Industry News Week 09/18/2020
DuroMaxx SRPE From Contech Approved By AREMA
Contech Engineered Solutions announced that its DuroMaxx steel reinforced polyethylene (SRPE) pipe is available in diameters as large as 120” was recently approved by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) for both direct-bury and reline applications.
DuroMaxx SRPE represents a revolution in pipe construction by combining the strength of 80 ksi steel with the durability of HDB-rated polyethylene plastic, according to the press release.
Click here to review the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering.
“By developing a dependable and durable piping system and providing it at a cost point that allows our customers to do more with ever-shrinking budgets, Contech has truly delivered the next step in the evolution of pipe with DuroMaxx,” said Bob Kerr, Vice President of Plastics at Contech.
Emerald Closes $100 Million Water Innovation Impact Fund
Emerald Technology Ventures announced the closing of its water impact fund, with committed capital totaling $100 million from cornerstone investor Temasek and strategic investors SKion Water, Ecolab and Microsoft, according to the press release.
The fund will invest in early- to expansion-stage companies globally to drive critical innovation and its adoption in the water space, according to the press release. It will support the development of technologies that address some of the most pressing global challenges, as expressed within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including conserving water resources, supporting solutions for sustainable, resilient cities, improving resource efficiency, adapting to climate change, reducing health risks and stimulating innovation & economic growth.
“We are excited to launch this initiative with leading water investors and industry players, leveraging our growing presence in Asia-Pacific and decades-long technology expertise across sectors critical to addressing water challenges,” said Gina Domanig, Managing Partner at Emerald. “This is another example of how partnering with global players accelerates the adoption of technology, which addresses global issues.”
“Addressing water challenges around the world will require transforming the way water systems are managed and advancing new technologies to reduce water consumption and increase water quality and replenishment,” said Brandon Middaugh, director of Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund. “Emerald has long led the way on identifying and investing in industrial technologies that change the market. We look forward to partnering with them and the other LPs on this new fund to accelerate global water innovation.”
“In less than 10 years, demand for freshwater is expected to outpace available supply by 40%,” said Ecolab President and Chief Operating Officer Christophe Beck. “It will take new innovations to reduce consumption and balance supply and demand for this precious resource. The Emerald water impact fund will support and accelerate innovations in the water sector more quickly to help solve this pressing global challenge.”
“Emerald has successfully exited several investments in the water sector,” said Reinhard Hübner, CEO of SKion Water. “Helge Daebel as leader of Emerald’s water activities is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable persons in the global water investor community. We look forward to working closely with the Emerald team and the other LPs of the fund to support innovation in the water sector.”
“As a trusted and value-adding partner, we facilitate collaborations on strategic innovation with global partners and customers,” said Helge Daebel, Partner at Emerald and leading its water activities. “With the closing of this fund, we look forward to continuing to drive the water sector forward by utilizing our proven partnership model for the most innovative water companies.”