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Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to turn plastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The team developed a bio-inspired cascade photocatalysis using iron atoms embedded in carbon nitride, like how certain types of fungi break down organic matter using enzymes.

When exposed to sunlight, the material drives a series of chemical reactions that transform plastic polymers into acetic acid with high selectivity. The reaction takes place in water, making it particularly relevant for addressing plastic pollution in aquatic environments.

The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, while simultaneously creating a useful, value-added chemical product through a process inspired by nature.

Following the retirement of long-standing Managing Director Colin Tirel, Steve Thomson took over the management of the British Arburg subsidiary in Warwick with effect from 1 December 2025. The highly experienced professional was Sales Manager for Arburg Ltd. since September 2024 and is committed to serving customers in the important markets of Great Britain and Ireland as Managing Director.

Before joining ContiTech in 2015, Hill held management positions at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and later senior executive roles at Goodyear Engineered Products, which became Veyance Technologies and is now part of ContiTech. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky.

With effect from 1 January 2026, Ben Mechelmans is the new Managing Director for the Arburg subsidiary in Belgium. At 25 years of age, he represents a breath of fresh air, innovation and new perspectives, which he intends to bring to Arburg N.V., located in Molenstede. At the same time, he stands for continuity in terms of future priorities in the Belgian market.

Ms. Loudiadis founded and led Rothesay Life, one of the UK’s leading pension insurers. Prior to the establishment of Rothesay Life, Ms. Loudiadis was a partner at Goldman Sachs International and cohead of its European Investment Banking Division. Over the course of her 30-year career as a senior financial executive, she led complex structured and M&A transactions and managed senior relationships with governments and multinational institutions.