Laminar is Transforming Manufacturing Lines to Run Faster and More Sustainably with Patented Sensor and Science-Led AI Agents BOSTON, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H2Ok Innovations, the only provider of patented inline sensors powered by science and AI to run faster factories,... Laminar is Transforming Manufacturing Lines to Run Faster and More Sustainably with Patented Sensor and Science-Led AI Agents BOSTON, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H2Ok Innovations, the only provider of patented inline sensors powered by science and AI to run faster factories, today announced its rebrand to Laminar. This new brand aligns with the company's expanding mission to transform manufacturing from reactive, skilled labor-dependent, and inflexible operations to a proactive, autonomous, and agile factory that can meet today's changing consumer patterns and economic environment. Laminar_Sensor H2Ok Innovations was founded with a focus on optimizing CIP and reducing water and chemical usage during cleaning processes. Today, Laminar is expanding its footprint on the production line with a library of purpose-built AI models that combine human expertise with telemetry data to transform an entire factory to run the best version of itself every shift. Laminar's New AI Agent Library for CPG Production Laminar has released a library of purpose-built AI Agents powered by process-specific ML models that deliver closed-loop automation for key CPG manufacturing processes with prescriptive analysis of results, with just a simple prompt to its AI Chat Agent. Capacity and labor-constrained factories can now unlock the true potential of each production line with Laminar's complete solution, which integrates with automation to self-correct processes. The company's offering is a true digital twin of each company and line's manufacturing processes. Unlike alternatives, customers see and implement objective, action-oriented results in days, with near-immediate ROI. Current Laminar AI Agents in production across the globe include: Precise Clean-in-Place Smarter Product Changeovers Faster Line Startups Inline Quality Monitoring of Product and Raw Materials Closed-loop Batch Optimization Filtration in Breweries From Pilot to Closed-Loop Automation in 2 weeks Laminar's patented spectral sensors retrofit seamlessly into existing piping and instrumentation, delivering measurable results from day one. Distinct liquid signatures are created in real-time. These signatures are then instantly analyzed by our purpose-built ML models and converted into precise, actionable inputs for PLCs. The process thus becomes less dependent on experts as they retire and more autonomous, with closed-loop orchestration of production lines. Customers experience faster CIP, smarter changeovers, more consistent product quality from each batch, early detection of any variation from a "golden batch" — all while reducing downtime and cutting down on water, chemical, and energy usage. Manufacturers no longer need to accept the limitations of single-point solutions, standalone sensors, or repetitive consulting projects. Laminar's sensor and AI platform have redefined the standard of running production lines. In the coming months, Laminar will release the next generation of its novel sensor with the ability to sense and develop unique signatures faster and with greater fidelity. Fueling Growth with $12.4M Series A In June, Laminar (as H2Ok Innovations) announced a $12.42M Series A round of funding led by Greycroft, with participation from 2048 Ventures and Construct Capital. The funding accelerates Laminar's ability to bring transformative, instantly deployable technology to scale across manufacturing, supporting faster CIP and changeovers. Headquartered at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA — North America's leading cleantech incubator. Laminar is a woman-founded startup backed by top-tier investors, including Greycroft, Construct Capital, 2048 Ventures, and Flybridge Capital. Recognized for its innovation and impact, the company was named Unilever's 2023 Startup of the Year supplier and received AB InBev's 2024 Cheers Award for outstanding startup partnership. About Laminar Laminar is a science-led technology company helping the world's leading CPG manufacturers run faster, more sustainable factories. Its proprietary spectral sensing and agentic AI library drive closed-loop automation that reduces downtime, shortens cleaning cycles, and prevents product loss. Laminar delivers measurable ROI by unlocking capacity, conserving water and energy, and driving operational excellence while removing "human-in-the-loop," enabling enterprises to scale and optimize their factories faster. Deployed in factories across six continents and trusted by global leaders like AB InBev, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, Laminar is redefining what it means to unlock your faster factory.Learn more about Laminar at runlaminar.com.

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NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wenzhou delegation showcased the city's culture and tourism offerings at Tourism EXPO Japan 2025, held from September 25 to 28 at the Aichi International Exhibition Center (Aichi Sky Expo) in Nagoya. NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wenzhou delegation showcased the city's culture and tourism offerings at Tourism EXPO Japan 2025, held from September 25 to 28 at the Aichi International Exhibition Center (Aichi Sky Expo) in Nagoya. Representing the city's unique blend of cultural traditions and natural beauty, the delegation engaged with Japanese travelers through a dynamic presentation of Wenzhou's arts, heritage, and visitor attractions, fostering international exchange and supporting inbound travel to Wenzhou. The initiative culminated in a Wenzhou cultural tourism presentation on September 28 at the expo's central stage. During the event, a presenter guided attendees through a visually engaging introduction to Wenzhou's scenic destinations, including the iconic peaks of Yandang Mountain and the tranquil waters of the Nanxi River, as well as the distinctive Ouyue cultural heritage (the historic cultural identity of the Wenzhou region). The presentation received strong audience response, and a follow-up Q&A session, where five participants received Ou Kiln bell-shaped cups—ceramic works symbolizing Wenzhou's centuries-old craftsmanship—served as a meaningful connection to the city's artistic traditions. The Wenzhou exhibit booth drew steady visitor interest throughout the event. Striking images of Wenzhou's landscapes were paired with carefully curated displays of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), while informational materials provided attendees with in-depth background on the city's tourism offerings. The interactive demonstration area was a major attraction, featuring hands-on activities such as traditional oil-paper umbrella painting, rubbing printmaking, and rice-dough figurine art—each introducing visitors to the creative spirit of Wenzhou's artisans. For many Japanese participants, these interactive sessions offered a memorable and personal introduction to Wenzhou's rich cultural traditions. The exhibition enhanced awareness of Wenzhou among Japanese travelers, many of whom expressed interest in visiting the city to explore its natural and cultural landmarks firsthand. An official with the Wenzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism noted that the delegation's participation strengthened ties between Wenzhou and Japan, adding that the bureau will continue building on this momentum through future cultural and tourism exchanges designed to welcome more visitors from Japan to Wenzhou.

SINGAPORE: CNA won a total of nine awards – five gold and four silver – for its content, website and app at the 2025 w3 Awards.The w3 Awards celebrates excellence in websites, online marketing, web videos, mobile sites and apps, social media, podcasts, and emerging technologies... SINGAPORE: CNA won a total of nine awards – five gold and four silver – for its content, website and app at the 2025 w3 Awards.The w3 Awards celebrates excellence in websites, online marketing, web videos, mobile sites and apps, social media, podcasts, and emerging technologies created by digital content

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SurplusGLOBAL, a global leader in legacy semiconductor equipment and parts solutions, announced it will showcase the rapid growth of its www.SemiMarket. SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SurplusGLOBAL, a global leader in legacy semiconductor equipment and parts solutions, announced it will showcase the rapid growth of its www.SemiMarket.com platform and debut its new intelligent Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology at SEMICON WEST 2025, October 7–9 at the Phoenix Convention Center. SurplusGLOBAL to Showcase SemiMarket Growth and Intelligent ALD Technology at SEMICON WEST 2025 in Phoenix Since its beta launch in June 2025, SemiMarket has surpassed 120,000 listings, is on track for 200,000 by year-end. The company is targeting 500,000 listings in 2026 and 1 million by 2027. The platform's seller base has also expanded rapidly, with registrations growing 175% since June, reflecting global adoption and trust in SemiMarket as the industry's most reliable source for legacy semiconductor parts. Ahead of its Grand Opening this December, SemiMarket is adding AI-driven services such as seller-friendly item recommendations, category suggestions, and customized event alerts to further enhance user experience and engagement. By combining structured cataloging, valuation, and global trading, SemiMarket offers unmatched reliability and transparency for Fabs, OEMs, and buyers worldwide. The company emphasized that information credibility and data integrity remain central to the SemiMarket experience, ensuring customers can source legacy parts with confidence. In addition to platform growth, SurplusGLOBAL will unveil its intelligent ALD solution, developed by retrofitting conventional furnace systems into Plasma-Enhanced ALD (PEALD) tools designed for mass production. The system integrates sub-100ms high-speed sensors and a built-in Fault Detection and Classification (FDC) module, unifying process and measurement data. By applying advanced algorithms for correlation modeling, anomaly detection, and predictive control, the equipment brings next-level intelligence and stability to deposition processes. "SemiMarket's rapid growth demonstrates the global demand for a trusted, transparent, and scalable marketplace for legacy equipment and parts. At the same time, our intelligent ALD solution shows how process innovation and legacy asset utilization can go hand in hand to bring new value to fabs and OEMs worldwide," said Bruce Kim, CEO of SurplusGLOBAL. SurplusGLOBAL will exhibit at booth #1629 throughout SEMICON WEST 2025. With the event debuting in Phoenix, the company aims to demonstrate how a robust global marketplace and next-generation intelligent process tools can address the semiconductor industry's evolving challenges.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading material science company, announced that it has completed the purchase of Polymer Solutions Group ("PSG"), a manufacturer of proprietary and custom polymer additives, dispersions and release agents for the rubber,... ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading material science company, announced that it has completed the purchase of Polymer Solutions Group ("PSG"), a manufacturer of proprietary and custom polymer additives, dispersions and release agents for the rubber, plastic and engineered wood industries. "We are excited about the addition of PSG and their trusted brands, teams and technologies," said Bradley Bolduc, Arclin's President and CEO. "They complement our current businesses well, specifically in the building, construction and transportation industries," said Bolduc. "Arclin and PSG manufacture complementary chemistries in engineered wood and rubber that will allow us to expand our reach in those markets," said Bolduc. The acquisition of PSG expands Arclin's capabilities in North America and is viewed as a key step in the company's strategy toward expanding its product presence into sectors that are adjacent to its core chemistries and business. Arclin will operate PSG's manufacturing facilities in Cleveland, OH and Albany, GA, as well as a Research & Development facility in Macon, GA. The acquisition will add approximately 200 new team members to Arclin's existing 1,000-person team. "Adding PSG to the Arclin team strengthens our industry-leading fire protection and transportation businesses with new technologies that will serve to expand our product offerings in these sectors," Bolduc continued. "This acquisition will also provide access to additional end markets, continuing Arclin's transformation into a protection-focused material science company serving attractive, high-growth markets and applications." "The sale of PSG to Arclin was a logical next step for the business," said Mike Ivany, PSG CEO. "Arclin's world-class operations model will take our products and growth to the next level, and we'll benefit from their knowledge, breadth of technical expertise and rapid deployment of resources in support of the growth strategy. Arclin is an exciting home for our team, and we look forward to seeing the business thrive going forward," Ivany added. Moelis & Company LLC served as PSG's financial advisor. About Arclin Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K., and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com. About PSG PSG is an innovative manufacturer of class-leading proprietary and custom polymer additives, dispersions, and release agents for the rubber, plastic, and engineered wood industries. PSG offers a variety of customer-centric solutions that meet exacting specifications, provide superior performance characteristics, enhance processing efficiency, optimize supply chains, and lower overall costs. Trusted by the world's leading companies in over 50 countries, our unparalleled products and application expertise cannot be matched by any other supplier. For more information, visit www.polymersolutionsgroup.com. For more information, contact Inquiries@Arclin.com

TAIPEI, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) is a global leader in eco-friendly polyester materials, dedicated to the innovation and development of sustainable materials. TAIPEI, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) is a global leader in eco-friendly polyester materials, dedicated to the innovation and development of sustainable materials. In 2025, FENC achieved a breakthrough in footwear technology, becoming the first in the world to convert rigid post-consumer PET bottles into recycled thermoplastic polyester elastomer (rTPEE). This next-generation material combines outstanding environmental benefits with superior performance, featuring excellent elasticity, cushioning, and rebound, making it an ideal solution for footwear midsoles. It has already been successfully commercialized and supplied to the French outdoor sports brand SALOMON for its signature Solamphibian amphibious shoes. Compared with petroleum-based virgin TPEE, rTPEE reduces carbon emissions by 10–30%, accelerating the footwear industry's transition toward both high-value and sustainable development. The material has received strong market recognition, with multiple leading international sports brands currently in discussions to adopt it, demonstrating significant market potential. Far Eastern New Century pioneers the world's first commercialized footwear midsoles made from waste PET bottles. Leveraging its core polyester expertise, FENC has developed polyester materials in diverse specifications through polymerization and by modifying the material properties to suit the various shoe components, hence addressing the challenge of separating shoe components for recycling. FENC has developed shoe uppers, laces, linings, insoles, shanks and toe cap adhesive made of recycled polyester (rPET), and midsoles from rTPEE which is based on rPET material, advancing the concept of "single-material, fully recyclable" design. In addition, FENC has developed FENC® TopGreen® AirTek PU technology, which utilizes industrially captured CO2 as a raw material to produce high-performance elastic materials. These materials can be widely applied in footwear, stretch fabrics, waterproof-breathable membranes, and synthetic leather. This innovative solution eliminates the use of highly toxic phosgene and isocyanates traditionally found in conventional polyurethane (PU) manufacturing, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly production process. Compared to traditional thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), AirTek PU achieves up to a 58% reduction in carbon emissions while maintaining both performance and functionality. It represents a breakthrough that combines eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, carbon reduction and high performance. FENC was awarded Second Prize at the Innovation Award "Best CO2 Utilisation 2025", held in Cologne, Germany, becoming the first Asian company to receive the award since its inception, showcasing FENC's leadership in global sustainable material innovation. FENC continues to advance sustainable materials and low-carbon innovation technologies, promoting a circular economy and driving the world toward a net-zero future. About Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) Founded in 1949 as the parent company of the conglomerate Far Eastern Group, FENC is an international company, based in Taiwan, operating in the USA, Japan, Mainland China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and selling to the name brands around the world. FENC is the world's largest supplier of food-grade rPET, providing customers with comprehensive green product solutions, and is the only polyester supplier in the world vertically integrated to offer a product spectrum spanning from raw materials to consumer end products such as garments. To learn more about FENC please visit https://www.fenc.com/en-US

- Record-high competition ratio of 56:1... Winning dish "Kimpacho" selected after final round among eight contestants - Kimchi recipes from professional chefs to home cooks draw attention SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. - Record-high competition ratio of 56:1... Winning dish "Kimpacho" selected after final round among eight contestants - Kimchi recipes from professional chefs to home cooks draw attention SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daesang's kimchi brand 'Jongga', together with the prestigious U.S. culinary school 'Institute of Culinary Education' and SF Globalize, successfully concluded the '2025 Jongga Kimchi Cook Off' in New York. Winners and judges of the “Jongga Kimchi Cook-off” in the United States posed for a commemorative photo on September 30. The Jongga Kimchi Cook Off is a global event held across the U.S., U.K., and France to showcase the appeal and excellence of kimchi worldwide. In the U.S., the competition has been co-hosted with the Institute of Culinary Education since 2020, drawing growing participation each year as contestants present increasingly diverse dishes featuring kimchi. This year, following successful events in France and the U.K., Daesang wrapped up the U.S. competition, further reinforcing Jongga's standing as a leading global kimchi brand. The U.S. round of the Jongga Kimchi Cook Off took place on the 30th (local time) at New York campus of the Institute of Culinary Education. This year's contest featured the highest-ever competition rate of 56:1, with eight finalists selected to compete. Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, including professional chefs, accountants, architects, and medical students, highlighting the strong interest in kimchi across the U.S. In particular, Steven Gao, a culinary influencer with 870,000 followers, joined as a special guest and presented recipes using Jongga's U.S.-exclusive Sanhowon Kimchi and Cucumber(Oi) Kimchi, drawing significant attention. The judging panel included Richard La Marita, Lead Chef-Instructor of Culinary Arts at ICE, and Samantha Landwehr, Chef-Instructor at ICE, with guest judge Chef Sungchul Shim, who runs a fine dining Korean restaurant in New York. The judges evaluated each dish based on creativity, artistry, and harmony with kimchi, supported by their deep expertise in Korean cuisine. The grand prize went to chef Zofia Gallick from Brooklyn for her dish "Kimpacho," a chilled soup made with Jongga Kimchi Sliced, tomato, cucumber, and jalapeño. The judges praised the dish for its vibrant flavors and textures. Second place went to Daniel Bologna for "Crispy Kimchi Jam Patty Melt," third place to Onyinyechi Attah for "Kimchi Juice Ayo," and the special Jongga Award was presented to Min Kyu Kim for "Cheung Fun Ssam." Lead Chef-Instructor Richard La Marita commented, "The level of entries this year was remarkably high. Many dishes showed a deep understanding of kimchi's fermentation and used it in highly creative ways." Guest judge Chef Sungchul Shim added, "I never expected to see such variety and sophistication in kimchi-based dishes here in the U.S. It was clear that kimchi is being embraced and integrated into local food culture as a new culinary genre." Oh Yeon-taek, Head of Daesang's Kimchi CIC, stated, "The tremendous interest in this year's competition reaffirmed that kimchi is becoming a familiar part of everyday life for American consumers. We will continue to promote Korean food globally through Jongga and O'food, ensuring people around the world can enjoy and connect with it." Currently, Jongga products are distributed in more than 80 countries worldwide, with the U.S. rising to the No.1 export market for Jongga kimchi since 2023. To meet rapidly growing demand, Jongga established a large-scale kimchi factory in Los Angeles in 2022, the first of its kind by a Korean food company, and has since been producing a variety of products tailored to local food culture. As the world's No.1 packaged kimchi brand, Jongga is also actively expanding consumer touchpoints by hosting cooking competitions, participating in music festivals, and running food truck campaigns to showcase the excellence and versatility of kimchi to global audiences. About Daesang Corporation Founded in 1956, Daesang Corporation has been one of the world's largest producers of fermented food products for over 60 years, and has grown to be the global leading Korean based food company by operating global brands such as Jongga, and O'Food which provides sauce, ready-to-eat meals, and many more products. Headquartered in South Korea, the company has also manufacturing subsidiaries in United States, Poland, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Visit www.daesang.com/en for more information.

CODIT issue paper assesses impact of U.S. 50% tariffs on Korea's non-ferrous metals sector, revealing structural vulnerabilities Examines global responses and outlines five policy recommendations for Korea SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. CODIT issue paper assesses impact of U.S. 50% tariffs on Korea's non-ferrous metals sector, revealing structural vulnerabilities Examines global responses and outlines five policy recommendations for Korea SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The CODIT Global Evidence-Based Policy Institute (Executive Director Hae-young Song), the research arm of AI-powered policy platform CODIT, today released an issue paper titled "U.S. Imposes 50% Tariffs on Aluminum and Copper: Strategic Responses for Korea." The paper analyzes the impact of the Trump administration's new tariffs on Korea's non-ferrous metals sector, examines responses from other major economies, and sets out concrete policy recommendations. CODIT Policy Institute Releases Issue Paper on U.S. 50% Tariffs on Aluminum and Copper, Urges Korea’s Strategic Response Korea's non-ferrous metals industry, valued at KRW 57 trillion, remains structurally vulnerable as it is dominated by small and mid-sized firms. Unlike steel, economies of scale are difficult to achieve, and companies face constraints in R&D, ESG compliance, and supply chain management. The industry's reliance on imported raw materials for aluminum and export-heavy dependence for copper makes it particularly exposed to the new tariffs. According to the paper, the 50% tariffs will sharply cut exports of aluminum sheet, foil, and extrusions, while copper tubes and bars may become virtually unsellable. Korean producers are thus facing a "triple burden": collapsing U.S. exports, rising costs from market diversification, and intensifying pressure to localize production. Beyond direct trade losses, the tariffs are also driving supply chain realignments and forcing companies to reconsider global investment strategies—posing ripple risks for key downstream sectors such as automobiles, semiconductors, and EV batteries. Drawing on responses by Canada, China, Australia, and India—including retaliatory tariffs, WTO action, fiscal support, and diversification measures—the Institute proposes five policy recommendations for Korea: Secure tariff reductions and exemptions through U.S. negotiations. Strengthen bargaining power via bilateral and multilateral alliances. Provide domestic relief to minimize industry damage. Enhance long-term competitiveness through supply chain and data management. Ensure institutional support from the National Assembly. "The 50% tariffs on aluminum and copper pose a serious threat to Korea's strategic industries, yet they have drawn far less attention than steel," the Institute stressed. "Korea must adopt a dual-track approach: negotiating aluminum-specific concessions with the U.S. while simultaneously reinforcing supply chain resilience through long-term policy tools." The CODIT Global Evidence-Based Policy Institute regularly publishes issue papers on trade, ESG, AI, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and the circular economy, and hosts policy seminars with senior experts from the National Assembly, government agencies, and research institutes to support corporate responses to regulatory change.