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Finnish bio-based materials project advances 100% cellulose-based film and coating technology as a scalable alternative to fossil-based packaging

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A new cellulose-based material platform developed in Finland responds to tightening regulatory requirements and industry pressure to both replace and reduce plastic in packaging, including emerging thresholds such as limiting plastic content to below 5 wt% in fibre-based materials. The technology enables transparent, high-performance films and coatings that match the functionality of plastics, while supporting industrial scalability and enabling simplified recycling or biodegradation across multiple environments. 

ESPOO, Finland, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University have advanced fully cellulose-based film and coating materials through the F3 – Films for Future bio-based materials project, enabling the packaging industry to reduce and replace plastic while meeting performance and processing requirements. The materials combine plastic-like functionality with designed end-of-life performance: films are inherently biodegradable, while coatings are engineered for both recyclability within fibre-based systems and biodegradability where required.      
 
The technology enables cellulose to be processed as a polymer rather than a fibre, resulting in transparent films with mechanical and barrier properties comparable to plastics. The development comes as regulation, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), is tightening requirements around recyclability, material composition, and lifecycle impact. 
 
“Plastic films are one of the most widely used packaging formats, yet they are among the most difficult to recycle and a major source of persistent environmental pollution,” says Ali Harlin, Research Professor at VTT and one of the leading coordinators of the F3 project. “At the same time, we are working with manufacturers to help them meet evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining product protection, shelf life, and process efficiency. Cellulose materials open new sustainable solutions for packaging.” 
 
The F3 material platform is designed to integrate with existing converting technologies and fit within current recycling streams or biodegradation pathways, depending on the application. Unlike many bio-based alternatives, it avoids the typical trade-off between functionality and end-of-life handling. 

The project builds on advances in cellulose dissolution and regeneration, enabling the production of films with high transparency, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. Processing compatibility has been demonstrated with conventional methods such as thermoforming, supporting integration into existing industrial infrastructure. 
 
“The cellulose films and coatings have already been demonstrated to have the properties to be processed in various package converting processes, which highlights their future potential,” says Ville Leminen, Professor of Packaging Technology at LUT University and the leader of LUT’s sub-project. 
 
“Finding the right balance between functionality and sustainability is critical for the future of packaging. Through the F3 project, we have bridged this gap by developing fully plastic-free barrier coatings that deliver high performance without ecological compromise. Utilizing our off-line coating line, we are now able to commercialize these solutions on paper and board for demanding food packaging applications,” says Carl-Erik Guttormsen, Area Director at Colombier Finland. 
 
Looking ahead, the platform could potentially open pathways beyond plastic replacement. The material can support multifunctional applications, including barrier coatings, antimicrobial or antioxidant functionality, and environmentally responsive packaging capable of reacting to humidity, gas composition, or pH. These capabilities are increasingly relevant as packaging technology advances toward active and intelligent systems. 
 
“Value chain adoption of these platforms is essential for the ongoing transition towards fully renewable and recyclable technologies. We see chemistry as the key enabler for this transition,” says Mats Berg, Sr Principal Scientist, Discovery & Innovation at Kemira. 
           
Completed in March 2026, the F3 project has demonstrated the feasibility of producing cellulose-based films and coatings at pilot scale across multiple applications. For films, the results show potential as a standalone, transparent packaging material with inherent biodegradability. For coatings, the technology enables high-performance barrier layers that support recyclability in fibre-based packaging systems, while also offering biodegradability where required. The work involved collaboration between research organisations, industry partners, and funding bodies, with a focus on advancing the technology from laboratory development toward scalable manufacturing. 
 
“The key challenge has not been whether alternative materials exist, but how to process them in a way that meets industrial requirements,” says Vinay Kumar, Senior Scientist at VTT. “What has now been demonstrated is a future-ready material platform that offers an alternative to plastics, combining sustainability with the capability to integrate into existing manufacturing and recycling systems. We see strong potential to develop this further together with industry partners.” 
 
“From an industry perspective, scalability and system compatibility are critical factors,” says Riku Talja, Development Manager at Metsä Board. “Solutions that align with current converting technologies and recycling infrastructure are far more likely to transition from pilot-stage innovation to industrial use.” 
 
The next phase will focus on scaling the technology toward commercial applications, with initial use cases in dry food packaging, bakery products, and fibre-based packaging requiring transparent barrier layers. The films provide oxygen barrier performance (Oxygen transmission rate, OTR below 1 cc/m2/day) comparable to conventional plastics at 23°C and 50% RH, while the coatings enable oxygen (OTR below 0.2 cc/m2/day) and grease barrier (KIT 12) functionality in recyclable fibre-based packaging systems.

Further development will target barrier performance under humid conditions, as well as the integration of multiple functionalities within a single material system. Digitalisation, including sensor-enabled or connected packaging, is also expected to play a role in future applications.

Beyond packaging, the material platform has potential applications in areas such as medical materials, electronics, and functional coatings, reflecting the broader role of cellulose as a renewable and versatile polymer in future material systems. 
 
The development aligns with VTT’s strategic mission to accelerate sustainable growth, renew industries, and support companies in scaling new technologies that contribute to the green transition. 
 
F3 in a nutshell

In the Films for Future (F3) research project, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University developed new environmentally friendly packaging solutions with 34 industrial partners. The program was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 

CONTACT:

For additional information: 
Media kit with pictures

Vinay Kumar, Senior Scientist, VTT
+358 50 463 1271 
vinay.kumar@vtt.fi   

Ali Harlin, Research Professor, VTT
+358 40 533 2179
ali.harlin@vtt.fi   

Further information on VTT:

Satu Holm-Jumppanen
Manager, Communications
+358 50 305 4718, satu.holm-jumppanen@vtt.fi 
www.vtt.fi

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/finnish-bio-based-materials-project-advances-100–cellulose-based-film-and-coating-technology-as-a-s,c4359661

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Finnish bio-based materials project advances 100% cellulose-based film and coating technology as a scalable alternative to fossil-based packaging

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F3 demo package VTT

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finnish-bio-based-materials-project-advances-100-cellulose-based-film-and-coating-technology-as-a-scalable-alternative-to-fossil-based-packaging-302796455.html

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PhilWeb Elects Conglomerate Leader Lance Y. Gokongwei as Chairman to Accelerate AI Infrastructure and Transnational Ecosystem Expansion

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MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PhilWeb Corporation (PSE: WEB) today announced the election of prominent business leader Lance Y. Gokongwei as Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

This leadership transition completes the Company’s institutional governance restructuring, following Gokongwei’s recent ₱2.02 billion strategic equity investment and his appointment to the Board in July. The election signals PhilWeb’s definitive shift from cross-border capital formation to the aggressive, large-scale execution of its commercial B2B AI-enabled technology roadmap. 

“This transition marks a critical inflection point for our capitalization and operational scale,” said Chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei. “Our objective is clear: to deploy institutional-grade, AI-powered infrastructure that establishes a new operational standard for security and compliance across the regulated digital ecosystem.” 

AI-Enabled Tech and Expanding Transnational B2B Strategy

Under Chairman Gokongwei’s strategic oversight, PhilWeb is accelerating the deployment of its enterprise artificial intelligence layer. This technological pivot completes the Company’s transition into an institutional-grade digital infrastructure provider capable of powering complex industrial integrations. 

The immediate operational mandate focuses on the integration of high-value backend capabilities:

Real-Time Operational MonitoringAlgorithmic Risk ManagementRegulatory Compliance AutomationAnti-Fraud DetectionData-Driven Customer Lifecycle Optimization

President of PhilWeb, Brian Ng, stated: “Having Lance Gokongwei step into the Chairman role provides the institutional governance required for our next phase of scale. His strategic oversight ensures that our AI infrastructure rollout—specifically engineered to serve the complex backend needs of premium commercial tourism complexes and multinational platform providers—is executed with absolute capital market discipline.” 

Building an Interconnected B2B Commercial Moat

The governance upgrade strengthens PhilWeb’s position as the foundational operational backbone for the regulated digital technology sector. 

Currently, the Company’s AI-driven technology powers a premier, interconnected ecosystem connecting Southeast Asia’s top-tier commercial and cultural tourism conglomerates, multinational digital platforms, and licensed institutional partners. Furthermore, PhilWeb continues to embed elite global digital content and R&D institutions into its unified digital infrastructure, securing deep commercial moats and operational dominance in the B2B market. 

About PhilWeb Corporation (PSE:WEB)

PhilWeb Corporation is a Philippine Stock Exchange-listed technology company providing digital infrastructure, operational systems, and platform technology solutions supporting regulated digital ecosystems in the Philippines.

The Company focuses on scalable infrastructure, AI-enabled operational systems, compliance technologies, and platform solutions designed to support licensed operators and long-term ecosystem growth.

Investor Relations Contact:

Kenneth Ke
Group Investment Head
PhilWeb Corporation
Email: kenneth.ke@philweb.com.ph

Dian Agcapen
Investor Relations & Public Relations Director
PhilWeb Corporation
Email: apagcapen@philweb.com.ph

Media Relations Contact:

Arnel Vasquez
Media Relations Director
Rebel Marketing Philippines
Email: arnelvasquez@rebelmarketing.com.ph
Mobile: +63 917 584 3573

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/philweb-elects-conglomerate-leader-lance-y-gokongwei-as-chairman-to-accelerate-ai-infrastructure-and-transnational-ecosystem-expansion-302861965.html

SOURCE PhilWeb Corporation

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The TV is no longer staying put: How Australians are changing the way they watch

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One in ten Australians (10%) crave a TV design that is rollable, flexible, and portable[1].

Samsung research reveals a shift towards more personal, flexible and multi-screen viewing

SYDNEY, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The days of the whole family gathering around a single television fighting for control of the remote could be numbered, with Samsung insights revealing a growing appetite amongst Australians for TVs that are portable and flexible enough to move with the household, rather than being anchored to one room.

One in four (26%) Australians say they now reach for their laptop, tablet or smartphone to watch a major broadcast event[2]. This insight reveals the modern device expectation of portability and instant access is extending to the family TV, which is finding itself being used by various members of the family beyond entertainment across the day.

Far from the structured family routines of the 1950’s when Australia experienced its first TV broadcast[3], Australian households today support flexible, fluid lifestyles of work, gaming and fitness alongside entertainment and relaxation at any given time. Of this lifestyle evolution, Samsung insights reveal 24% of Australians now use their TV to listen to podcasts or music, while almost one in five (16%) use their TV for fitness workouts, and 42% turn to it for gaming[4]. Further use cases of the TV also include supporting work at home and displaying art to elevate home décor.[5]

According to Simon Howe, Director – Visual Display, Samsung Australia, the insights show that Australians aren’t necessarily watching less TV, rather they’re watching differently. As Australian lifestyles have evolved, so too must the TV adapt to fit around the way Australians live and the content they’re engaging with.

“The TV has traditionally been designed around the room it sits in and has undergone various transformations over the years to help the TV elevate and optimise those spaces. But Australians aren’t living room by room anymore and the content they’re watching isn’t always shot in landscape formats,” said Mr Howe. “They might be working in one space, streaming vertical social content in another, bonding with family somewhere else, and switching between other activities throughout the day. It’s time to rethink the assumption that a TV has to stay in one place or compromise full-screen experiences to support family life.”

Samsung’s answer is the Movingstyle, a new 27-inch portable Smart Touch Screen TV that rotates between horizontal and vertical orientation and can be moved from room to room,[6] adapting to activities across a household – from a vertically filmed workout video in the morning, to a recipe propped up in the kitchen at lunchtime, to a portable workstation in the afternoon, to an evening relaxation device.

According to Mr Howe, the Movingstyle’s design responds to a broader shift in Australian tastes, not just behaviour. Samsung insights show that 63% of Australians want technology that suits their personal style[7]. Further, one in ten (10%) are craving TVs designed to be rollable, flexible and portable[8].

“Samsung has been the global number one TV brand for 20 years[9] because we put consumers at the heart of our innovations. Looking at these insights, the Movingstyle is a signal of where household screen design is heading, truly made for Australians and how they live.”

Availability

The Movingstyle is available nationwide via Samsung’s online store and leading retailers with an RRP of $1,999.00.

For more information on Samsung’s AV lineup and to access launch offers, please visit https://www.samsung.com/au/tvs/

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

[1] Samsung Brand Attitude Study, commissioned by Samsung, 2024. N=1,000

[2] Pureprofile Research, commissioned by Samsung, September 2024. N=1,001

[3] Source: https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/fact-sheets/introducing-television-australia-1956

[4] Pureprofile Research, commissioned by Samsung, August 2025. N= 1,040

[5] 5.6% displaying art or ambient visuals, 5.6% for work or productivity. Pureprofile Research, commissioned by Samsung, April 2026, n=1,020

[6] Not designed for outdoor use. The Movingstyle is not water or dust resistant. Viewing experience may vary depending on various factors including content type, format and environment.

[7] Pureprofile Research, commissioned by Samsung, April 2026. N=1,020.

[8] Samsung Brand Attitude Study, commissioned by Samsung, 2024. N=1,000

[9] Omdia, Feb 2026. Based on overall TV market share by manufacturer on an annual unit & revenue basis.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-tv-is-no-longer-staying-put-how-australians-are-changing-the-way-they-watch-302862431.html

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

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Luxshare Precision Reports 40.2% Revenue Growth in First Half 2026; Business Mix Supports Margin Expansion

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Broad-based growth across consumer electronics, communications and data center, and automotive electronics, supported by targeted investment in AI infrastructure, intelligent vehicles and global delivery capacity

DONGGUAN, China, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (“Luxshare Precision” or the “Company”) (SZSE: 002475; HKEX: 02475), a global provider of precision intelligent manufacturing solutions, today announced unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

Revenue increased 40.2% year over year to RMB 174.50 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 18.0% to RMB 7.84 billion. Net profit attributable to shareholders excluding non-recurring gains and losses increased 6.5% to RMB 5.96 billion. Gross margin expanded by 17 basis points to 11.78%.

The margin improvement reflected operating leverage and a more diversified revenue mix, with faster growth in Communications and Data Center and Automotive Electronics, both of which carry gross margins above the Company average. Internal innovation, AI-enabled manufacturing efficiency and disciplined cost management also helped absorb pressure from foreign-exchange movements, higher input costs and investment in new businesses.

“Our first-half performance demonstrates the resilience of Luxshare Precision’s diversified portfolio and global operating platform,” said Wang Laichun, Chairwoman and General Manager of Luxshare Precision. “We are investing with discipline in areas supported by clear customer demand and defined technology roadmaps, particularly AI-enabled devices, AI infrastructure and intelligent vehicles. Our priorities remain execution, operating efficiency and sustainable value creation.”

Strategic Investment and Financial Discipline

Research and development investment increased 43.1% to RMB 6.57 billion, primarily reflecting higher spending on engineering talent, tooling, materials and certification. More than half of the Company’s R&D investment supported technology preparation for programs approaching commercialization.

Capital expenditures totaled RMB 10.27 billion, up RMB 742 million year over year, and were mainly directed toward overseas facility expansion, supporting infrastructure and new product lines. The Company prioritizes investments linked to customer programs, localized delivery and long-term manufacturing flexibility.

Inventory was RMB 50.37 billion at June 30, 2026, up 19.0% from year-end 2025, below the Company’s 40.2% revenue growth. The increase primarily reflected business expansion and strategic material preparation for selected products.

First-half operating cash flow was an outflow of RMB 2.45 billion, mainly due to seasonal supplier payments and more than RMB 5 billion of strategic inventory preparation. Operating cash flow turned positive in the second quarter, reaching RMB 4.62 billion.

Foreign-exchange volatility resulted in approximately RMB 1.99 billion of losses on foreign-currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. Foreign-exchange risk management activities generated approximately RMB 1.30 billion in related gains. Under applicable accounting treatment, these gains were recorded as non-recurring items, while the corresponding losses remained within both disclosed net profit measures.

Growth Across Three Core Businesses

Consumer Electronics revenue increased 19.3% to RMB 122.48 billion. Luxshare Precision continued to deepen core customer relationships and strengthen its ODM and end-to-end product development capabilities. By integrating expertise across acoustics, optics, electrical systems, thermal management, magnetics and precision structures, the Company is extending its participation from components and modules to product definition, system development and volume manufacturing. Priority areas include AI PCs, smart wearables, AI glasses and intelligent acoustic products.

Communications and Data Center revenue increased 49.7% to RMB 16.61 billion. The Company is building an integrated AI infrastructure portfolio spanning high-speed copper interconnects, optical interconnects, thermal management and power management. Operational progress included volume production of 800G optical products, batch shipments of 1.6T DAC, ACC and AEC products, continued customer introductions for liquid-cooling solutions, and scaled production of DC-DC server power modules. Luxshare Precision is also advancing 224G and 448G copper technologies and next-generation optical architectures.

Automotive Electronics revenue increased 274.1% to RMB 32.39 billion, supported by organic growth, customer program ramps and Leoni’s contribution. The Company continued to expand its portfolio across connectors, wiring harnesses, intelligent control systems, smart chassis technologies and powertrain solutions. High-speed connectors and rear-wheel steering products have entered mass production, while intelligent cockpit and advanced driver-assistance platforms are progressing across multiple vehicle programs. Leoni’s integration continued to outperform expectations, strengthening global customer access, engineering resources and localized delivery capabilities.

Global Platform and Outlook

Luxshare Precision operates across five continents, 29 countries and more than 100 production sites. This network supports localized delivery, customer collaboration and supply chain resilience. The Company’s vertically integrated platform spans precision components, functional modules and system-level products, supported by AI-enabled digital tools for quality management, predictive maintenance, production scheduling and standardized global execution.

For the remainder of 2026, Luxshare Precision will continue supporting consumer electronics product launches and ODM/JDM programs; accelerating commercialization across high-speed interconnects, optical products, liquid cooling and power management; and expanding automotive customer programs while capturing further benefits from the Leoni integration.

The Company will maintain disciplined capital allocation and continue investing in technology, manufacturing capacity and global delivery capabilities that support sustainable, high-quality growth.

About Luxshare Precision

Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd. is a global provider of precision intelligent manufacturing solutions serving Consumer Electronics, Communications and Data Center, Automotive Electronics and other technology-driven industries. The Company supports customers from product definition and process development through new product introduction, volume manufacturing and global delivery.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luxshare-precision-reports-40-2-revenue-growth-in-first-half-2026-business-mix-supports-margin-expansion-302861680.html

SOURCE Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd.

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