artists:
- Master Arjun Ahluwalia – Sitar
- Smt. Sonali Natta – Vocal
- Dr. Rama Sundar Ranganathan – Vocal
- Shri Subrata De – Sitar
Accompanying Artists:
- Shri Jitendra Swain
- Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee
- Shri Mukesh Bharadwaj
The evening will showcase a rich blend of instrumental and vocal renditions, offering audiences a soulful journey through classical compositions rooted in tradition yet resonating with contemporary sensibilities. Each performance is thoughtfully curated to highlight the intricate beauty of raaga expression and the emotive power of Indian classical music.
Eternal Oasis Gurugram, known for nurturing artistic and spiritual dialogue, provides the perfect ambiance for this gathering — creating a serene environment where music becomes meditation and performance transforms into shared experience.
Baithaki 2026 aims not only to present exceptional artistry but also to foster appreciation for India’s classical heritage among diverse audiences, including young rasikas and seasoned connoisseurs. Through such initiatives, Swaranjali Delhi continues its mission to create meaningful platforms for artists while strengthening the cultural fabric of society.
Music lovers, patrons of the arts, and members of the community are warmly invited to be part of this enchanting evening celebrating the Raaga and Raasa of Indian Classical Music.
RSVP & Contact:
Swaranjali Delhi
Website: www.swaranjali.org
Eternal Oasis Gurugram
Website: www.eternaloasis.org
Contact: +91-9910300319
Be a part of this unforgettable celebration of melody, devotion, and artistic excellence on 21st March 2026 at Anandam, Eternal Oasis, Gurugram
27, Feb 2026
The House of Abhinandan Lodha signs Kartik Aaryan as Brand Ambassador for ‘Nagpur Marina’
Mumbai, Feb 27: The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), India’s largest branded land developer, announced Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as the face of HoABL Nagpur Marina, its marquee waterfront plotted development in Nagpur.
Kartik Aaryan’s relationship with HoABL began as an investor, with his purchase of a 2000 sq ft plot at the Sol-de-Alibaug project. This trust-led relationship has now naturally evolved into Kartik endorsing Nagpur Marina based on his conviction in HoABL’s transparency in processes, proven track-record in quality and timelines, consumer-centricity, and long-term vision.
“I am excited to be associated with HoABL as the brand ambassador for its prestigious project – Nagpur Marina. Land is the most enduring form of legacy, and HoABL approaches it with transparency and convenience. What drew me to the brand was its clarity of vision, disciplined execution, and a seamless digital experience, especially for someone like me who is constantly on the move”, said Kartik Aaryan.
Nagpur Marina is an exclusive waterfront plotted development in South Nagpur, envisioned as an international lifestyle enclave. Spanning a 78-acre branded land development, the project is anchored by a 2.91-acre man-made sea and beach at its core, complimented by a 28,000 sq.ft. Grand Marina Clubhouse and thoughtfully curated range of lifestyle amenities.
Designed as a limited, destination-grade address for long-horizon investors, Nagpur Marina’s scale, scarcity, and legacy value have already attracted strong HNI participation, with over 350 families from more than 10 countries investing in the project.
Samujjwal Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, The House of Abhinandan Lodha said, “Kartik’s association with us began as an investment decision, which is the strongest vote of confidence any brand can earn. His decision to now be the face of Nagpur Marina reflects the values we focus on every day – trust, transparency, and building assets designed to endure. Waterfront-led and thoughtfully planned, Nagpur Marina is a unique address, and we are excited to have Kartik represent that story.”
Strategically located next to the Samruddhi Expressway and the New Nagpur IBFC, Nagpur Marina offers a rare opportunity to own plotted land in Nagpur, designed for discerning, long-term investors.
26, Feb 2026
Sinch expands its platform with agentic conversations for AI-powered customer engagement
Stockholm, Sweden, Feb 26 – Sinch (publ) today announced agentic conversations, a new set of capabilities designed to operationalize AI agents across global communication channels, enabling enterprises to deploy intelligent agents across messaging, voice, and email at scale.
As generative AI and conversational channels like voice, RCS and messaging apps become central to customer engagement, enterprises are shifting toward agent-driven models. To scale, AI agents must do more than converse. They need secure integration with enterprise systems to execute actions across channels.
With agentic conversations, Sinch simplifies this transition by providing a flexible, secure and open platform that enables businesses to operationalize AI agents at their own pace and according to their technical maturity. Customers are not locked into a single agent model, proprietary data layer, or closed ecosystem. Whether they choose to build their own solutions, use Sinch’s AI capabilities, bring their own agents, or integrate through Sinch’s ecosystem of partners, Sinch provides the infrastructure and orchestration required to support deployment at scale, built on Sinch’s global messaging, voice, and email APIs.
“Our philosophy is simple: enterprises should be free to build with us or bring their own AI,” said Daniel Morris, Chief Product Officer at Sinch. “We do not believe in locking customers into a single agent model, proprietary data layer, or closed ecosystem. Whether businesses use Sinch’s AI capabilities, deploy their own agents, or work with trusted partners, we provide the communications and orchestration infrastructure that makes those agents operational across messaging, email, and voice.”
Agentic conversations is a suite of capabilities, including Sinch Agent Builder, developer and agent tools such as Sinch Functions and Sinch Skills, as well as a broad set of integrations, designed to help enterprises build, deploy and manage AI agents across channels. The transition toward agent-driven engagement is expected to drive substantial growth in conversational traffic across messaging, voice and email. Managing this increase in volume, while maintaining trust, reliability and compliance, will require infrastructure purpose-built for scale.
“Unlike standalone AI agent frameworks, Sinch provides the trusted communications layer that agents depend on to operate reliably across channels and markets. Sinch has long experience in carrier-grade routing, global number provisioning, regulatory compliance, identity verification, branded calling, deliverability optimization and fraud protection. That experience ensures agent-driven communications are secure, scalable, and ready for real-world deployment.” Daniel Morris said.
As AI agents take on a more active role in customer engagement, enterprises are redefining how they manage trust, relevance, and conversational scale across channels. The next phase of customer communications will be shaped not only by smarter AI, but by the infrastructure that provides agents with the context, data access and intelligence needed to operate securely, reliably, and at volume. With agentic conversations, Sinch positions itself at the center of that shift.
26, Feb 2026
Sintex Unveils New TVC Highlighting a 50-Year Warranty to Foster Generational Trust
Feb 26: Sintex, part of Welspun World and India’s leading and trusted manufacturer of quality water storage solutions, has partnered with Sideways to unveil a new television campaign announcing the launch of Sintex Eterno, an industry-first water storage tank with a 50-year warranty. The film will be aired on CTV (connected TV) during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 20 seconds TVC showcases the legacy brand’s latest flagship offering, built around the brand promise, “Sintex Sabse Safe Hamesha.” As Sintex celebrates 50 years, the brand commemorates this milestone with a 50-year warranty promise that reflects longevity and generational trust.
Designed to endure across decades, Sintex Eterno symbolises a philosophy of long-term thinking and the brand’s enduring commitment to safety, hygiene, durability and trust across generations. Known for redefining standards in the water management category through continuous innovation, Sintex brings a bold and refreshing perspective to category communication with this film.
The campaign was developed in collaboration with Sideways. With a 50-year warranty at the heart of the proposition, the creative agency chose to interpret longevity through a generational lens rather than focusing solely on product features – delivering the message through a witty and engaging storyline. Set inside a retail store, the 20-second TVC captures a light-hearted yet impactful moment where the shopkeeper unexpectedly addresses an 8-year-old kid as the primary customer instead of the father. The narrative gradually reveals the logic behind this quirky interaction, a water tank backed by a 50-year warranty is not merely a purchase for today, but a long-term buying decision that also safeguards the next generation. The film cleverly emphasizes Sintex’s decades-long legacy of durability, reliability and generational trust.
With its sharp and unconventional storytelling, the campaign moves beyond traditional product advertising to spark a larger conversation around long-term value and future-ready investments. By combining the tangible assurance of a 50-year warranty with an emotionally resonant narrative rooted in family decision-making, the campaign positions Sintex Eterno as more than just a water tank it is a hygienic, safe and future-proof solution designed to outlast expectations. In many ways, the 50-year warranty becomes symbolic, reflecting a brand that has itself earned trust for nearly 50 years and continues to build for the next 50.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Yashovardhan Agarwal, Director, Sintex and Managing Director, Welspun BAPL said,
“At Sintex, we believe true innovation lies in building solutions that are not only reliable today but also resilient for decades to come. With Sintex Eterno’s industry-leading 50-year warranty, we are setting a new benchmark in the water storage category and reinforcing our long-standing commitment to safety, hygiene and durability. As we celebrate 50 years of serving Indian households, it was only fitting to introduce a product that carries forward that same longevity in its promise. The 50-year warranty isn’t just a feature it’s a promise that neither you nor your children will ever have to worry about your water tank. A reflection of the trust Sintex has built over decades, and our commitment to safeguarding generations to come. A water tank is a long-term infrastructure decision for any household, and its impact extends far beyond the present generation. Through this campaign, we wanted to move beyond functional communication and highlight a powerful insight that when you choose a product built to last, you are safeguarding your family’s future as well. This film reflects Sintex’s legacy of trust across Indian homes and our promise of ‘Sabse Safe hamesha.’
Abhijit Avasthi, Founder, Sideways, said:
“When a product carries a 50-year warranty, the story must carry the same horizon. Our approach was to interpret longevity not as a statistic, but as a promise that spans generations. The campaign presents Eterno as an enduring presence in homes, one that reflects stability, foresight and responsibility. It positions Sintex as a brand thinking not just about today’s need, but the legacy it leaves behind.”
26, Feb 2026
3 Trends in Education Financing in India for 2026
India’s education ecosystem is at an inflection point. With rising enrolments, tighter regulations, and growing expectations around learning outcomes, education financing is evolving beyond traditional lending. By 2026, three clear trends are set to define how capital flows into the sector, particularly for affordable private schools and education entrepreneurs.
1. Rise of Purpose-Driven Education Finance
Education financing is increasingly being shaped by social impact objectives alongside financial returns. Lenders and investors are focusing on institutions that serve low-income and emerging middle-class communities, where access to quality education remains uneven. This shift has led to the growth of specialised education-focused NBFCs that understand school-level challenges such as cash-flow seasonality, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory compliance. Players like Varthana have emerged in this space by offering customised financing solutions for affordable private schools, aligning capital deployment with measurable education outcomes rather than asset-heavy collateral models.
2. Data-Led Credit Assessment and Digital Lending
By 2026, data-driven underwriting is expected to become mainstream in education finance. Traditional balance-sheet-based assessments are being supplemented with alternative data, student enrolment trends, fee collection patterns, geographic demand, and school performance indicators. Digital platforms are enabling faster loan disbursements and ongoing monitoring, reducing turnaround times for schools that often operate with limited buffers. This approach not only lowers risk for lenders but also expands formal credit access for first-generation school founders.
3. Financing Linked to Quality and Compliance Upgrades
Regulatory norms around infrastructure, teacher qualifications, and safety standards are tightening across states. Financing is therefore shifting towards supporting compliance-led upgrades, classroom expansion, digital learning tools, sanitation, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Lenders are increasingly structuring loans that enable schools to meet these requirements while continuing operations uninterrupted, recognising that compliance is now directly linked to long-term viability.
Together, these trends signal a more mature, impact-aligned education financing ecosystem, one that prioritises sustainability, access, and learning outcomes alongside growth.
26, Feb 2026
Toray Develops Bio-Based Polyamide 4 Production Technology for Cosmetics Microparticle Market
Tokyo, Japan, Feb 26 – Toray Industries, Inc., announced that it has developed a proprietary technology to produce bio-based 2-pyrrolidone, a raw material in its polyamide 4, which delivers excellent biodegradability (see note 1) in marine and other environments and helps address microplastic issues. The company will use this technology to verify the scale-up of bio-based polyamide 4, with a view to offering it by the fiscal year ending March 2029, mainly for microparticles in foundation, eyeshadow, and other cosmetics.
In recent years, ocean discharges of microplastics (note 2) from cosmetics and facial cleansers have become a key environmental issue, prompting various countries (note 3) to restrict their use. Toray set about developing and launching polyamide 4 in response to this situation.
The conventional feedstock for 2-pyrrolidone, the raw material in polyamide 4, is petroleum-based. Toray embarked on R&D into synthesis approaches with sugars and other biomass sources, resulting in its bio-based version. The sizes and shapes of polyamide 4 microparticles from polymerizing and processing 2-pyrrolidone with this technique are comparable to those of conventional offerings. This bio-based feedstock conversion does not affect end products.
It is also worth noting that reactions are milder than those of regular petrochemical processes. Toray’s breakthrough should help lower carbon dioxide emissions across the value chain, from raw materials through polyamide 4 microparticle production.
The applications of 2-pyrrolidone made with Toray’s technology extend well beyond polyamide 4. It is also a feedstock for N-methylpyrrolidone, used extensively in manufacturing semiconductor materials and engineering plastics (note 4), and for N- vinylpyrrolidone (note 6), a monomer for high-performance polymers in pharmaceuticals and other applications. This opens the door to bio-based production across diverse materials supporting next-generation industries.
Toray is pushing ahead with initiatives to transition to a circular economy and conserve natural resources as part of its sustainability efforts. The company will accordingly keep pursuing R&D in keeping with its commitment to delivering new value and contributing to social progress.
Results from the Ministry of Environment-funded Projects to Promote the Construction of Decarbonized Circular Economy Systems (FY2023 and FY2024) contributed to Toray’s technological breakthrough.
Notes
1. With biodegradation, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms break down organic compounds into simpler inorganic substances, including water and carbon dioxide. Biodegradation is generally slower in the sea, where microorganisms are less abundant than in the soil.
2. Microplastic particles are smaller than 5 mm. They include primary microplastic microbeads in products like facial cleansers and secondary microplastic fragments from the degradation and fragmentation of items like plastic bottles and shopping bags owing to ultraviolet radiation and waves. There are concerns about the adverse effects of microplastics on ecosystems and human health across the food chain.
3. Strengthening of Microplastic Regulations Worldwide
Europe amended its Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals regulation in 2023 to prohibit the use of cosmetics and other products intentionally incorporating microplastics after a transition of six to 12 years. The regulation exempts plastics meeting specific biodegradability test standards. Toray’s polyamide 4 microparticles meet the OECD 301F ready biodegradability standard and are thus not subject to this regulation.
4. Engineering plastics offer high mechanical strength and heat resistance. Their light weight and high performance make them common substitutes for metals, including in automotive parts.
5. N-methylpyrrolidone is a liquid compound in which a methyl group replaces the hydrogen on the nitrogen atom of 2-pyrrolidone. It has a high boiling point, excellent chemical stability, and strong solvency for diverse compounds, and is a common cleaning agent, paint stripper, and solvent.
6. N-vinylpyrrolidone is a liquid compound in which a vinyl group replaces the hydrogen on the nitrogen atom of 2-pyrrolidone. Polymerization from the vinyl group yields polyvinylpyrrolidone. It serves as a thickener in cosmetics, a binder in pharmaceutical tablets, and a clarifying agent in alcoholic beverages.
