Wearable Display Innovations: Enhancing User Experience in Healthcare and Fitness

Wearable devices are a type of electronic technology, which is integrated with multiple new technologies, like display units, sensors, and connectivity among others, which can be worn on the body by the user. Wearable devices offer a wide range of applications, for instance, they help in tracking the fitness level, like heart rate, calories, and body temperature of the human body, whereas it can also help in offering seamless connectivity to the users, through calling and internet features. There are various types of wearable technologies or devices available across the global market, which include smart watches, smart jewelry (rings), fitness tracker bands, and smart clothes.

The display technologies, in the wearable devices market, witnessed a major growth in innovations and integration of new technologies. For instance, multiple companies, like Meta, introduced smart glasses, which are integrated with large holographic display technologies, that offer the capability to integrate the physical world with the 2D and 3D content.

Use Case:

Wearable devices can be used for multiple applications, across several markets like consumer electronics, sports utility, and healthcare. The consumer electronics sector is among the leading markets for the global demand for wearable technologies, especially for wearable displays.

Healthcare– In the healthcare sector, there are multiple types of wearable devices, offering multiple applications. Some of these devices include blood pressure monitors, fitness trackers, glucose meters, ECG monitors, and biosensors among others. In the healthcare setting, the wearable devices help to monitor the physical condition of the patients. In such wearable devices, displays play a key role, as they offer easy monitoring of the different components.

Consumer Electronics– In consumer electronics, smartwatches, fitness trackers, VR headsets, smart jewelry (rings), and smart glasses are among the most common and most-demand wearable technologies, across the globe. In the consumer electronics sector, wearable devices, embedded with display units help to offer the key functions of a smartphone, like calling and browsing, on smaller devices. The consumer electronics sector witnessed key development in innovations of the display units in these devices. Various new products like smart glasses, VR headsets, and smart watches are being launched with innovative display units embedded in them.

In the global wearable devices market, display units play a critical role in enhancing the capability and experience of the devices. With the increasing global demand for wearable devices across the globe, the display technologies of wearable devices are sure to witness massive growth.

1. Rising demand for wearable devices

The increasing global demand for wearable devices, especially in the consumer electronics sector is forecasted to increase the innovation drive of wearable display technologies, across the globe. The global wearable device market witnessed massive growth over the past few years. Apple, the global leader in the consumer electronics industry, in its quarterly report, stated that the total revenue from the wearable segment of the company increased significantly over the past few quarters. The company stated that in the third quarter ending on July 1, the company recorded a total sales of about US$8,084 million from its Wearable, Home, and Accessories segment in 2022, which increased to US$8,284 million during the same period in 2023.

Figure 1:  Apple Revenue From Wearable, Home, and Accessories Segment, US$ Million, Third Quarter of 2022 and 2023

apple revenue from wearable

Source: Apple Inc.

2. Increasing application of wearable technologies in the healthcare sector

The growing demand for wearable technologies in the healthcare sector is forecasted to boost the market share of wearable display technology during the forecasted timeline. In the healthcare sector, wearable technologies offer a critical application, in monitoring the status of patients. There are various types of wearable technologies used in the healthcare sector, which include devices like wearable ECG monitors, wearable fitness trackers, biosensors, and other health condition monitors. The integration of display units in such devices helps in better understanding and faster reading of the health levels of the patients.

For instance, the demand or usage of wearable ECG monitoring devices has witnessed a significant increase over the past few years. Wearable ECG monitoring devices are used to receive and monitor the electrical signals to track the user’s heart activity and condition. It offers multiple benefits, as it has the capability to record data on the heart condition over a longer period, and also enables the doctors to easily identify and detect any anomalies. The demand for the wearable ECG monitor increased majorly with the rising global cases of cardiovascular diseases, or heart diseases. The global cases of cardiovascular diseases witnessed a significant surge. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the US government in its report related to cardiovascular diseases stated that, in the USA, about one death in every five deaths is caused by cardiovascular diseases. The department stated that in 2022, about 702,880 individuals in the nation died of the disease.

3. Innovation in the global display technologies

Similarly, the increasing innovations in global display technologies are also expected to increase the usage of display units in wearable devices.  The global display technology market observed the introduction of various new technologies, which offer multiple benefits to the devices, like higher picture quality output, and efficient usage of battery. New technologies like OLED, MicroLED, Quantum Dots, and ferroelectric liquid crystal displays are some of the latest and advanced display technologies used across various consumer and industrial devices. Various companies, like Samsung Electronics, and Global Display Systems Pvt. Ltd., (GDS) have introduced key investment schemes to increase the research and development output to develop newer technologies, which offer higher picture quality, with consumption of lower energy, which can be optimum for the applications in the wearable and smaller devices.

Key Developments

  • In January 2024, Apple Inc., one of the biggest consumer electronics producers, and technological leaders, announced the launch of its latest technology, Vision Pro, a VR headset device. The Vision Pro integrates with advanced and state-of-the-art display units, which allows the users to integrate the virtual world with the real physical world. The Vision Pro by Apple features ultra-high-resolution displays and a 180-degree viewing angle.

In conclusion, the growing global demand for wearable devices, across multiple industries, is forecasted to increase the innovations in the display technologies of these devices. Similarly, with introduction of new technologies like AI, into the display units will also boost the global wearable display market share.

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Talent Management Software Market size worth US$17.367 billion by 2029

The talent management software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.93% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$9.047 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$17.367 billion by 2029.

Over the forecast period, the market is expected to grow rapidly due to the expanding application of talent management software across nearly all industries that are focused on human capital. The workforce management practices of organizations are being disrupted by several new technologies, the most notable of which are advanced data analytics and cloud computing. The industry is going through a facelift. The primary cause of the increased demand for software solutions is the quick transition to web-based applications and digitization. Additionally, the rate at which various industries are implementing talent management solutions and tools is expected to lead to an inflow of new and improved tools into the market.

Changes in the industry are typically brought about by a number of factors, including the entry of large corporations, the high cost of research and development, and an environment that is conducive to investment. While large organizations are searching for solutions that offer all the necessary functionalities under one integrated offering, smaller businesses are looking for standalone capabilities like recruitment or performance management.

Further, trends such as the growth of social media and cloud user counts are enabling the market to grow. Moreover, the growth in the market is being driven by SaaS HR tools while driving talent management systems in the market. The integration of these well-nurtured developments with social media tools into other mobile apps raises the total usage of talent management software.

It is projected that employee engagement-related features will fuel the market expansion for talent management software. Engaged employees are the result of effective learning, development, and recruitment strategies. Increasing employee engagement requires the use of talent management features like creative performance management. providing quick employee engagement surveys on a quarterly and annual basis, as well as data collection that enables quick connections with other data.

Moreover, organizations are using data for competitive advantage because they are generating huge volumes of information with growing degrees of digitization. Contrastingly, old-fashioned approaches that agencies would employ to convert large volumes of data into actionable insights swiftly are being rendered obsolete by cloud-based technologies. It has been demonstrated that talent management gives major players a significant competitive advantage. Because cloud-based software offers so many flexible options for payments and plans, businesses are switching to it. Customized package availability is dependent on several factors, such as the number of users and the operating hours. For example, IBM OpenPages offers cloud-based software for managing data privacy, enabling businesses to address new data privacy challenges.

The Talent management software market, by type, is divided into five types- Performance management, talent acquisition, learning management, compensation management, and others. The market for talent acquisition is expected to grow substantially as a result of the rising need for effective sourcing, hiring, and onboarding practices. Further, HR and recruiting teams use a performance management dashboard to monitor and manage the hiring process and it is therefore expected that a rising need for such dashboards will drive the segment during the forecast period.

The Talent management software market, by analysis, is divided into two types- Service and solution. Over the course of the forecast period, the demand for installation, training, and consulting services both prior to and following the implementation of this software is anticipated to propel the growth of the service segment. The professional services needed for the future growth of any organization include planning, strategy and software deployment.

The Talent management software market, by deployment, is divided into two types- On-Premise and cloud. Software solutions for talent management can be deployed through cloud infrastructure or on-premises. Demand for cloud-based services that come with several benefits including flexibility, agility and on-demand services has resulted in the expansion of the market. Although there is a lot of market demand for the on-premise segment, more businesses are expected to select cloud-based services and solutions in the coming years.

The Talent management software market, by end-user, is divided into six types- IT & telecommunication, BFSI, government, and healthcare. education, and others. Owing to digital competition, an unstable economy, as well as a new generation of customers with high expectations and precise information, this industry finds itself grappling with enormous hurdles. Because of this, there is now a need for both cutting-edge recruitment techniques and excellent human resources.

Further, the high demand by the BFSI sector for talent is being influenced by the growing use of digitalization for routine activities as well as the changing ways in which people relate at work. There is a rising demand from the healthcare industry and the need to have a well-trained workforce in this field has led to increasing advances in human capital management technologies.

The North American region is expected to witness significant growth in the Talent management software market during the forecasted period. Centralized systems that control all aspects of the employee lifecycle are becoming necessary due to increased emphasis on HR strategic functions. This program can act as a bridge, bridging that gap of opportunity. Additionally, the emergence of remote and hybrid work models has ushered in fresh difficulties related to these two types of labour.

Tools for managing remote performance and communication are required for geographically dispersed teams, and this software encompasses them all. North American organizations must put employee engagement and retention as their top priorities owing to the competitive labour market. North America has such software as employee empowerment, talent management and recognition programs which support the development and nurturing of environmentally conscious green businesses.

The research includes several key players from the Talent management software market, such as Cegid, Bamboo HR LLC, Oracle, SAP, IBM, Sage Group plc, Workday, Inc., 15Five, Cornerstone, and Lumesse.

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/talent-management-software-market

The analytics report categorizes the talent management software market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

  • By Type
    • Performance Management
    • Talent Acquisition
    • Learning Management
    • Compensation Management
    • Others
  • By Analysis
    • Service
    • Solution
  • By Deployment
    • On-Premise
    • Cloud
  • By End–User
    • IT & Telecommunication
    • BFSI
    • Government
    • Healthcare
    • Education
    • Others
  • By Geography
    • North America
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • United Kingdom
      • Germany
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • Japan
      • China
      • India
      • South Korea
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
      • Indonesia
      • Others
  • Custom Software Development Market Size

  • PAC Programming Software Market

  • Event Management Software Market Share

Aspartame and the Food Industry: Navigating Changing Consumer Preferences

Aspartame is a non-saccharide sweetener, used as a sugar substitute majorly in foods and beverages. They have 200 times more sweetness of sugar, yet deliver significantly fewer calories and are made from amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid. They are also widely utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as part of a carefully controlled diet by those who are diabetic. It is produced by fermentation and is generally safe to use when consumed in moderate amounts. Aspartame is commonly found in “diet,” “no sugar added,” and “sugar-free” products like soft drinks, drink mixes, gelatin desserts, frozen desserts, jams, fruit spreads, yogurt, cereal, candy, chewing gum, condiments, and packaged sweeteners.

Increasing health concerns and growing demand for sugar-free products, low-calorie food, and confectionery products are fueling aspartame’s popularity. Further, the request for low-calorie sugar options is rising with the rise in obesity levels and diabetes, leading to customers necessitating to follow healthier life choices. Since the aspartame flavor profile resembles sugar without calories it is a popular alternative. It is one of the foremost tested and studied items in the market around the world. They are cost-effective and efficient which provides more opportunities for product advancement and new pharmaceutical applications which is leading to driving market development in the coming years.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in the available disposable income for consumers which has in turn led to more spending on food products especially on low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame. This results in consumers not compromising on the quality of the products but rather demanding healthy and tasteful products that will subsequently, cause a rise in the use of aspartame products. Following this, the International Energy Outlook 2023 sources showed that the overall disposable income per capita was US$10,136 in 2022. This figure is expected to increase to US$10,677 by 2025 and eventually amount to US$11,862 by 2030. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific will be valued at US$11,152 per capita, while the Americas region is predicted to be valued at US$23,240 per capita in 2030 while Europe and Eurasia are expected to amount to US$21,974 per capita by 12030. The Africa and Middle East accounted for growth to US$2,402 by 2030, contributing to the aspartame industry growth.

The rising health concern related to sugar content in beverages in several European countries will propel the demand for beverages having lower sugar content. For instance- the ongoing UNDESA target includes a 10% reduction in average added sugar in soft drinks by 2025 across the EU and UK. This will result in a reduction of around 33% in average added sugar over the previous two decades. Moreover, aspartame is widely used in many food products because, it has received a significant endorsement from several regulatory bodies which include Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the FDA. This is important since it has ensured that aspartame remains a safe and effective artificial sweetener for human use.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm, has categorized aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in food products like diet soda and sugar-free gums, as potentially carcinogenic to humans. While the IARC has not ruled conclusively on a link between aspartame and liver cancer, several regulatory bodies including the FDA reported the shortcomings of the IARC research and have emphasized that if used within certain guidelines, aspartame is safe for human consumption. Since 1981, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has stated that aspartame does not have any link actual link to cancer as of the July 2023 report. Additionally, the FDA has stated that JECFA has not raised any safety concerns for aspartame at current usage levels or altered the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). ame is the view of the regulatory bodies of various countries including Europe and the USA.

Figure 1:  Rise in Disposable Income Per Capita Globally, in Us$, in 2022, 2025, and 2030

rise in disposable income per capita globally

Source: International Energy Outlook 2023

In addition, the strong and relevant regulatory support that exists for aspartame gives a sturdy base for its persistent use with no impending risk of being discontinued, even though there are constant arguments and debates on the safety of aspartame. Safety approval from well-recognized health organizations gives consumers assurance about no possible health risks associated with aspartame and eases its acceptance. Food producers seek regulatory approval to make sure everything is in order and that they do not face any legal complications. The high demand and approval of aspartame enables food producers to give customers a similar range of products globally.

These supportive regulatory agencies serve as a signal of the necessity to conduct more studies and develop new innovations on the use and safety of aspartame in food. Thereby various companies are utilizing it in the form of no-added sugar for new products. For instance, in May 2023, Barry Callebaut, a global manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products introduced two new products into the Mexican region known as Callebaut NXT and SICAO Zero. This region has a high demand for chocolate and confectioneries given that over 45% of the population consumes these products every week. The SICAO Zero is a unique chocolate variant where one gets the satisfaction of chocolate but without sugar. This particular variant of chocolate is high quality and easy to use while still being economically friendly and therefore it fits the people who love chocolate but are worried about health issues.

Similarly, in April 2022, Fresh Del Monte® UK entered into a collaborative agreement with Scottish beverage company OTG to launch the ‘A Kick of Fruit’ range of energy drinks in selected clubs, hotels, and bars across the UK. They include Pineapple, Mango, Passion Fruit and Lime, Blood Orange Spritz, Pineapple with Mint Lime, Pineapple Grapefruit Lime, Lemon Ginger, and Pomegranate Raspberry juices, all of which come with 20% real fruit juice, no added sugar and other preservatives.

Company Products:

Products Description
 Wipro Sweet ‘n’ Healthy  Wipro Sweet ‘n’ Healthy is a low-calorie sugar tablet that does not alter taste but provides sweetness similar to a teaspoon of sugar. It has Aspartame, which is a low-calorie sweetener, the use of which boosts health and fitness. By incorporating Sweet ‘n’ Healthy in place of sugar, an individual can cut down on calories by 160kcal per day which is the equivalent of walking for one hour. This tablet is safer because it duplicates the original sweetness associated with sugar.
Sugar-Free Gold Sugar-Free Gold sweetener contains aspartame which is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used in tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, and other drinks making it a healthy sugar alternative. It does not add calories and therefore it is useful for people who are conscious of sugars and the amount they consume. It serves the purpose of sweetening drinks and is also advantageous for diverse applications.

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The Future of Specialty Chemicals: Key Trends and Innovations Shaping the Industry

Specialty chemicals are crucial to augmenting the performance, durability, and eco-friendliness of end products, which serve the growing consumer preference for effectiveness and quality. The industry paradigms are altering at an exceptional speed due to the development of technologies such as green chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, which offer better ways of designing and manufacturing products. Moreover, regulatory backing and proactive measures are also taking their toll on the market patterns. Examples of these include the strategic approach to international chemicals management, which aims to conserve the environment and promote sustainability. The use of green specialty chemicals is being fueled by an increasing focus on environmentally friendly formulations, renewable resources, and cleaner production techniques.

Specialty chemicals include various chemical compounds designed to fulfill particular functional or performance needs in different industrial domains. These substances, which stand out for their particular makeup and uses, are vital components in producing many final goods, such as electronics, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and medications. Specialty chemicals, which are distinguished by their exceptional purity, unique functionality, and frequently proprietary formulations, are essential for improving the efficacy, longevity, and performance of products.

The key trends and innovations shaping the future of specialty chemicals are as follows:

  • Sustainability and renewable energy
  • Increased digitalization
  • Customized functions & solutions
  • Increased resource efficiency
  • Increasing use of nanotechnology & advanced materials
  • Regulatory changes

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Sustainability and renewable energy

In the specialty chemicals industry, a greater concern for sustainability is perhaps the most important factor that is inciting change. As a result of the increasing concern over the environmental footprint of chemical processes and their attendant products, businesses are focused on green chemistry, which seeks to minimize waste, energy consumption, and toxic emissions. Nowadays, it has become more common to use bio-based feedstocks, recyclable and compostable materials, and processes that are less energy-intensive. Moreover, the manufacturing of specialty chemicals is moving toward renewable materials, which is leading to increased demand for renewable energy. For instance, additions to renewable electricity capacity reached 507 GW in 2023, nearly 50% more than in 2022.

Global Increase in Renewable Energy Capacity, in GW, 2022 to 2023

increase in renewable energy capacity

Source: IEA

Moreover, the biobased economy in the chemical sector is expected to increase due to innovations in bio-based chemicals derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils, sugar, and starch. Moreover, companies are also adopting ‘greener’ methods of production, which include enzymatic and catalytic processes that are more environmentally friendly and efficient.

2. Increased digitalization

The digital technology integration strategy in chemical production is transforming the making and marketing of specialty chemicals. Industry 4.0, ie, the new age of production, has made manufacturing activities more flexible, efficient, and cost-friendly by automating processes, incorporating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and leveraging data analytics.

Firms can leverage predictive maintenance and the real-time data monitoring of equipment to use the machines effectively and ensure that there are no breakdowns. The compound design and the prediction of the compound’s behaviour in practice are also becoming faster with the more advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, reducing the innovation time frames while also enhancing the precision of the formulations. Moreover, with the need for traceability and transparency being fulfilled, supply chains are adopting blockchain technology more and more.

3. Customized functions & solutions

Specialty chemicals are starting to be functional due to the demand for such chemicals in medicine, electronics, and automotive industries that require a high degree of endurance and enhancement. For example, lightweight adhesives and materials for electric vehicles (EVs) are more in focus by the automotive industry than ever before, while smart materials are aiding the healthcare industry in diagnostic tools and drug delivery systems. More so, specialty coatings, nanomaterials, and polymers have increasingly grown in popularity owing to their ability to deliver qualitative results while minimizing the resources spent.

4. Increased resource efficiency

Due to the global compulsion towards circular economies, manufacturers of fine chemicals are also questioning the strategies they have in place towards waste management and resource usage. A circular economy not only focuses on product and process design but also on continuous resource use, remanufacturing, and, more importantly, reuse and recycling.

To this effect, with innovations such as waste-to-chemical technologies and closed-loop recycling systems, businesses can recover useful resources from waste disposal streams. In addition, chemical upcycling is turning out to be an emerging area of focus in material chemistry, where discarded low-value raw materials are transformed into useful high-value products.

5. Increasing use of nanotechnology & advanced materials

Nanotechnology is proving to be a game-changer in the area of specialty chemicals, which assists in designing and developing advanced materials with peculiar molecular structures. These materials find applications in various industries, including energy storage, electronics, and medicine. For example, paint, plastics, and oils have been enhanced through the use of nano-coatings and nano-additives.

In the area of energy storage, nanomaterials are used for the manufacture of high-performance batteries and supercapacitors; in the healthcare sector, they are used in imaging or drug delivery. Growth of graphene, quantum dots, and other nanomaterials is expected to further change the specialty chemicals market.

6. Regulatory changes

Changes in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations lead to innovations in manufacturing and product development processes, especially in the chemical sector, which is under intense scrutiny. For instance, the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances) legislation and these requirements compelling companies to use safer materials and processes. Regulations are also compelling a shift from the use of toxic, high-emission, and pollutant-active substances. Companies are investing to remain in compliance with R&D, the development of less-threatening materials, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

In conclusion, the prospects of the specialty chemical market seem promising owing to many opportunities for growth and improvement. It is expected that novel materials that cater to the requirements of various sectors will be developed as a result of technological growth and the growing need for sustainable solutions.

Given the nature of the industry, it is highly probable that the companies will have to put more money into research and development, cope with the ever-changing regulatory regimes, and create stronger supply chains shortly. It will also entail the collaboration of producers and consumers, together with the respective authorities.  The extent and speed of the development of numerous sectors in the years to come will be dependent on the availability or otherwise of specialty chemicals. The market is projected to register growth and innovations shortly on account of the rising need for efficient, innovative, and environmentally friendly products and services.

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The Role of IoT in the Evolution of Automated Material Handling

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed several sectors, incorporating automated material handling. The IoT system helps in effectively carrying out logistics operations by linking physical devices to the internet such that data can be captured, analyzed, and controlled in real time. IoT’s major contributions to automated material handling systems include tracking assets, ensuring predictive maintenance, routing and scheduling, improving safety and security, and integration with other systems such as warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) among other systems.

Asset tracking entails using overhead IoT sensors that help follow the progress and status of equipment, or materials, and product availability across the entire supply chain. This reduces stock mismanagement and its attendant issues of understocking and overstocking. Predictive maintenance schedulers run maintenance on assets before assets break down hence assisting in reducing the costs and time lost due to downtime. Further, the other benefit is routing and scheduling which means that all the decisions will be based on the data that will be available and the best transportation routes instead of guessing and making assumptions as to which routes will be the least consuming in terms of time and fuel. Such IoT systems will also monitor the environment for dangers and ensure a paired response reduces accidents and even losses of valuable materials. Some of the IoT solutions utilized in automated material handling are AGVs, smart storage, and connected chain management solutions in healthcare, commerce, and manufacturing industries among many others. With the IoT incorporated into the operations of these industries, the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the supply chain processes can be enhanced.

Moreover, a growing number of warehouses are implementing automated material handling systems because this helps to reduce the chances of workers being injured due to performing certain operations such as lifting heavy loads or performing repetitive processes which would be strenuous and straining on human beings. Moreover, there is also a global increase in work-related incidents that are contributing to the adoption of automated material handling systems in warehousing companies, hence the expansion in its requirement in the coming future. For example, as per the data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfatal occupational injuries, and illnesses increased to 2,804.2 thousand in 2022 from 2,607.9 thousand in 2021 in the United States. Of these, 2,343.6 thousand were work-related injuries recorded in 2022. Moreover, there is a greater influx of automated material handling companies into the market with new and advanced solutions for smart warehousing storage systems.

Such products developed are not just for logistics and handling but also for an efficient supply chain, which enables the distribution of the goods to the end consumers more effectively. For instance, in December 2022, Daifuku Co., Ltd. announced the plan for the construction of a new manufacturing facility in India at Hyderabad, specifically at its subsidiary Vega Conveyors and Automation Private Limited (Vega). The facility is anticipated to be ready by 2024 and will produce systems for automatic warehousing, conveyors, sorters, and rail-guided vehicles, among others. Due to the rapid economic growth in the Indian market, Vega is expected to increase its manufacturing capabilities by four times.

Moreover, the advancement of automated material handling capabilities is also attributed to the increased efficiency experienced because of real-time data tracking, predictive maintenance, and automation aspects of the processes due to the IoT. The extent of IoT capabilities concerning tracking and monitoring is that real-time tracking can extend to assets in storage, inventory, and operations, thereby increasing efficiency in the functioning order and minimizing order downtime. With IoT, efficiency is also enhanced because it is possible to keep maintenance schedules without interfering with the operations of the factory.

Additionally, the healthcare industry verticals not only involve hospitals, and clinics but also medical device manufacturers that utilize IoT in the storage and distribution of products pharmaceutical goods, and medical equipment. These underlined institutions make use of automated material handling systems for the provisioning and storage of medical consumables products, such as surgical instruments. The systems can be enhanced to promote better patient care and safety by lessening the risks of misplacing, mishandling, and improper storage of medical materials and supplies which presents a wider scope of automated material handling growth potential in the supervening years.

Figure 1: Increase in Global B2b E-commerce Gmv, in Us$ Billion, in 2024-2026

Increase in global B2B e-commerce GMV

Source: International Trade Administration (ITA)

Moreover, e-commerce processes optimized through IoT technologies can ensure quicker delivery with more precision, which will result in higher levels of customer satisfaction. This technology can also help mitigate risks of inaccuracies and guarantee the correct filling of orders consequently raising the esteem of customers. E-commerce includes a wide range of business activities, including e-retailing, digital marketplaces, and e-commerce business-to-business interactions. E-retailing deals with goods sold from businesses to customers directly, while digital marketplaces are intermediaries that bring together sellers and buyers in a variety of sectors. E-commerce B2B consists of buying and selling products between companies through electronic and internet canyons like catalogs and marketplaces. In recent years, e-commerce order handling has been a necessity considering the growing scope of e-commerce activities. It is the increased acceptance of e-commerce retailing and its automation that translates to the application of automated material handling like automated vehicles and conveyors to enhance efficiency and accuracy. The B2B e-commerce sector recorded a significant rate of growth which was a market size of US$28.082 billion in 2022 and will reach US$36,163 billion by 2026, ITA reported.

Key Developments:

Year Development
July 2024 In Japan, a cloud-based AI service for assessing the safety of forklifts was developed by Toyota Material Handling and Fujitsu. The AI Forklift Driving Analysis service integrates logistics processes using Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS and the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service to evaluate safety in operating a forklift which is particularly infrastructure for the cloud. The service, which can be found in TMHJ FOLKLORE IoT subscription services, uses an AI that has learned from how forks are maneuvered and how operators conduct safety checks to smartly warn of unsafe operations and also prepare safety driving scorecards for the operators. This reduces the amount of time that would be used in watching video footage and increases the level of awareness in the safety of the operators.
May 2024 KION North America partnered with Fox Robotics, where KION NA would manufacture and assemble autonomous trailer loaders/unloaders referred to as FoxBots in Summerville, South Carolina KION facilities. This is a non-strategic collaboration and the purpose of this collaboration is to increase the supply chain for FoxBots ATLs and create the network for services for autonomous forklifts across the USA.
May 2023 Toyota Material Handling launched three additional electric lift truck models together with the Side Entry End Rider model, Center Rider Stacker model as well as Industrial Tow Tractor model. They incorporate functionality and adaptability of the operators making them competent in inter-warehouse movement as well as order assembly. Side Entry End Rider that comes in 6000 and 8000-pound variants comes with an automatic parking brake and power-assisted steering making it more energy efficient.

 

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Innovations Happening in the Carbonated Soft Drink Industry

The carbonated soft drink market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.46%, from US$323.131 billion in 2025 to US$401.930 billion in 2030.

Soft drinks, often known as soda, pop, coke, or fizzy beverages, are widely consumed around the world and are defined by Merriam-Webster as carbonated, nonalcoholic beverages. Soft drinks were first marketed in the 17th century as a blend of lemon juice, water, and honey. Later, in the 18th century, the first carbonated drinks debuted as health treatments. Soft drinks are now mass-produced in large quantities, utilizing a combination of water, carbonation, flavoring syrup, and bottling to sell to consumers.

As customers strive to live better and more environmentally conscious lifestyles, the push for healthier and more sustainable drinks has recently begun to appear at the forefront of innovation and demand within the soft drink sector. This appears to be a vital component of organizations’ future success, along with bringing new flavors and concepts that appeal to customers.

The Making of Carbonated Soft Drinks:

The first step in making bottled CSDs is for the syrup producer to follow the formula and blend the raw components, which include flavourings, chemicals, and (depending on the beverage type) the sweetener. While each CSD’s recipe differs, the main ingredients are carbonated water, sweeteners, or non-caloric sweeteners. Other minor additives include acids, flavor enhancers, mouthfeel enhancers, scent enhancers, emulsions, preservatives, and antioxidants.

Factors Accelerating the Carbonated Soft Drink Market:

Carbonated beverages have gained popularity among consumers due to their busy lifestyles. The food industry’s low-calorie carbonated beverage market has grown in response to rising demand for clean-label, gluten-free, low-calorie, and low-carb goods. Low-calorie beverages have grown in popularity as the broader functional beverage market has grown and consumers have become more health-conscious. The market’s expansion has been aided by the widespread availability of low or zero-calorie drinks in stores such as Walmart and convenience stores. To attract more customers, major players are continually inventing and creating new flavors for zero-calorie drinks.

North America is known for its highest consumption of soft drinks. Factors driving the North American market include a shift in eating patterns, as well as the region’s growing youth population and increased demand for carbonated beverages. In addition, to meet new difficulties, businesses are innovating and developing products while bearing in mind the region’s health and wellness concerns. These factors are propelling the carbonated beverage market in North America to new heights.

Carbonated Soft Drink Market Leaders:

PepsiCo, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Corporation are the two titans of the carbonated soft drink (CSD) and beverage industries, respectively. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been long-time rivals. Since 1975, Pepsi has used the renowned “Pepsi challenge” as a marketing slogan. Originally, the challenge was a taste test in which people were asked to drink beverages from two blank cups, one filled with Pepsi Cola and the other with Coca-Cola. Consumers were invited to compare the two drinks and select their favorite. Pepsi Cola came out on top. Although currently, Coca-Cola has a larger market share than PepsiCo. Coca-Cola also made more money in 2021, with $38.7 billion compared to $25.3 billion for PepsiCo.

Key Developments:

  • In May 2020, The Coca-Cola Company became the first company in the Netherlands and Norway to bottle its entire line of locally produced beverage brands in 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate packaging, as part of the company’s “Global World Without Waste” mission.
  • PepsiCo Inc. launched Soulboost, a sparkling water beverage with a dash of natural juice and beneficial additives, in May 2021.
  • Parle Agro said in June 2020 that it had signed on with prominent e-commerce operators and was onboarding a slew of national and specialty players to boost the company’s online sales contribution to overall revenue.
  • As consumers are getting more health-conscious, Pepsi recently released Pepsi Zero Sugar Cola Soft Drink with Mango Flavor. In the last five years, Pepsi has launched its first permanent flavored cola.
  • Coca-Cola with Coffee Caramel Flavored Cola was initially introduced in Japan in 2018 and is currently available in three flavors: Dark Blend, Vanilla, and Caramel in the United States.

Global Carbonated Soft Drink Market Scope:

Report Metric Details
 Market size value in 2020 US$48,988.516 million
 Market size value in 2027 US$56,949.96 million
 Growth Rate CAGR of 2.17% from 2020 to 2027
 Base year 2020
 Forecast period 2022–2027
 Forecast Unit (Value) USD Million
 Segments covered Type, Packaging, Distribution Channel, And Geography
 Regions covered North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific
 Companies covered The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper, National Beverage Corp., Jones Soda Co., Novamex, Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., Niagara Bottling, LLC, Hamoud Boualem, Danone S.A.
 Customization scope Free report customization with purchase

Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) Market size worth US$25.540 billion by 2029

The Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38.24% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$5.059 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$25.540 billion by 2029.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology works by permitting EVs to communicate with the power grid. Typically, part of the V2G innovation, which empowers EVs not only to utilize power from the grid for their charging purposes but also to play a part in returning abundance energy to the grid, when essential, subsequently supporting and adjusting the energy requirement of the system. In addition to decreasing peak load on the grid and supply-demand coordinating, V2G innovation helps in new income generation for EV owners and is anticipated to become progressively vital in renewable energy generation as battery innovation proceeds to progress and grid framework adoption rises.

 As per the report, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is anticipated to develop at a significant pace.

The V2G market is growing during the forecasted period majorly with the increasing electricity consumption, and rising installation of EV stations across the globe. One of the significant driving factors estimated to propel the global vehicle-to-grid market forward is the growing EV landscape across the globe. The growth in the EV sector saw a huge jump over recent years and is mainly attributed to the growth in the electric vehicle and its battery technology. In addition, wider adoption of terminal infrastructure for EV charging and operation support requires a corresponding increase in the demand for EVs, thus driving new technologies such as vehicle-to-grid technology.

The market is witnessing diverse collaborations and innovative technological advancements, for instance, in May 2024, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL) partnered with India Smart Grid Forum under a Memorandum of Understanding signed to work on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology Demonstration Project. This pilot project is meant to demonstrate the basics of interaction of EVs with the grid, to lower the carbon emissions in both transportation and electricity provision.

Based on the battery type, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is divided into lithium-ion, lead acid, nickel metal hydride battery, and others. The V2G market is anticipated to be majorly ruled by lithium-ion batteries due to components like their high energy density, productivity, and lightweight. They have a generally long cycle life, meaning they can survive with negligible degradation for numerous charging and discharging cycles. By maintaining generally constrained energy loss in the charging and discharging forms, these batteries can store the maximum sum of energy and convey it to the grid.

Based on the e-vehicle, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is classified into battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). BEVs segment is expected to boost the V2G market size due to variables like their larger battery packs, standalone battery system, and reduced maintenance. BEVs have greater energy storage ability, making them a more practical choice for application in V2G. Their battery system integrates easily into V2G systems without hindering the vehicle’s main functions.

Based on the end-user, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is categorized into residential and commercial. The residential segment will emerge as a major contributor to V2G market expansion, given the rising inclination toward EVs, this would expand the market with more players in V2G technology advancements. Many residential users will benefit by using V2G technology for their energy consumption management and serve as energy storage systems in the case of grid failures.

Based on geography, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is extending majorly in the Asia Pacific region due to various variables. This is due to rising government support and investment in EV adoption. This encapsulates countries such as China, India, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia which are some of the most significant regions witnessing EV growth, which will be reflected in the increase of EV-related technological advancements like V2G technology. In addition, the region is prominent on the global among the world’s largest EV manufacturers with China, and Japan leading in producing and selling of EV. Further, utility-scale implementation coupled with infrastructural proliferation is a niche trend in the regional market expansion.

As a part of the report, the major players operating in the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market that have been covered are Nuvve Holding Corp, Jedlix, Virta Global, IoTecha, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, ENGIE SA, Hitachi Energy Limited (Hitachi Group), GridX, Duke Energy, Synop, Tata Power DDL, and CHAdeMO.

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This analytics report segments the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market on the following basis:

  • By Battery Type
    • Lithium-Ion
    • Lead Acid
    • Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
    • Others
  • By E-Vehicle
    • Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
    • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
    • Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
  • By End-User
    • Residential
    • Commercial
  • By Geography
    • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • UK
      • France
      • Spain
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • India
      • Australia
      • Others

  • Vehicle Analytics Market share

  • EV Semiconductor Devices Market size

  • EV Charging Connectors Market Report

How Electric Vehicle Telematics is Driving the Future of Smart Mobility

Telematics refers to the use of information technology, as well as telecommunications, about vehicles, particularly in electric vehicles, to transmit and receive data. In today’s world, technology enables twenty-four communications between electric vehicles and the systems that control them from the locations of their operations, which enables more than just the monitoring of the vehicles’ locations.

In the context of EVs, which are evolving with alternative sustainability practices, the incorporation of telematics is worth noting as it revolutionises the collection and application of data from electric vehicles. In the development of electric mobility, the role of Telemedicine as a sub-discipline of medicine and information technologies cannot be neglected. In this paper, we portray the role of telematics concerning the ever-growing demand as regards source collection on electric vehicles. This also directs us to possible practical responses to this and sustainable advancement.

As the world tends towards sustainable modes of transport, electric vehicles (EVs) have become an important element of intelligent mobility solutions. This trend also incorporates electric vehicle telematics which is the integration of analytics, telecommunications and on-vehicle systems. It revolutionizes vehicular connectivity and the usage of vehicles within smart cities with the use of advanced technology. Which has also increased the sales of electric vehicles globally, for instance, as per the International Energy Agency, the sales of electric vehicles increased by 3.5 million in 2023 compared to 2022, a 35% annual increase. Compared to 2018, this is more than six times higher.

Figure 1:  Global Electric Vehicle Sales, in Millions, 2022 to 2023

electric vehicle sales

Source: International Energy Agency

EV Telematics is Shaping Smart Mobility in the Following Ways

  • Real-Time Battery and Range Management
  • Monitoring Vehicle Health and Predictive Maintenance
  • Operational Efficiency and Fleet Management
  • Data-Driven Perspectives for Private and Public Transportation Solutions
  • Improving Driver Experience and Safety
  • Smaller Systems

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Real-Time Battery and Range Management

EV telematics informs the user about the battery status, charge levels, and range in real-time. It reduces range anxiety as it facilitates effective trip management for fleet operators and drivers. Collectively based on the battery usage, the telematics systems can give the best routes, and charging time estimates, and warn the users concerning the available charging locations. Telematics-based smart charging techniques allow fleet managers to reduce downtime and enhance energy efficiency. For example, in ride-hailing electric vehicle fleets, telematics ensures that the driver is routed to a charging station whenever they have idle time or between trips.

2. Monitoring Vehicle Health and Predictive Maintenance

The usage of predictive maintenance through the analysis of telematics data has aided in sustaining vehicles for a longer period by detecting problems at a nascent stage and minimizing breakdowns.  This is useful for vehicles, especially EVs, with fleet management systems where telematics help monitor parameters such as battery health or even the cooling system, alerting the driver or fleet manager of any possible problem ahead of time before it gets worse. This ensures continuous operations, reduces costs for maintenance and enhances the reliability of mobility services such as EV car-sharing services.

3. Operational Efficiency and Fleet Management

In the sphere of electric fleet management, electric vehicle telematics plays a crucial role as it provides information that helps the operator monitor several vehicles at the same time and in real time.  Fleet managers can control costs and ensure uninterrupted service by monitoring driver behaviour, energy consumption, vehicle position, as well as the efficiency of the route taken.  For example, telematics information supports automated vehicle dispatch systems that allocate vehicles based on demand and adjust vehicle movements to minimize wait times.

4. Energy Management and Smart Charging

Due to their interoperability with the smart grid, telematics systems for electric vehicles (EVs) enable efficient energy consumption such as charging of vehicle batteries only when the electricity consumption is at its lowest.

In vehicle-to-grid systems (V2G), there are provisions for electric vehicles (EVs) to put back surplus energy to the grid at certain times of the day which is beneficial in reducing the grid load.  Telematics ensures the interaction of parking spaces, charging points, and transportation networks in smart cities. Reducing grid load helps reduce costs of running EV fleets, and increases their ecological sustainability.

5. Data-Driven Perspectives for Private and Public Transportation Solutions

In smart cities, mobility planning can be enhanced by the enormous amounts of data that vehicle telematics systems collect from the vehicles, the drivers and the urban traffic. Aggregated telematics data can be deployed by the authorities to improve public transport, ease traffic, and set up a charging infrastructure that can be sustained by the demand levels. For example, the telematic information from an EV fleet operated by a city’s transit authority – this data could be used to install additional charging stations in the city or to re-route existing bus service.

6. Improving Driver Experience and Safety

EV telematics enhances safety by monitoring driver behaviours, such as sudden stops or quick accelerations, and providing training information to improve their driving skills.  Telematics enhances emergency assistance systems and collision alerts that ensure immediate help in cases of an accident.

Such systems even connect to the in-car entertainment units and provide a live interactive map to the driver, directing him on where to turn next and how to make the best use of his vehicle. For instance, less aggressive driving results in lesser insurance, accidents, and costs related to the fleet being out of commission for repair.

7. Boosting Mobility-as-a-Service’s Development

In Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystems, where several transport modes like public transport, e-scooters, or car-sharing services are accessed through a single system, electric vehicle (EV) telematics plays a significant role.

Telematics systems allow for more effective management of electric vehicle fleets on MaaS platforms and improve the status updated in real-time by ensuring that the cars are located in a way that corresponds to demand.  For example, EV-crediting systems utilize telematics to make sure that there is a charging station within the vicinity of requested cars and that those cars are fully charged and ready.

Silicon Carbide’s Impact on Electric Vehicle’s Performance

The overall performance of these vehicles is significantly impacted by the integration of SiC technology into EVs. Due to SiC’s special characteristics, several operational parameters, including efficiency, range, acceleration, and charging times, can be significantly improved.

In conclusion, telematics of Electric Vehicles is revolutionizing smart mobility by enabling data-based decision-making, enhancing operating practices and ensuring connectivity. The cities are bound to grow smarter with the integration and application of electric vehicles in cities of the future, telematics will be inevitable.

The telematics of electrical vehicles provides the tools to lift the enhancement of society towards more sustainable transportation networks; from fleet operators maximizing the efficiency of their transport routes to the cities planning for electric vehicle energy charging points. T-Telematics, electric vehicle technology and smart city network integration will revolutionize mobility solutions across the globe and maximize their use.

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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Software Market size worth US$933.510 million by 2029

The life cycle assessment (LCA) software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.60% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$472.311 million in 2024, and is expected to reach US$933.510 million by 2029.

Life Cycle Assessment Software evaluates the ecological effects of a production or product throughout its whole life from raw materials until it is thrown away. To do this, the assessment includes waste disposal, discharge rate, and energy consumption. The risk management system, which includes environmental threats to planned products or services, is made possible by the software, which also makes it possible to manage a wide range of operations surrounding the product.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software has found a wide application in various fields because it can analyze products and services. Organizations utilize this software for supply chain and procurement management, marketing and sales, research and development, and strategic management tasks. This fleeting state in time is caused by a rise in consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, better government regulations, and rapid technological advancement.

A lot of data is needed for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates a product’s performance and models the scenarios that are suggested to enhance it. Data analysis, data modelling, and conceptual alignment of data are sustained by the union of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with life cycle assessment (LCA) software. Environmental tools are based on the increased availability of data and information. Applying this technology to create machine learning predictive models for use in decision-making could involve utilizing LCA models in addition to various AI clustering algorithms.

When artificial intelligence (AI) is combined with a life cycle assessment tool, a valuable and sustainable integrated framework for fuel transportation is created. This is made possible by the innovative dynamic product lifecycle approach. The optimization of the design and production processes for the construction of sustainable materials is another benefit of combining AI and LCA. AI can be simply integrated into Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to perform repetitive tasks, analyze and interpret data, and more. Reducing waste and energy use can all be used to figure out how long different products will last and what kind of maintenance they need, which will improve their overall operational efficiency.

The characteristic influence on raw material inventories, transportation, supply chains, and product bundling is also examined by the LCA computer program. This data helps identify problem areas, such as reducing emissions from transportation or determining reliable sources for raw materials. LCA tools give businesses a competitive edge by assisting in the consistent declaration of the environmental impacts associated with various products, thereby educating consumers about these impacts. For instance, in August 2022, Skullcandy Limited Edition Transparency Series was launched to introduce awareness concerning the ecological effects of its products, even as it upholds its dedication to carbon reduction using Stereo Headphones (#)True Wireless Earbuds, a famed provider of Stereo Headphones1and True Wireless Earbuds2 by the name Skullcandy, introduced the special collection Transparency Series to raise awareness about how environmentally friendly or harmful their goods are so that they remain on course towards reducing carbon emissions.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market, by deployment, is divided into two types- on-premises and cloud. The cloud-deployment segment is expected to increase substantially as it is generally seen as concomitant with its collaborative functionalities, ability to respond to changes in size, and easy access at any given time during the forecasting horizon. People can use this software as necessary, no matter where they are located in the world, provided there is an internet connection because it does not require any specific hardware. In addition, cloud-enabled life cycle assessment tools simplify data transfer through integrated links with other sustainable technologies including databases.

Moreover, some companies favour on-premise solutions since the software worries about data security and privacy. By hosting the software, organizations can have more control over security measures. During the forecast period, it is expected that their ability to guarantee adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements will boost the uptake of on-premises LCA software.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market, by enterprise size, is divided into three types- small, medium, and large. The large enterprise segment is growing due to rigorous sustainability goals and organizational commitments to shrink their environmental footprint.” Large organizations are expected to use the product more as a result of the need to assess the environmental effects of transportation, manufacturing processes, and raw materials.

Further, the market for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is anticipated to expand significantly throughout the forecast period because these businesses need a systematic method for evaluating and enhancing their environmental performance while taking the life cycle effects of their goods and services into account.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market, by application, is divided into five types- Food and beverages, consumer goods, packaging, construction, and others. The increasing need to assess the environmental effects of different products, including plastic, paper, glass, and metal, is expected to propel the packaging segment to record high market share. This analysis can be used by packaging companies to select packaging materials that are less harmful to the environment.

The North American region is expected to witness significant growth in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market during the forecasted period. increasing attention being paid to corporate sustainability and environmental accountability in countries like America and Canada. People in the area are aware of the health benefits of nature-friendly products because of the government’s increased regulations requiring corporations to maintain a sustainable environment. Thanks to the life cycle assessment software, they can keep an eye on their environmental footprints and establish a sustainable business that advances the goal of a sustainable environment.

The research includes several key players from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market, such as PRé Sustainability B.V., iPoint-systems gmbh, One Click LCA Ltd., EarthShift Global, GreenDelta, Circular Ecology, Athena Sustainable Materials Institute, Solid Forest, Sphera, Altermaker, Minviro Ltd, P6 Technologies, SCS Global Sevices, Intertek Group plc, and SolidWorks Sustainability.

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The analytics report categorizes the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

The Role of Biomethane in Decarbonizing Transportation and Industry

Introduction:

Global carbon emissions are increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to the International Energy Agency, it has reached an all-time high of 36.8 gigatons. Industrial processes, transportation, electricity generation, manufacturing, and construction are the largest contributors to global greenhouse emissions. In 2022, the industry sector accounted for 9.15 gigatons of CO2, and the transportation sector accounted for 7.98 gigatons of CO2, making them 2nd and 3rd largest contributors to global carbon emissions.

Though the world is taking steps in reducing global carbon emissions, there is still a need to reduce carbon emissions by revolutionizing the decarbonization process of various sectors. One of the most effective ways to achieve decarbonization is by transitioning to renewable sources of energy like biogas and biomethane. These renewable alternatives have significant environmental benefits as they can provide cleaner and more sustainable options for transport and industry energy needs.

Biomethane is a renewable natural gas that is a near-pure source of methane. It is mostly produced by upgrading biogas by removing carbon dioxide and other contaminants present in it.  A wide variety of feedstocks can be used to produce biogas, such as crop residue, animal manure, wastewater sludge, and woody biomass, especially when produced through the gasification route. Biomethane is indistinguishable from natural gas and thus can be used in the same way as natural gas. It has the capacity to provide energy benefits like natural gas while being carbon neutral. Thus, biomethane is a perfect renewal energy source for decarbonizing the globe.

Biomethane in Detail:

  • What is Biomethane and how it is produced

Biomethane is a combustible gas that is near the pure source of methane and is similar to natural gas. It is produced mostly by upgrading biogas (produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter like animal manure and crops growing in an oxygen-free environment) or through the gasification process.  It is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and it can be stored, distributed, and used like natural gas. Thus, biomethane can play a significant role in achieving clean energy objectives and decarbonizing the globe. For this reason, there is a need to utilize biomethane by investing in its production and usage to address increasing carbon emissions.

Biomethane is produced by either upgrading biogas or through the thermal gasification process:

  1. Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste in an oxygen-free environment resulting in a mixture of 70-75% methane, 20-25% carbon dioxide, water, and some contaminants are upgraded by using various technologies to remove C02 and other contaminants. 90% of total biomethane can be produced through this method only.
  2. Biomethane is also produced through thermal gasification, where woody biomass is broken down at high temperatures and pressure. The resultant gas mixture is cleaned to remove any acidic and corrosive components, followed by a methanation process to produce methane.

  • Benefits offered by Biomethane

Biomethane is nearly 100% methane and indistinguishable from natural gas. It is carbon-neutral and, thus, a great alternative to fossil fuel as it can be stored, distributed, and used according to the need, having an LHV of around 36MJ/m3. It can be used without any changes in the transmission and distribution infrastructure or end-user equipment and is fully combustible for use in natural gas vehicles.  Hence, biomethane can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. At the same time, it is helpful in waste management as it is produced by organic waste, achieving resource efficiency and being a cleaner source of gas for the globe.

According to a study by the International Energy Agency in 2020, sustainable feedstocks have a huge availability for biogas and biomethane production, but the potential is highly untapped. There is potential to produce 730 Mtoe of biomethane and 570 Mtoe of biogas, but actual production is only 35 Mtoe worldwide as of 2018. This shows the huge untapped potential and how the world is lacking in reducing carbon emissions as its full utilization can meet the world’s 20% gas demand.

production potentail

Source: International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook Report

Biomethane in the Transport Sector

In 2019, direct greenhouse emissions from the transport sector were 8.7GtCO2 compared to 5.0GtCO2 in 1990. The transport sector is the 3rd largest contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 23% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Biomethane is a green fuel that has huge potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions as it is a cleaner, renewable alternative to fossil fuels.

Biomethane can be compressed to make Compressed Biomethane Gas (CBG), which can be used in vehicles in the same infrastructure as compressed natural gas. It can be used in trucks, buses, cars, and other things. These vehicles already have the infrastructure to run on compressed natural gas and can be easily converted to run on compressed biomethane gas. Further, biomethane gas requires distribution infrastructure, which can be done through dedicated retail filling stations, and fuelling stations of the gas grid can be used to offer natural gas blended with biomethane. As per the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, out of the transport sector, 70% of carbon emissions are from road vehicles. Hence, a major chunk of transport decarbonization can happen using compressed biomethane gas.

Using Biomethane in the transport sector has many benefits. It will have a very low carbon footprint when compared with equivalent fossils. It also has indirect environmental benefits like circular economy and waste management and can make the community self-reliant for their energy needs, reducing the energy gap.

Taking Europe as an example, out of 343 million road vehicles, only 1.2 million ran on natural gas and biomethane together in 2014, which is only 0.7% of the total vehicle market. Road transport is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.  Biomethane has huge potential as an alternative fuel to reduce transport decarbonization for all world regions.  There is a need to take policy measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector. Thus, it is crucial to realize and utilize the valuable role that biomethane can play in decarbonizing the transport sector.

Biomethane in Industry

Greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector are attributed to originate from fuel combustion, process emissions, product use, and waste. The industrial sector accounts for 14.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide as per the IPCC report of 2019. It is 24% of all the greenhouse gas produced.

Biomethane can also play a significant role in the industry in the decarbonization process. It is a carbon-neutral gas that can be used interchangeably with traditional natural gas and can be distributed through the same infrastructure.

Biomethane has numerous ways in which it can be used in industries, helping industries to have renewable and sustainable energy sources. Since it is carbon-neutral, it can significantly help industries, which is the 2nd largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Biomethane can be used to generate heat and electricity for industrial processes. All industries, like boilers, require a lot of energy for their processes to run, and furnaces need fuel. Traditionally, they use coal and natural gas for their industrial applications. Biomethane can be used in place of these traditional sources.

It can also be used as fuel to run heavy industrial vehicles and machinery such as tractors, cranes, etc. It can be used in steam production, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, and beverage industries. It can also be used as an alternative to natural gas in the glass and ceramic industry. Since biomethane is a combustible gas, it can be used in industries in almost all places where traditional fuels are used. This will substantially reduce carbon emissions, as 50% of industrial sector emissions are due to direct fuel combustion.

Usage of Biogas and Biomethane in Industry by different countries:

industry use of biogas and biomethane

Source: International Energy Agency

Role Biomethane Can Play in Decarbonizing Transport and Industry in the Future

Currently, 35 Mtoe of biomethane are produced worldwide. The vast majority of biomethane production lies in the European and North American markets; still, biomethane represents 0.1% of natural gas demand. Thus, for now, biogas and biomethane are only a small part of overall bioenergy consumption, and in the transport and industry sectors, their consumption is too low.

There is a range of technologies available for biogas production, like decentralized biodigesters that can be used in households, centralized biodigesters systems, existing wastewater treatment, and landfill gas recovery systems.

In 2019, there was 15,19,650 TJ/Y global production of biogas, and in 2023, it reached 16,28,551 TJ/y of global production of biogas. This amount is insignificant compared to the benefits that biogas and biomethane can provide. Biomethane has huge potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It can play a significant role in the transport and industry sectors to decarbonize it. Yet, it is not utilized to the extent that it can potentially disrupt greenhouse gas reduction. The major reason behind the low utilization of biomethane to decarbonize is strict measures and policies that are not implemented by governments.

According to NGVA Europe’s estimates, about 3.3 million m3 of methane is used as transport fuel in Europe. According to the same report, biomethane can provide at least 20% of the total demand for gaseous transport fuel with the right infrastructure and incentives. This suggests that if the government passes and implements the right infrastructure and policies, biomethane has huge potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

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