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The Pepperl+Fuchs Group, a pioneer in the field of mobile devices for hazardous areas, focuses not only on explosion protection for its mobile devices, but also on security against cyberattacks. According to the Verizon Mobile Security Index, 53 percent of companies have already experienced a cyberattack in which a mobile device or IoT technologies were used as an attack vector. In its Data Breach Report, IBM pointed out that in 2024, the average cost of a data breach worldwide was US$4.88 million.

To provide the best possible protection against threats and minimize the risk of a data breach, Pepperl+Fuchs is increasingly relying on independent Common Criteria certification for its mobile devices, which is one of the world's most stringent cybersecurity certifications. It assesses and guarantees that a certified device meets strict security criteria, including secure data and communication management, protection against unauthorized access, integrity of the operating system and applications, and resilience against known cyberthreats.

Common Criteria certification is particularly recommended for products used in demanding industrial environments such as hazardous areas. That is why Pepperl+Fuchs has had its 5G smartphone Smart-Ex® 03 certified accordingly. The smartphone has been structurally tested and achieves security level EAL2, which is a high standard for a mobile device. Only highly secure official communication would require EAL3 and certification according to a correspondingly standardized protection profile. Customers can therefore rest assured that the Smart-Ex® 03 offers appropriate protection against cyberthreats.

In addition to the Smart-Ex® 03, the two Samsung powered 5G tablets Tab-Ex® 04 Pro and Tab-Ex® 05 also meet Common Criteria. Pepperl+Fuchs thus offers a comprehensive portfolio for mobile workers in industrial sectors that is not only certified for use in hazardous areas – depending on the device and variant, up to Division 1 and Zone 1/21 – but also meets the most stringent regulations for operational safety and digital security.

A particular advantage of Common Criteria certification is that it is recognized internationally by more than 30 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. This ensures high, uniform standards, improves the acceptance of IT products, and increases confidence in security.

“Protection against cyberattacks is playing an increasingly important role, especially for mobile devices,” says Jörg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. “This makes it all the more important for us to offer our customers appropriately secured devices for use in Ex zones. Pepperl+Fuchs is currently the only supplier to offer Common Criteria-certified, intrinsically safe mobile devices in its portfolio. This underscores the importance we place on our customers' security.”

“We are proud to have had the opportunity to accompany P&F through this highly complex security scheme. Thanks to our dedicated consulting and the tailored support we provided, we –  together with our trusted testing and certification partners – successfully enabled the achievement of a key industry milestone: the Common Criteria EAL2 certification. This certification not only underscores the technological sophistication of Pepperl+Fuchs’s products but also speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and expertise of the development teams at ECOM, Avaa Mobile, and Pepperl+Fuchs. It reflects a shared commitment to cybersecurity, quality, and innovation that drives forward the entire sector. At Eurofins E&E, we believe that true progress in cybersecurity comes from collaboration, rigorous standards, and an unwavering focus on excellence,” added Dipl.-Ing. Thami Elidrissi, Head of Wireless Strategy and Cybersecurity at Eurofins E&E Europe.

AMBARtec and Rouge H2 Engineering are set to collaborate closely in the future to bring the chemical looping hydrogen process to market maturity. This process can be used to produce clean hydrogen and concentrated carbon dioxide from blast furnace gas and other steel mill gases. It is based on the steam-iron process, which can be used to produce high-purity hydrogen by reducing and oxidising iron oxide or iron nuggets. The highly concentrated CO₂ obtained can be effectively utilised in CCU or CCS processes.

The Chemical Looping Hydrogen process

This two-stage process uses iron oxide (FeOx) to convert carbon-containing gas mixtures into hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). ‘Our collaboration aims to optimise the process for blast furnace gases and implement it in steelworks,’ reports Uwe Pahl, Chief Technology Officer at AMBARtec. Blast furnace gas, coke oven gas and converter gas can thus be processed to generate high-quality hydrogen. The high-purity carbon dioxide produced during this process can be utilised as a material (CCU) or stored (CCS). The precondition for this green transformation of the steel industry is that the CCS Act, which is currently being revised, must authorise the storage of CO2 from the steel industry. 'This gives the steel industry the chance to make its production more climate-friendly without having to invest heavily in converting the entire process chain. This will ensure that steel production in Europe remains competitive despite the stringent climate protection requirements,’ emphasises Uwe Pahl.

Partner from the steel industry

The EU project H2Loop  provides the framework for this cooperation. ‘We are combining our expertise in iron oxide nuggets and our experience in plant operation with the knowledge of our colleagues at Rouge H2 Engineering in the processing of residual gases,’ explains Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec.

In addition to Rouge H2 Engineering, the project also involves two partners from the steel industry. “With their input, we will align the process and associated plant technology with real conditions in steelworks from the beginning and demonstrate this at our partner's premises,” emphasises Matthias Rudloff. ‘We look forward to receiving constructive support from other steel companies.’

The role of iron oxide nuggets

Blast furnace gases contain relevant quantities of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen. If these gases are added to iron oxide nuggets under the right conditions, the iron oxide is reduced and carbon dioxide and steam are released.

FeO_x + CO/H₂ à FeO + CO₂/H₂O

The carbon dioxide is separated and made available for utilisation or storage, for example via CCS.

In the second step, the reduced iron oxide nuggets are re-oxidised using steam.

This process produces high-purity hydrogen, which can be used as both a material and an energy source.

http://www.ambartec.de/

• Global Energy Storage Group (GES) has completed the sale of its Rotterdam terminal, held through GES Netherlands B.V., to Tepsa.

• The transaction marks GES’s strategic exit from the Dutch market as the company sharpens its focus on growth in Asia, particularly its flagship terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.

 Global Energy Storage Group (GES) today announced the completion of the sale of its terminal located in the Port of Rotterdam. The facility, which includes 212,000 m³ of tank storage and approximately 18 hectares of development land in the Europoort area, was sold to Tepsa, a European bulk liquid and gas storage operator.

The transaction represents a key milestone for GES as it continues to focus its resources on expanding its presence in the fast-growing Asian market, with particular emphasis on its strategic terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia. It also ensures that the Rotterdam terminal is passed into the hands of a high-quality follow-on owner well positioned to take the asset forward. The transaction also delivers a strong return for GES’s shareholders.

Peter Vucins, CEO of GES, commented, “Part of the investment cycle is realising value from assets at the right time, and we’re confident this was the right moment for GES. We are now fully focused on growing our business in Asia, with Port Klang at the centre of that strategy. We extend our sincere thanks to the Rotterdam team and our customers for their support and for maintaining a safe, reliable, and forward-looking operation throughout our ownership.”

With the sale of the Rotterdam terminal, GES no longer holds assets in the Netherlands. The company’s growth strategy remains firmly anchored in Asia, where demand for bulk liquid storage, including chemicals, biofuels, and new energy products, continues to rise.

GES is backed by investors Bluewater and White Deer, who have been instrumental in supporting the company’s development and long-term vision.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has been selected by Utility Global to provide the control and automation platform for its proprietary H2Gen^® systems featuring Utility’s patented zero-electricity hydrogen production technology. 

Utility is transforming industrial hydrogen production with systems designed for modular construction, customized performance, and seamless integration into existing assets and infrastructure. Featuring a breakthrough technology for hydrogen production from water without electricity that operates autonomously, H2Gen systems deliver clean, reliable hydrogen tailored to the steel, mobility, chemical, refining and oil and gas industries. These systems significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower operational and capital costs. This innovation makes the energy transition economically viable for industrial operators worldwide. 

“Rockwell’s automation technology accelerates our ability to execute commercial deployments,” said Parker Meeks, President and CEO of Utility. “Their proven industrial expertise strengthens our mission to deliver economic clean hydrogen to the hard-to-abate sectors.” 

To support this objective, Utility selected Rockwell’s PlantPAx^® Distributed Control System along with a suite of software and network hardware including

 FactoryTalk^® View, FactoryTalk^® AssetCentre, FactoryTalk^® Historian and Logix Process Controllers. This suite was selected for its ability to scale from small to large commercial deployments without requiring a shift in control architecture – laying the groundwork for flexible project execution plans.  

“We’re excited to work with Utility Global to support their innovative approach to sustainable hydrogen production,” said Michael Sweet, director, New Energy, Rockwell Automation. “Our integrated control and information platform helps bring new energy technologies to life with the security, reliability and flexibility needed for industrial applications. Rockwell’s integrated solutions are enabling near-term decarbonization by accelerating the deployment of scalable, low-carbon energy solutions like Utility’s H2Gen systems.” 

Click here for more information about Rockwell and its role in enabling cleaner, smarter operations across industries. Industrial Sustainability Solutions | Rockwell Automation | US 

A strong signal for the future of CO2-free heavy haulage: KEYOU has announced GRIMMENER SPEZITRANS, a TALKE Group company, as one of the first customers for its 40-ton truck. The semitrailer, based on the Daimler Actros, was unveiled at last year's IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, followed by the official sales launch at the end of 2024. SPEZITRANS will take delivery of two 40-ton trucks - both equipped with hydrogen engines and the well-known KEYOU-inside technology - and integrate them into its fleet starting in 2026. The Grimmen-based chemical and gas logistics company will use the trucks in northern Germany.

Convincing technology and a smooth transition to the new drive system from KEYOU

In the end, KEYOU won SPEZITRANS over with its many diesel-like features and its "H2 Mobility as a Service" model. This means that the company has virtually no compromise in terms of payload, range and refueling times, and can count on a smooth, predictable and risk-free transition to the new technology thanks to KEYOU's all-inclusive mobility solution. In addition, the special requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials play a decisive role: KEYOU's 40-ton truck is approved for ADR dangerous goods type FL (AT) and is therefore also suitable for special transports. "The decision to invest in hydrogen trucks is more than just a technological leap for us - it is a clear commitment to sustainable transportation and future-proof entrepreneurship," explains Daniel Gutmann, Managing Director of SPEZITRANS. "Together with KEYOU, we are sending a strong signal: We don't just want to ride along when things move - we want to lead the way."

Teaming up for sustainable road transportation with pioneering spirit and determination

By opting for hydrogen and the hydrogen engine, SPEZITRANS is not only setting an innovative example, but is also giving the TALKE Group a decisive boost. The experience gained from the project will be applied to other locations and applications in the future - as part of an integrated, forward-looking mobility concept. "We are delighted to have convinced such an innovative and forward-looking company as SPEZITRANS and the TALKE Group of KEYOU and our technology, and to welcome them as one of the first customers for our new 40-ton truck," concludes Pedro Bravo, Chief Sales Officer at KEYOU. "It takes companies with exactly this 'moving forward' mentality and pioneering spirit to drive and actively shape the mobility revolution in heavy-duty transportation."

www.keyou.de

TALKE Group: Climate targets in focus

The initiative in Grimmen is a further step in the TALKE Group's strategic sustainability agenda. As a leading international logistics partner for the chemical industry, TALKE aims to consistently improve its own carbon footprint. The company is focusing on a wide range of alternative drive concepts - from battery-powered electric vehicles to HVO100 and hydrogen solutions. "With our investments, we are actively shaping change - courageously, with foresight and responsibility. For us, sustainability does not end with good intentions," says Christoph Grunert, Managing Director of the TALKE Group. "We systematically invest in research, pilot projects and partnerships to actively shape the future of transportation. For us, alternative drive systems are not a side issue, but an integral part of our responsibility.

EcoNavis Solutions has begun production of its patented Eco Boss Cap propeller hub, marking the transformation of a university-led research project into an industry-ready fuel efficiency retrofit technology.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has warned that a recent recall of safety shoes sold via TikTok highlights the alarmingly wide availability of substandard personal protective equipment (PPE) in the UK market.

The recalled product, listed on TikTok Shop under multiple descriptors including “Men’s Anti-smash and Anti-puncture Shoes, Breathable Non-slip Work Shoes, Comfortable Safety Shoes for Men, Fashionable Shoes for Daily Wear, Boy,” was advertised as offering protection despite failing to meet essential safety requirements.

The recall was issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) following the intervention of Lewis Collantine, a product safety consultant specialising in trading standards who brought the issue to light. 

According to the OPSS the product, “presents a serious risk of injuries because although advertised as 'anti-smash' and 'anti-puncture,' there is no evidence it has undergone conformity assessment as PPE and it is not CE or UKCA marked.”

The OPSS also states: “The product does not meet the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.”

While the shoes have now been removed from TikTok following enforcement action by the OPSS, at the time of writing, similar – if not identical –footwear remained for sale onplatforms such as Temu.

Commenting on the recall, Alan Murray, BSIF Chief Executive Officer, said: "No surprises here. The BSIF has been aware of a burgeoning volume of substandard footwear available on platforms such as TikTok for some time, but we are pleased to see Trading Standards take action and we must applaud the work of Lewis Collantine, who has been instrumental in bringing this example to light. 

“This is exactly why the new Product Safety and Metrology Bill needs to ensure there are real ramifications for online suppliers who fail to provide properly certified products. Employers and users deserve confidence that PPE described as protective genuinely meets standards and offers the protection it claims.”

The BSIF warns that many of these products are purchased by unsuspecting individuals who have been given budgets to buy their own PPE but may not fully understand the rules, regulations, and certification requirements surrounding safety products.

Alan Murray continued: “We suspect that many of these products are being bought directly by workers – including limb (b) workers who are not direct employees but for whom employers still have a legal duty to provide PPE under recent updates to the PPE Regulations. These individuals are often given a budget to buy their own PPE but may not fully understand the regulations or certification requirements surrounding safety products. The reality is that substandard PPE advertised as protective simply does not protect workers, and it can put lives at risk.”

Roy Wilders, BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Manager, added: “Year in, year out, the BSIF’s market surveillance shows there is an alarming volume of substandard PPE available to buy and in use in the UK. Our latest statistics show a shocking 90% failure rate for products we bought and tested from non-registered suppliers. This is in stark contrast to products from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, where almost 90% of products passed all the test criteria – and in the very few instances where discrepancies arose, they were immediately addressed and rectified.”

The BSIF reiterates the importance of buying PPE only from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to supplying certified and compliant products that keep workers safe.

For more information on BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier Scheme and verified PPE suppliers, visit:

www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

The Process Safety Management Summit 2025 – hosted by Cogent Skills on behalf of the Process Safety Management Competence Programme Board (PSMCPB) – is an opportunity for leaders across high-hazard industries to explore the latest developments in process safety from both employer and regulatory perspectives.

The event will feature a range of industry speakers and regulatory perspectives, including an update on the success of the process safety management program from Richard Roff (Group Process Safety Director at Costain Group PLC and Chair of PSMCPB) and the regulatory focus on Climate Adaptation from Mike Nicholas (Senior Advisor on Climate Change Adaption and COMAH at the Environment Agency).

Other speakers include Malcolm Sarstedt (Specialist Process Safety Consultant representing Encirc), Gus Carroll (CEO & Founder Empirisys and Chair of COMAH Strategic Forum), Peter Davidson (CEO at Tank Storage Association), Justine Fosh (CEO, Cogent Skills) and Jude Knight (Head of Low Carbon Skills, Cogent Skills) will also take part.

Attendees can look forward to real-world lessons from leading organisations in process safety, transitioning industries and climate adaptation.

There will also be a special focus on challenges and innovations in Process Safety Management within the clean energy sector, the launch of new process safety qualifications for a future-ready workforce and opportunities to hear from industry thought leaders, regulators, and experts. We will be sharing cutting-edge insights and real-world best practice that you can apply immediately within your organisation.

Chair of the PSMCPB, Richard Roff, said: “Although process safety management focusses on preventing serious events, it can be easy for leaders to move on to apparently more urgent matters. Such incidents are relatively rare in each region or organisation, but serious incidents continue to occur in industry worldwide

“Thoughtful organisations use approaches that reduce risks, but these rely on competent people at all levels from shop floor to C-suite. We hope this summit will give an opportunity to reflect on where your organisation finds itself with respect to PSM competence given the changing world around us, and what you might consider to maintain the right level of control of major accident hazards.”

Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills, said: “We’re pleased to be hosting this event and I’m really looking forward to welcoming leaders from across high-hazard industries.”

“This will be a really important opportunity to discuss the latest developments affecting our sector and looking ahead to the skills needs employers will be tackling in the years to come.”

The Process Safety Management Summit will take place on July 22 at the Radisson Hotel in York. For more information, click here.

Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, explores the key risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and shares the latest best practice for their safe storage and management.

The rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) across consumer markets, motorsports, and commercial fleets, is transforming the global automotive landscape. At the core of this transition lies lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, offering impressive energy density and performance. But with this innovation comes a serious and growing challenge: safety.

Though Li-ion batteries are powerful, they are also inherently volatile. Under certain conditions, including mechanical damage, overcharging, exposure to heat, or improper storage, these batteries can enter a state known as thermal runaway, which can lead to fires, explosions, and toxic gas release.

As well as presenting a technical problem for engineers, this risk spans vehicle design, manufacturing, transport, storage, service, and disposal. Whether you’re a manufacturer, motorsport team, logistics operator, or facility manager, it’s essential to understand the risks and be prepared. 

EV battery risk is a wide-scale issue

The risks tied to EV batteries extend far beyond the road or racetrack. Every phase of the electric vehicle lifecycle introduces potential hazards:

•   Battery manufacturing and testing: Battery production and quality control processes involve high-energy materials and volatile chemistries. 

•   Prototype testing: Thermal runaway incidents can occur during prototype assembly or shakedown testing highlighting the need for robust safety protocols in early development stages.

•   Onsite storage: As production scales up, the increased volume of batteries stored onsite raises the risk of incidents, making proper storage conditions and effective fire and gas detection systems essential.

•   Handling & storage: Improper handling of battery packs, whether during installation, removal, or warehouse storage, can lead to physical damage, short circuits, or undetected internal faults that later cause fires.

•   Transportation & logistics: How are EVs moved from factory to showroom? What happens in the event of an accident?

•   Parking & storage: Public and private facilities, including car parks and dealerships, may be underprepared. Some are already banning EVs entirely due to fire concerns.

•   Servicing & repair: Removed or damaged batteries represent a significantly higher fire risk.

•   Post-collision management: Even after an accident, a battery can ignite hours or days later if not properly handled.

Why the risks are increasing

High energy density = high potential for harm

Li-ion batteries store massive amounts of energy in compact spaces. In the wrong conditions, they can behave unpredictably, and a single failure can trigger a cascade of destruction in minutes.

Motorsports: The innovation frontier

Motorsport teams push the boundaries of performance. But extreme temperatures, vibrations, and charging/discharging cycles also amplify the likelihood of failure, turning the racetrack into a high-stakes testing ground for EV battery safety.

Mass adoption means mass exposure

As EVs scale globally, so too do the associated risks. One overlooked safety flaw can affect thousands of vehicles, turning isolated issues into large-scale safety liabilities. Public trust in EVs is hard-won, and easily lost.

Real-world incidents prove the point

In the United Kingdom, lithium-ion battery fires are escalating at a concerning rate. 

According to data from QBE Insurance, UK fire services responded to 1,330 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, marking a 93% increase from 690 incidents in 2022. This surge spans various applications, including electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and e-scooters.

The safety expectations are clear, and getting stricter

Insurers, regulators, battery manufacturers and safety-conscious organisations now expect robust, proactive protocols. These include:

•   Outdoor (ideally), fire-rated (not just fire-resistant) temperature-controlled battery storage units 

•   Rapid-response containment tools like fire blankets and extinguishing agents

•   Temperature monitoring, gas detection, and thermal cameras

•   Strict handling and storage of damaged or removed batteries – best practices dictate damaged batteries should not remain onsite for more than 30 days and must be stored in insulated, fire-rated containers, not just fire-resistant ones

Getting ahead of the problem

Overstating the safety risks of EVs could undermine climate progress but that doesn’t mean we should downplay the risks. We must: 

•    Ensure everyone involved with EVs understands the risks

•    Design safety systems that assume failures will occur, not that they won't.

•    Shift from a reactive to a resilient safety culture

Conclusion: Innovation without safety is irresponsible

The shift to electric vehicles is essential, exciting and irreversible. But with new technology comes new responsibility. EV battery safety is foundational, not optional. Those who lead on safety will lead the industry.

Chemstore is proud to support world-leading vehicle manufacturers, and infrastructure providers with best-in-class, award-winning lithium-ion battery safety solutions. The leaders are already acting. Are you?

Get in touch to find out how Chemstore can help you mitigate risk, reduce liability, and futureproof your operations. For more information, visit www.chemstore.co.uk