September 2024

100% recyclable, 65% less plastic, no compromises

Arborgreen sees a better way to grow. One that protects without compromise. One that is as strong as it is sustainable. A way forward as revolutionary, as it is recyclable. A way that looks beyond today, to the impact we can make tomorrow. Available exclusively from Arborgreen, the new Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard moves the way to grow beyond plant protection, to what we can do to protect the future, by reducing the impact of plastic on the environment and by recycling and reusing what we have today, reducing the need for raw materials. Tested and proven to perform without the performance compromises of other sustainable tree guards, the Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard is made from UNiCOR, an innovative new fluted product with 65% less plastic than traditional tree guards, that is 100% recyclable though a national network of depots. Jason Gooden, Arborgreen Managing Director said, “Time is the most significant cost in any project. This is why the traditional fluted plastic tree guard has, until now, been the most popular tree guard—it is the fastest to install, the most durable, and the most reusable. The Mallee Elemental 65 Tree Guard is fast to install, durable, and reusable, and by reducing the plastic content by 65%, it is a product that not only protects trees but also protects the future.” The Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard is just the start, with new (and even more sustainable) products currently in development. Arborgreen is committed to helping Australia grow, by providing the best tools for better environments; if a solution exists, they’ll find it. If it doesn’t, they’ll make one. Marc Jarvis, Head of Marketing, Arborgreen adds, “Our new Mallee Elemental 65 Tree Guard is a testament to our mission of delivering innovative solutions that are as good for the […]

CSIRO unveils prototype nanofibre uniform to safeguard Australian troops

Researchers at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, have successfully developed a next-generation uniform prototype that employs nanofibres to safeguard Australian troops from chemical and biological threats. The innovative material is a lightweight fabric that effectively filters out harmful particles while remaining light-weight and breathable, keeping the wearer comfortable in extreme temperatures. CSIRO Manufacturing Research Unit Director, Dr Marcus Zipper said this textile innovation was the result of collaboration with industry and research partners, including DMTC. “Our nanofibre technology, pioneered by CSIRO scientists, has the potential to significantly improve the level of protection soldiers’ uniforms provide and can also be used for non-military applications, including protecting emergency responders and hazmat crews,” Dr Zipper said. “CSIRO research and development in materials science looks to improve how a particular material functions – we work across a broad range of advanced materials including metals, composites, polymers, adsorbents and nanofibres,” Dr Zipper said. The initial phase of this project was funded by the Department of Defence. The successful nanofibre suit prototype was coordinated by DMTC Limited. Also involved in supporting the project are Bruck Textiles, Defence Science and Technology Group and RMIT University. Head of Program Management at DMTC, Deepak Ganga, said the new prototype uniform could deliver a significant leap forward in soldier protection, ensuring better comfort and mobility in harsh environments. “This project demonstrates the power of collaboration. CSIRO’s scientific excellence in nanofibre research has been matched with the expertise of our partners in textiles, defence science, and manufacturing,” Mr Ganga said. “This has resulted in a groundbreaking solution that offers benefits for Australian troops, for the first responder community and, potentially for Australia’s alliance partners,” he said. CSIRO project lead Dr Yen Truong said key to the prototype’s success lies in its innovative nanofibre technology, developed by CSIRO scientists. “We harnessed […]

Free commercial heat pump upgrade now available in Victoria

Victorian businesses now have an un-missable opportunity to upgrade their old gas-powered hot water systems to energy-efficient heat pumps at no cost. It comes courtesy of the Victorian State Government’s Commercial Heat Pump Rebate program. This initiative is part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, which aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the state. Victoria has a 2050 net-zero carbon target. Efficient Energy Group – Victorian Energy Upgrades Partner Efficient Energy Group (link)https://www.efficientenergygroup.com.au/free-commercial-hot-water-system-for-businesses-vic/ (EEG) is committed to helping Victorian businesses switch to energy-efficient hot water systems. The company offers a free upgrade to a heat pump system in commercial buildings with gas hot water systems that are at least 10 years old. This offer is exclusive to commercial properties. Home offices do not qualify. CEO Joshua Liptak encourages all eligible Victorian businesses to take full advantage of this rebate, which covers both the cost of the heat pump system and its installation. He explains, “Switching fromgas to a heat pump is a win-win for businesses. It reduces your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. This is a very simple but very effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and future-proof your business against rising energy costs.” Maximise Energy Efficiency with Heat Pumps Why heat pumps? Liptak explains, “Heat pumps heat water using ‘thermal transfer’. So, essentially, they extract heat from the air, and transfer it to the water. This makes them significantly more energy- efficient than traditional gas systems.” He adds, “By only using electricity as part of the heat extraction process and not to directly heat water, these pumps can produce up to three times more heat energy for the electrical energy they consume! This not only lowers operational costs but also helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint.” Key Benefits of […]

Its the Shito

Coast of Gold Bursts into Australian Market with Award-Winning Shito Pepper Sauce Range An Australian brand centred on authentic West African flavours is making massive waves in the premium foods and condiments market, with the official launch of the award-winning Coast of Gold Shito Pepper Sauce range. Arguably the most loved sauce in Ghana, Shito (pronounced Shi-Tow) is a unique blend of hot peppers, herbs, spices and seafood, slow cooked to perfection. Known for its smoky heat and rich flavour profile, it pairs well with a variety of dishes such as rice, grilled meats, vegetables and even snacks. Boldly bursting into the Australian market with Gold and Silver accolades from the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, Coast of Gold’s Shito Pepper Sauce is now available in a sweet, smoky and spicy Hot variety (Silver award-winner), Medium heat, and via a 100 per cent plant based Mild (Gold award-winner) recipe. The range has also received international acclaim via a Gold Star at the 2024 Guild of Fine Food Awards in the United Kingdom. With all three individual varieties also available in a taster pack and as a value bundle, Shito Pepper Sauce is the hero product of the Coast of Gold brand, which is sold online and delivers nationally and internationally. Rapidly capturing the attention of specialty food stores since its recent launch, the range is also now sold through more than 70 retailers across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. With plans for rapid wider distribution soon across the nation, Coast of Gold was originally founded during the Covid-19 lockdown period in the home kitchen of Ghana-born Sydneysider, Genevieve Muir. After more than a year of perfecting the recipe via countless test batches made with the input of her family members scattered across the globe – aunties […]

Climate smarts:The role of Australian companies in addressing climate change through technology

by Ross Thompson CEO, Greenbox Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region – from Singapore to Sydney, Adelaide to Auckland – are central to decarbonisation. If Australia and its business ecosystem doesn’t ride the opportunity winds to its 2050 net zero target, don’t expect too much wealth and health to flow through the Australian economy in the years ahead. Current events and latest polls tell us that Federal and State Policies have taken too long to implement. Meanwhile, a majority in our households and the workplace are thinking ‘just get on with it.’ As the presidential election approaches in the US, should the Democratic Party keep its control, it is likely that significant investment into cleantech will continue off the back of President Biden’s administration signing into law the largest clean energy investments in America’s history. Add to this that the globally agreed target limit of 1.5C to avoid damaging climate change impacts was recently breached across an entire year for the first time, according to the European Union’s climate service, and it seems clear we need to take action – and soon. How we create and use technology is the biggest lever to manage climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates that 35% of the emissions cuts needed to meet 2050 climate goals will have to come from technologies not yet available. The window will close as governments and firms jostle for gamechanger tech in this great clean energy economy. Given the enormity of the task at hand to decarbonise Australia, there will always be pressing trade-offs as Australia looks to leverage its abundance of gas reserves as the transitional fuel towards its 2050 net zero targets (latest policy, backing gas until ‘2050 and beyond’). Aussie smarts should and must supply the inexorable demand created by the global transition to […]

2. The Melt Modern Manufacturing centre in Muswellbrook provides access to facilities and technical specialists at an affordable price 2

Advanced manufacturing

A vibrant advanced manufacturing sector is emerging from the Hunter’s well-established traditional assemblage. Much of the advanced manufacturing aligns with the existing defence, aerospace, and mining industries but also incorporates chemical processing, construction, and energy generation and distribution. Advanced manufacturing in the Hunter comprises about 2000 regional businesses employing about 20,000 people and contributing $2 billion to the NSW economy. The sector’s priorities include improving engagement with international markets, accessing global supply chains, and increasing the engagement between research and industry. It is important the Hunter’s advanced manufacturers position themselves to maximise their potential to leverage government initiatives including the National Reconstruction Fund, the Future Made in Australia bill and Industry Growth programs among many others. The current ecosystem suggests the Hunter is well placed to build leading capability. Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) recognises the importance of sharing the stories of the region’s advanced manufacturers on a national stage. HMA chair Jacqui Daley says it enhances “Brand Hunter”. Assisting advanced manufacturing businesses reach the stage where they have a worthy story to tell is The Melt, founded in 2017 as a spinoff from Australia’s most successful corporate accelerator, Slingshot. Brett Thomas is Director and Chief Operating Officer of The Melt’s Muswellbrook facility, which provides technical specialists, and investment funding via Melt Ventures, to help emerging businesses prove, prototype, pilot, and produce physical devices. “We help start-ups and scale-ups,” Mr Thomas says. “In particular, businesses creating new devices and products that are clean tech, climate tech, or advanced-manufacturing related. Most of those products have embedded IoT (internet of things) and software elements but the core of the products is a physical device.” MrThomas says the risk of failure for the founders, start-ups, and scaling businesses making physical products is much higher than it is for other start-ups. There are several reasons […]

Enabling secure access to modern manufacturing networks

Article by Leon Poggioli, ANZ Regional Director at Claroty Traditional manufacturing plants and OT (Operational Technology) networks had no internet connectivity. They could run in a semi-isolated fashion, and there was little risk of a cyberattack. As the modern OT network becomes more digitised and technology-enabled to leverage AI and increased automation, they are now experiencing a much higher level of cyber risk. Traditional plants were operated very much onsite, with access controlled by strong physical mechanisms like site inductions and physical security methods permitting people to attend the site, make changes and operate the facility. The digital transformation now underway in OT networks has resulted in far more digital connectivity, with a greater focus on safety and productivity meaning more work is completed via digital methods – either by operators onsite, remote workers and 3rd party contractors, or remote machine-to-machine connectivity, with things like cloud-based AI analytics which optimise plant infrastructure. Traditional methods of access to these networks have not kept up with the digital transformation underway in OT. Password-sharing continues as a common practice, and many devices remain configured with default credentials. One recent example where this occurred was the cyberattack on Unitronics devices used by Water Authorities in the United States, which were directly exposed to the internet with default credentials configured. Some more mature organisations use a complex web of jump-boxes and VPNs to broker access to key systems in a zoned OT network, making it difficult to administer and maintain strict zero trust access to critical systems, not to mention the impact to useability as users need to log in via multiple hops to perform the work they need to perform. The digital transformation underway in cyber-physical networks demands a better approach to broker access securely to critical production systems, without compromising useability or adding unnecessary complexity. Users […]

Super-tough cushions get to the bottom of tricky lifting problems

Aramid textile-coated reusable Pronal CLT lifting cushions in capacities up to 65 tons per unit Mining, construction, energy exploration, and infrastructure groups are becoming ever nimbler in moving plant, people, and resources over major distances as opportunities decline at one site and open up in more profitable areas. This has led to a new generation of transportable technologies and plant, including portable buildings and transportable facilities that need to be safely lifted for trucking to new destinations. “Such vital facilities can include accommodation, maintenance, engineering, testing, and medical facilities, extending through to containerised energy management and electronic technologies associated with electrification and automation of sites,” says Pronal elastomer engineering specialist Vinh Lam, of Pronal exclusive Australian national distributor Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd. A problem associated with such lift and shifts is creating access gaps under loads for safe lifts onto transport, particularly where space around the load may be limited, or site conditions may involve soft or variable substrates that preclude the initial use of hydraulic or mechanical lifts with high point loads. Even on hard surfaces, using crane or forklifting techniques to create the initial lifting gap may damage hard concrete or tarmac surfaces, unless a working gap is first created for optimally safe access beneath heavy structures, or structures that may have been in place for some time. Pronal lifting cushions gently and safely lift multiple structures and fixed and mobile plant, including containerised plant. “Heavy processing equipment and portable structures often need to be raised to a low height to enable safe clear access so forklift tynes, crane strops, or standard lifting equipment or vehicles can do their work of loading onto transport,” says Vinh Lam. “The lifting gap is important, because it enables heavy lifting equipment to get through beneath the base of the load […]

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile launches from USS Abraham Lincoln.

BAE Systems Australia awarded $270m contract to boost guided weapon component production

BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a $270 million contract to significantly increase the production of critical components and assemblies for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2. The ESSM Block 2 is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. It is in service with 12 countries and is equipped on the Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigates and Hobart class air warfare destroyers. The new contract will greatly enhance capacity for Australian and allied forces and grow BAE Systems Australia’s ESSM workforce by 24 full time positions, including four new apprentices. BAE Systems Australia is the Australian industry lead in the North American Treaty Organisation ESSM Program. Since 1995 over 3000 sets of ESSM Block 1 components and assemblies have been delivered, with Block 2 supply commencing in 2021. The Company continues to expand domestic manufacture of guided weapons and has engaged a network of local suppliers to assist in the delivery of components to meet the needs of Australia and its allies. Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery, BAE Systems Australia, said: “We’re proud to continue delivering as a trusted partner to Australia’s sovereign guided weapon manufacturing capability. “Increasing the rate of production of ESSM Block 2 components will ensure Australia and its allies continue to contribute to peace and stability while remaining protected. “This contract builds on decades of experience delivering domestic and export guided weapon programs and reinforces our position as a key enabler to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”

Enabling secure access to modern manufacturing networks

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News Ticker

September 2024