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Reviving Agriculture: Zero Budget Natural Farming    

For over 160 years, humans have been using synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers (ammonia) without paying heed to soil health and the carbon/nitrogen/water cycle. Today, we are at the crossroads of extreme climate change, dead zones, and health pandemics, compelling us to rethink our agriculture practices and methods. The zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) can answer the unsolved queries. This blog will cover how agriculture is moving towards age-old natural farming globally and why it is the most sustainable and conducive choice in our hands.

Decoding Natural Farming- Unrooted Cognizance of Soil Health

Agriculturists/farmers often don’t understand soil chemistry and biology since soil health is a complex, natural, and ecological phenomenon. Natural plant-fertile soil is formed due to the presence of various microorganisms, such as earthworms, springtails, mites, millipedes, centipedes, bacteria, and fungi, all in a symbiotic and cyclic relationship. In reality, soil is a multiphase body of earth’s pedosphere.

Earthworms and insect larvae burrow the upper soil, creating passages for air and pores for water absorption. Plant-eating microorganisms eat plant litter; other microorganisms feed on animal residue to convert it into Soil Organic Matter (SOM). Bacteria then break down SOM into nitrogen/phosphorus/sulfur, which plants require for growth. Plants, in turn, provide CO2 to bacteria and fungi, forming key mutual relationships.

The deep plant roots developed via this natural progress prevent upper-layer soil erosion and thus help maintain the soil’s natural, healthy ecosystem. Uprooting the earth’s soil of this natural process causes moisture-less and nutrient-less land, compelling agriculture growers to use synthetic ways to add to crop nutrients.

Decoding Natural Farming – Increased Man-Made Entropy in the Biosphere

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers disturbs the soil’s natural nitrogen, CO2, pH, aeration, and moisture content. Ammonia-based fertilizers sprayed on plants don’t allow the crops to take nutrients (phosphorus/nitrogen) from the soil, and thus, these synthetic fertilizers often (during rains/excess) run down streams, water creeks, rivers, oceans, and gulfs. That nitrogen in river beds and oceans builds algal blooms, which take up water’s oxygen and kill marine life and reefs. The oceans hold 60% more carbon than the atmosphere, increasing human-induced entropy.

Rich soils sequester carbon naturally, whereas agroecosystems disrupt the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) levels, which act as a proxy for SOM. Soil SOC levels are measured by plant respiration (photosynthesis), root biomass, plant/organic litter decomposition (SOM/humus), and transfer of carbon compounds to soil microbes like mycorrhizae. High SOC levels suggest a high level of SOM. Farming is not just affected by climate change but also greatly affects it. Thus, it is imperative time that we shift to organic and natural farming practices.

Zero Budget Natural Farming: Decomposition of roots

Figure 1: Decomposition of roots and root products by soil fauna and microbes produce humus, a long-lived store of SOC

Sustainable Ways to Increase SOC

The other sustainable way to improve Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is no tillage, as excessive tillage increases soil erosion due to wind and water erosion. The ways to enhance SOM content are contour plowing/terracing, organic composts, and the use of cover crops/resides. Excessive or heavy tillage often leads to greater aeration, increased water retention, and loss of topsoil nutrients. Studies have been conducted to elucidate that crops give better yields with greater consideration of SOC of regionally specific levels.

Sr. no.Management PracticeEffect
1.Reduced tillage/ no tillageReduced C loss
2.Erosion control (contour ploughing, terracingReduced C loss
3.Reduced tillage/ no-tillageIncreased C input
4.Use of cover cropsReduced C loss/Increased C input

Table 1: Sustainable practices to improve Soil SOC

Decoding Zero Budget Natural Farming

In Australia, organic farming was started in the 1980s by Bob Williams and Alex de Podolinski, and the state of Sikkim in India is 100% organic. Fundamentals of zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) include zero dependence on high-cost artificial ways of farming, whether using GM seeds, artificial fertilizers, or synthetic pesticides. The word zero still can be argued on the basis that when a farmer uses natural seeds, natural manure, and organic pesticides/fungicides, they are still incurring costs. Yet, it is comparatively low/low debt.

Zero Budget Farming for Small Farmers

Most of the ZBNF farmers practice pure ZBNF farming practices like ZBNF natural solutions and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices like intercropping, sowing border crops, and using organic compost. The simultaneous growth of long and short-duration crops helps the farmers realize the input cost in the shorter terms by harvesting shorter-duration crops. Further, small and marginal farmers have financial constraints; hence, to augment their income and prevent them from a vicious cycle of debt, this method of agriculture is a great contributor.

Key Market Numbers Around Natural Farming

As farmers use natural inputs, they can expect natural results that are environmentally friendly. Statistics reveal that about 1.6% (2021) is the organic farming share, which is some 76.4 million hectares of agricultural land. Australia (35.7 million hectares), Argentina (4.1 million hectares), and France (2.8 million hectares) are the top countries focussing on natural farming. The top organic markets include the US (48.6 billion euros), Germany (15.9 billion euros), and France (12.7 billion euros), a total of some 125 billion euros in 2021.

Decoding Zero Budget Natural Farming

Soil is the stomach of the plant from which its various parts take specific nutrients as and when required. Soil microbiome work in a complex and natural/mutual interaction between millions of soil bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Soil bacteria and fungi break down dead matter, another kind protects the plant from bacterial diseases, and yet another kind could create diseases (pathogenic). Healthy plants usually are those where a balance of microbes like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, actinomycetes, nematodes, algae, and other microorganisms work in cohesion, and the plant is able to keep stresses naturally at bay.

Plants need nutrients from the soil, not excessive nutrients, which often happens with the use of chemical fertilizers, reducing plants’ self-managing spirit. Healthy crops need their rich soils, which are usually unavailable as the farmer is mainly focused on fetching greater yields, causing the land to become infertile after a single harvest. On the contrary, with a focus on soil health and the addition of organic fertilizers, plants can get their nutrients more optimally and are able to fight abiotic stresses naturally. The soil also helps buffer substances in the soil and acts as a natural water filter.

Ecosystem ServiceSoil Functions
Soil Formation 1. Weathering of primary minerals and release of nutrients.
2. Transformation and accumulation of organic matter.
3. Creation of structures (aggregates, horizons) for gas and water flow and root growth.
4. Creation of charged surfaces for ion retention and exchange
Primary Production1. Medium for seed germination and root growth.
2. Supply of nutrients and water for plants.
Nutrient Cycling1. Transformation of organic materials by soil organisms.
2. Retention and release of nutrients on charged surfaces
Water Quality Regulation1. Filtering and buffering of substances in soil water.
2. Transformation of contaminants.
Water Supply Regulation1. Regulation of water infiltration into soil and water flow within the soil.
2. Drainage of excess water out of soil and into groundwater and surface water.

Table 2: Types of Soil Functions

Study Conducted on Impact of Fertilizers on Soil Microbial Community

Many studies have been conducted on the value of organic fertilizers v/s chemical fertilizers. The one big difference between the two is that organic fertilizer feeds the soil (long term), and chemical fertilizers don’t nourish the soil and only meet superficial, short-term plant nutrient needs. The farmer can’t fully know what crops/pants need at what stage. Plants’ nutrient needs are more stoichiometric, needing varying amounts of nitrogen, potassium, carbon, phosphorous, right soil moisture (pH), water, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

The plant needs its own self-fighting mechanism, which strengthens from the presence of healthy organic soils. A study conducted on the sandy farmland ecosystem of Inner Mongolia concluded that fertilizers affect the microbe diversity of the soil. Fertilizers indirectly affect the soil’s bacterial composition by reducing pH and soil fungal makeup and shooting total soil nitrogen. It was found that manure alone or a combination of chemical fertilizers along with manure was recommended to maintain the soil microbial community

Global Chemical Fertilizers Market V/S Organic Fertilizers

The global chemical fertilizer market for 2023 is valued at $196.96 billion, which will grow to $241.87 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.48228%, as per Statista data.

Global chemical fertilizer market 2020-2030

Figure 2: Global chemical fertilizer market in 2020, 2023, with a forecast for 2030

According to Statista data, the worldwide market value of organic fertilizers in 2023 is estimated at $11.72 billion and will reach $22.38 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.43%. Organic fertilizers and natural farming practices will be in high demand.

Fundamentals of India’s Zero Budget Natural Farming

The core of India’s ZBNF includes four foundation stones: Jeevaamrita (a Sanskrit word meaning living being and amrita meaning that which extends life), Bijamrita (Beej meaning seed and amrita meaning magical liquid), Acchadana (Mulching), and Whapasa (moisture). Jeevaamrita is the first process of preparing organic manure to provide soil nutrients and increase earthworms in the soil, and the process prevents fungal and bacterial diseases.

Beejamitra is the seed liquid to protect young seeds, and their roots from fungus, soil-borne, and seed-borne diseases. Acchadana means mulching, a process of retaining soil moisture by covering the surface with straw mulch and reducing evaporation. Whapsa is the irrigation process, with emphasis on minimal/reduced irrigation, and should be practiced at noon in alternate furrows. Under the process, only organically made pesticides/fungicides are used, like Agniastra, Brahmastra, Neemastra, Dashparni ark, Jungle kiKandi, and Saptdhanyankur ark.

MethodsPreparationBenefits
JivamitraAs a catalytic agent, promoting the activity of microorganisms in soil and increasing earthworm activity. It also helps preventIt is a seed treatment, equipped to protect young roots from fungus and soil-borne and seed-borne diseases.
BijamitraIt conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation.It is a catalytic agent, promoting the activity of microorganisms in soil and increasing earthworm activity. It also helps prevent
Acchadana (Mulching)It can be done by using soil mulch and straw mulchIt provides nutrients and acts as a catalytic agent, promoting the activity of soil microorganisms and increasing earthworm activity. It also helps prevent fungal and bacterial diseases.
Whapsa (Moisture)It conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation.It is a condition where air molecules and water molecules are present in soil.

Table 3: Basic pillars of ZBNF

Conclusion

Natural farming comprises a small portion of total commercial farming, yet it is one of the most promising agriculture method/ideology/philosophy. Arguments like can organic farming feed 8.1 billion people are usually made by people who are concerned with large monoculture farming, commercial farming, or extensive farming without concerning themselves with long-term soil health and ecological balance. One can begin with 50% organic and 50% unsustainable/specious farming practices and gradually move to more organic farming year by year. Moreover, naturally grown crops/plants can perform better in adverse weather conditions like drought by 40%.

Haptic Technology & ADAS Collaboratively Making Driving Safe

Today’s ‘tact’ of using haptics, ADAS, and Electronic/electrical Architectures (EEA) in automobiles is progressive. The latest Advance Adaptive Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), like intuitively changing speed, automatic collision brakes, steering lane support, and numerous other driver safety mechanisms, make driving safe. Part of Haptic technology and ADAS assists drivers with advanced closed-loop systems.

Haptics confirms user inputs and various touch/vibration feedback. While implementing haptics, electromechanical engineers are mindful of the intensity, placement, and type of haptics they select. In this blog, we cover how modern Haptics and ADAS are making driving safer.

Haptic and ADAS: Automobile Piezoelectric Actuators  

Tactile-based ADAS and haptic warning systems are making headways in modern cars. Haptics are passive, like mechanical ones, and actively use electric actuators. Car infotainment systems, dashboard touchscreens, seatbelts, car pedals, car front glasses, and invisible buttons/sliders are installed with piezoelectric sensors. Key areas of piezoelectric sensors:

Haptic and ADAS: Types of Piezoelectric Actuators

Figure 1: Different types of Piezoelectric Actuators

An inertia measurement unit (IMU) device for cars like the ones from TDK helps improve the images provided by various ADAS sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, and radars. Automobile Human-Machine Interface (HMI) includes software and hardware to assist car drivers with automatic digital interactions. Voice directives, hand indicators, and other haptic responses are becoming part of car HMIs.

ADAS Features

Keeping drivers safe in their car cabins is essential for the automobile industry. Car electronics, interiors, and ADAS safety systems have recently seen a major revamp. Advanced Driver Assistance System in cars comes in various levels. Depending upon the autonomy of the human-machine interface, ADAS are divided into levels 1 to 5, with level 5 being the most autonomous. ADAS is a unifying term that includes airbags, seat belt not fastened alert/mechanism, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability brakes, hill assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, driver drowsiness detection, intelligent speed adaptation, cruise control, and other warnings/alerts/systems. 360-degree radar systems, automotive night vision, traffic sign recognition, and automatic parking are the many controls under ADAS.

Top OEMs in the Industrial Haptic and ADAS Space

Key manufacturers in the Haptics and ADAS space are developing realistic touch haptics and finer surface feedback sensors. This includes ADAS and haptic products, devices, and User Interfaces (UI).

3d Systems Corporation: It is an international organization that produces haptic device (s), like the Touch™, for OEMs for collision detection, compact force feedback, and position sensing.

Haption: A France-based haptic technology manufacturer makes force-feedback systems and haptic rendering software.

Immersion Corporation: It is a U.S.-based company that delivers quality haptic experiences for developing fantastic products. Their broad range of solutions includes tools and software for device developers, haptic hardware businesses, and designers.

Johnson Electric Holdings Limited: Haptic Actuators and motors by Johnson Electric Holdings Limited enhance the realism of touch screens and applications.

Microchip Technology Inc.: The company builds automatic Haptic control applications for automobile center consoles, smart buttons, and knobs.

ON Semiconductor Corporation: The company manufactures high-performance LiDAR, CMOS imaging, sensor fusion algorithms, and more for automobiles to keep passengers safe.

Bosch Mobility: It has introduced smart driver assistance systems like interior sensing, infrared 1.5 driving monitoring cameras, cabin sensing camera, environment detection, and more.

Denso Japan: The company has an advanced safety system- Global Safety Package 3- that connects their ADAS products to HMI.

Magna International (U.S.): It has advanced thermal sensing, Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking (R-AEB), and mirror-integrated driver occupant monitoring systems. The company makes a range of sensors like radar belts, cabin sensors, imaging radar systems, and exterior 77GHz radars. ClearView™ Interior Mirror, ClearView™ Hybrid outside mirror, and ClearView™ camera wing aim at providing path-breaking driver safety, experience, and convenience.

Other Happenings in High-End Automobiles

  • Car interiors, materials, and digitalization in automobiles are changing fast. High-end automobile companies like BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Stellantis are in the process of producing next-generation automobiles. BMW launched a new IDrive, Digital Emotional Experience (DEE), and HMI. The multi-function steering wheel navigation pad will have haptic technology integrated into it.
  • Stellantis has charted the Dare Forward 2030 strategy, under which the company will roll out software/data to automakers & startups. This aligns with the vision of bringing transformation, advanced ADAS tech, and freedom/ease in the mobility domain. Some time back, they built contactless controls that work mid-air and give haptic feedback to the driver/passenger’s hand for command confirmation.
  • Mid-air haptics / Ultra-sound built by Ultraleap allows the driver and passengers to control various functions, such as navigation, infotainment, etc., with natural hand gestures and hand sensations using virtual touch haptic technology.  
  • Nissan has built ADAS with enhanced collision-avoidance performance and ground truth perception technology. 

Original Equipment Suppliers in Haptic and ADAS

Original Equipment Suppliers (OES) like Bosch, Continental, Qualcomm, Samsung Harman, Amazon, and Google are manufacturing next-level automobile haptics.

  • RideCare Companion and AI Shield by Bosch takes indoor and outdoor images and stores them automatically. The camera also checks if an object is blocking the view, and then the driver gets notified.
  • Continental’s Curved Ultrawide Display is combined with a seamless control display that is visible only when needed. The haptic feedback and pillar-to-pillar display provide precise and safe control without the driver needing to take their eyes off the road.
  • Qualcomm’s Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) become a reality with Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions. Many in-vehicle new-age infotainment (IVI), ADAS, and other elements are connected to the multiple zonal gateways supporting cloud-mixed workloads.
Haptic and ADAS: Qualcomm’s Software Defined Vehicles

Figure 2: Qualcomm’s Software Defined Vehicles (SDV)

  • Bosch is offering their SDV software to automotive companies. The feedback in vibrations, motion, and force make the journey of connected automobiles a reality.
  • In collaboration with Harman, Samsung has built Ready Care that recognizes the physical and dynamic state of the driver, haptic-all alerts the driver, and changes the car conditions accordingly. The real-time alerts are customized according to the situation, and the driver is alerted by subsequent changes in audio volume, car lights, and A/C.

Common Automobile Haptic and ADAS Features

  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): The driver is alerted with an automatic haptic alert if they drift away from their lane.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): With front and rear sensors, the ACC haptic feature monitors nearby vehicles’ vehicle speed and distance and adaptively controls the vehicle speed when needed.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): When the driver is changing lanes, in case of vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, the driver gets automatic haptic-based alerts.
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): If vehicles, people, or obstacles are in the front, the driver is alerted to possible hazards/accidents.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB works to detect any possible collisions and automatically applies the brake to prevent collision.
  • Drivers’ Drowsiness Alert: Drowsiness can lead to fatal accidents on the road. Among the total 42,939 road fatalities in America (2021), 684 were due to sleepiness. A drowsiness alert on the steering wheel helps control such accidents.

High Beam Alerts, Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, and many other common haptics are now available in passenger cars.

Figure 3: Multimodal HMI

Haptic and ADAS Influence in Automobiles

  • Improved multimodal driving experience for drivers and passengers
  • Increased safety on the road and while parking
  • Taking the stress away from urban driving
  • Elevated in-car experience of drivers with haptic feedback
  • Improved awareness for car owners and connected experience

Haptic Technology: Patents and Innovations in the Automotive Field

According to Stellarix Research, from 2021 to 2023, some 4.1 million patents have been filed in the automotive technology field. ADAS and Haptics are emerging fields; hence, OEM, OES, and automobile companies collaborate to research and develop the best customer experiences.

S. No.EmergingAcceleratingMaturing
1Voice activity detectionRAID transmission error detectionStereoscopic video coding
2Haptic feedback interfacesProjector-camera systemDigital image interpolation
3AMOLED touch displaysHyperspectral imagingDistributed RAID drives
4Quantum LEDsFlexible OLED displaysTactile feedback devices
5Non-volatile flash memorysolid-state imaging devicesPower MOSFET SMPS
6Wafer defect inspectionAutomated profile matchingResistive touch displays
7Multiple access memory arraysGraphic controllersLight emitting switches
8Carbon nanotube FETsPhotonic integrated circuitsPredictive video coding
9GPU acceleratorsTactile displaysSmart remote controls
10Grid computingDisplay device shift registersRadio-remote control
11Heterogeneous computingECC memoryHDMI protocol interface
12Aural excitersPowerline internetSSD memory devices
13In-memory computingNeuromorphic computing3D navigation interfaces
14Network on-a-chipPhotovoltaic cell testingDigital watermarking
Table: Global report on innovations in automobile technologies

Haptic Technology: Implementation of Automobile

Haptic technology was first used in the motorbike game Moto-Cross in 1976 and ADAS in 1970 with the anti-lock braking system. Since then, haptics have been applied in electronics, virtual reality, and automobiles. Special care must be paid when executing tactile, kinesthetic, or AR/VR haptics. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are revamped with more add-on features like climate change and advanced navigation. The most crucial part of quality implementation is the final impact of all the myriad car haptics on the driver.
ADAS implementation is an advanced amalgamation of haptics, sensor technology, software/HMI, 5G/6G, and EEAs. With so many technologies working together, it will be imperative that proper tests are done to avoid non-intended autonomous car warnings and controls.

Conclusion

The three haptics types, feedback, information, and exploration, are keenly used in automobiles today. Some of the critical haptic and ADAS, like collision avoidance systems, cruise control, and essential tactile feedback, will become part of most automobiles. Moreover, standardization of sophisticated ADAS will be challenging to achieve as most car owners and technology providers wouldn’t want to lose on patents and their niche segments.

Mood Enhancing Drinks Market Growing Rapidly

Mood balancing is the latest chapter in the market of health drinks that is witnessing an upsurge with advancements in technology. The alarming health cases post-pandemic, especially the mental health issues, triggered the need for supplements or food & drinks that can uplift the mood of consumers. The cases of anxiety and depression spiked by almost 25 percent, as per a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). So, to crawl out of the trauma, people have started trying recipes, foods, mood-enhancing or relaxation drinks, or relaxation beverages that can elevate their happy hormones (endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin).

Why are Mood Enhancing Drinks Finding Acceptance?

The demand for supplements to adjust the mood or influence it by some drink or food is not new. Earlier, people found solace in alcoholic beverages. However, with time and scientific renaissance, consumers are looking for healthier options to uplift their mood. Thus, the upsurge in the market.

Also, given the anxiety disorders, high-stress levels, and preference for healthy drinks, the market size is believed to grow exponentially. Notably, the United States has 40 million (19.1 percent) adults suffering from anxiety. Meanwhile, 7 percent of children aged 3 to 17 years also suffer from it in the US. So, the escape mode for it is the right food and drinking habits.

Moreover, it has been noticed that the global economy is losing USD 1 trillion each year following mental issues in the staff. Moreover, the cost of mental health conditions (and related ailments is slated to increase to $6 trillion globally by 2030. Thus, the loss of productivity at work will greatly impact businesses. Prior studies from the US estimated the economic burden of diagnosed depression to be 1.6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

How are Mood-boosting Drinks Different From Regular Drinks?

Mood-boosting or enhancing drinks precisely aims to reduce or diminish the effect of anxiety and stress on consumers while improving their mood. Moreover, the formulation of mood drinks is such that it elevates the emotional state of an individual. However, other beverages do not have the ingredients that are supposed to offer relaxation or cast away mental fatigue. Non-alcoholic drinks like cola (soft drinks) or soda are fun drinks sans good effects on the body. Likewise, the chemical combination of alcohol is such that it does not help a person with stress.

Global Market of Functional Drinks

Mood drinks are in the nascent stage of growth but have already become a crucial part of the functional drinks market that is finding ways like energy drinks. As per Stellarix’s research, the functional drinks market will grow at CAGR 6.75. The market will grow from 177.8 billion in 2023 to 280.94 billion in 2030, with mood drinks being a major contributor, given the added awareness and exponential demand.

Mood Drinks: Growth of functional beverage market globally

Figure 1: Growth of the functional beverage market globally in billion dollars

Mood Drinks Pack Nutrients

  1. Increasing health consciousness: Consumers’ awareness of better health consciously pushes them to opt for well-being through drinks. So, the spike in sales for mood drinks is due to that.
  2. Premiumization trend: Consumers are willing to pay extra for quality. They want handcrafted drinks or beverages tailored to their moods. Hence, the premiumization trend is hovering around the non-alcoholic market.
  3. Mood support: With the demand to improve mental health, consumers have become more interested in regulating their mood and mental health. The market is rising rapidly year-on-year. 
  4. Plant-based and natural ingredients: The need to drink plant-based nutrients or natural ingredients in beverages is increasing among consumers. The reason is that sustainable drinks alter the mood through different tastes and flavors.
  5. Direct-to-consumer channels: With mood drinks available through online clicks on e-commerce websites, direct-to-consumer channels have facilitated easier access to a wide range of niche brands. Thus, broader, bigger, and more targeted reach has become swift to audiences.
  6. Innovative functional beverages: The space for experimentation and innovation in functional beverages is the key driving mood drink consumption and the industry. Consumers get the choice to try drinks more than quenching their thirst for water or hydration purposes.
  7. Celebrity endorsements: Product promotions and celebrity endorsements can significantly impact the sales of functional beverages, further contributing to the market’s growth
  8. Online sales: The increasing popularity of online sales channels has contributed to the growth of the non-alcoholic drinks market, with online sales projected to contribute 3.8% of the total revenue in 2023
  9. Out-of-home consumption: Out-of-home consumption, including establishments like bars and restaurants, is expected to account for 40% of spending and 10% of volume consumption in the non-alcoholic drinks market

Benefits of Mood-boosting Drinks Ingredients

  1. Caffeine: Can provide a boost in alertness and mood
  2. L-theanine: It’s an amino acid in tea that promotes relaxation and calmness
  3. Ginger extract: This has been used for the potential of mood-boosting effects
  4. Green tea: Contains L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and a focused calm  
  5.  Turmeric: It’s known for its anti-inflammatory qualities
  6. Ashwagandha, cordyceps, and lion’s mane: These adaptogenic ingredients provide strength to the body and relieve stress and anxiety
  7. Jasmine tea: It’s a powerful anti-oxidant known for boosting immunity and fighting harmful bacteria. It keeps the mood lighter through its taste and fragrance
  8. Tart cherry juice: Can help improve sleep, which in turn can positively shift mood 
  9. Normal Tea: Contains comforting spices like cinnamon, which can lead to increased feelings of alertness and help stabilize blood sugar levels
Different ingredients for Mood Enhancing Drinks
Figure 2: Popular Flavours of Mood-boosting Drinks

These flavors are often associated with relaxation, energy, and mood enhancement, and they are commonly found in various mood-boosting beverages.

Brands Offering Mood-Boosting Drinks

As the demand for wellness drinks increases, several companies are bottling drinks with mood-calming effects and essential vitamins and minerals.

Kin Euphorics:  The well-packaged line of non-alcoholic beverage makers claims to be a functional drink rooted in Ayurveda. As mentioned on the website, it carries the entourage of herbs and natural ingredients that nourish the body and mind. The brand provides cans and bundles that pack Botanics, adaptogen, and nootropics. Interestingly, supermodel Bella Hadid is the co-founder of the company.

Trip:- The brand focuses on calming the brain through various ingredients, including CBD. The mood drink claims to inherit chamomile, turmeric, and ginseng. It also packs adaptogens to counter stress. Its top flavors that are in demand include elderflower-mint, lemon-basil, and peach-ginger.

Recess: The mood booster drink comes in multiple flavors to entice customers. The brand aims to relax and unwind its buyers’ brains. It offers multiple samples, viz., the zero-proof sampler, the new mood sampler, the recess sampler, and the 15ct stick pack sampler. The company is storming the mark with its watermelon mojito, lime margarita, ginger lime mule, and grapefruit paloma.

Moment: For moments of bliss, to uplift spirits, and enhance focus, the brand Moment flourished in the market with drinks that contain mood-enhancing ingredients along with natural adaptogens. The brand works on elevating mood with a positive mindset and clarity. Their top products include blueberry ginger, blood orange ashwagandha, cherry chaga, lychee mint, and lemon turmeric.

Conclusion

Given the facts and figures, the mood drinks market seems ripe for disruption and grabbing. It is as open as sports energy drinks. From 2015 to 2019, nootropic product launches grew by an average of 70% on a year-over-year basis globally. With consumer demand driving growth in this market, a little understanding of natural ingredients, trending formulations, and market shifts could be the key to gaining an edge in the mood drinks niche.

Also, consumers looking for non-alcoholic drinks and healthy options are quickly disassociating with artificial sweetener drinks and bland and flavored waters. The breakthrough is nourishing the customer base, which is growing rapidly and making inroads for investors and industries. Catering to the wellness movement can be piqued as another revolution. The United States is the testament where the relaxation drink production is witnessing sustained revenue growth. Also, global manufacturers and sellers are finding takers for mood-boosting drinks as they are healthy and restore the traditional tastes inherited by ancestors.

What’s Next For The Food And Beverage Industry In 2024?

2023 was an overwhelming year for several industries, given the rising inflation, geopolitical unrest, and increasing penetration of AI, ML, and mixed reality around every corner. The food and beverage industry was no exception. The growth spurts were mainly driven by climate, foodtech, and consumer perception. In the 2024 outlook, we first assess the trajectory of major developments along with these broad parameters. That’s followed by focusing on the most noteworthy trends in the food & beverage industry based on their metrics, impact, and significance. Let’s get the bigger picture first:

Changing Consumer Perception

The dynamic between consumer perception and the market is a two-sided front that calls for a close assessment. On the one hand, the consumer’s perception drives trends, brand strategies, and market competition. On the other hand, brands and marketers shape consumer perception in various ways. Both sides have their own stories, and new chapters are added to each other now and then. Here are some significant highlights: 

Clean And Transparent Labeling:

As more and more consumers become conscious of processed foods, the demand for clean and transparent labeling of all ingredients is uptaking the market. This year, as regulations, research reports, and third-party rating sites will raise awareness about various processing levels, buyers will look closely at the processing levels of their food & drinks and choose accordingly. Overall, the inclination will be heavier towards low-processed options with high nutritional value, sustainability, and affordability. The tussle will remind consumers of the benefits of processing while reducing environmental impact and keeping their high fat, high carb products in good books of common perception. 

Growing Significance of “You are What You Eat” Theory:

As the significance of “you are what you eat” grows in masses, there is a generic shift towards edibles that have an affirmative impact on emotional and mental well-being. IFIC  (International Food Information Council) forecasts that the conscious effort toward emotional and mental well-being will further drive this momentum with increased focus on female health, mood improvement, and stress-busting eating options. 

Breaking Aging Stereotypes:

This comes from the other side of the spectrum, where industry players are breaking stereotypes and helping consumers overcome aging stereotypes. Gen X, aged between 40 and 55, is now openly talking about the effects of aging and wants to shift to senior age in good shape and health. As brands focus on their needs and demands, self-care nutrition proactively addressing sleep, joints, and overall body descent will gain momentum. Middle-aged consumers are accountable not only for their own health but also for their preceding and succeeding generations; thus, the scope for offering multiple-generation nutrition and care packages will gain higher significance, creating a new niche in this segment.

Emerging Food And Beverage trends 2024

Figure: Top Foodtech Trends

Food And Beverage: Sustainability

The rising concern of sustainability resonates across this industry’s value chain. The focus area extends from crop fields to landfills filled with food and beverage packages. Each part has its own carbon and emission economics; however, concerning this year, a few major changes can be expected: 

Digital Transformation:

The adoption of cloud-based platforms, AI deployment, and IIOT integration are significant updates that will lead the way in process refinement and carbon footprint reduction. The data collected from these techs will enable companies to understand consumer behavior and precisely calculate quantities and resources, reducing energy, water, and ingredient wastage.

Collaboration With Sustainable Solution Providers:

Food and beverage manufacturers have been collaborating with various sustainability to achieve their ESGs. For instance, the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) has been advancing the environmental sustainability of leading global beverage firms by focusing on energy efficiency, water stewardship, container recycling, and sustainable agricultural practices. Similarly, food labs are partnering with sustainability companies to attain ACT labels (Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency) for their firms and inform their consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases. 

Food And Beverage Industry: Foodtech

Technology has been streamlining almost every aspect of the food industry, from procurement to manufacturing, processing, purchasing, and optimizing utilization of groceries. Major turning points for this year will include:

Robots And Ghost Kitchens:

The automation of restaurants has paced after COVID-19, and this year, several new add-ons like robot servers, food flippers, automated delivery in eating spaces, and automated pizza and bread makers will join a higher number of eateries. Ghost kitchens, too, are moving to another level in the post-pandemic era. As the number of people ordering food online peaks to new levels, Statista estimates that the total revenues of the Online Food Delivery segment will reach $96.5 billion by 2027. Lower overhead costs, better efficiency, and upscaling trends are other drivers that will further push this trend. 

AI Integration In Plate:

As more consumers use AI-based tools like ChatGPT to improve and optimize their meal plans, food safety, and nutritional goals, their expectations from the industry take a new shape. So, apart from process automation, food and beverage makers may want to take cues and incorporate AI inputs and features into their offerings, especially in marketing and retail segments. 

Evolving Grocery Segment

All the changes mentioned above greatly impact reshaping the grocery segment in the retail industry. The discussion of the food & beverage industry cannot be concluded without addressing the grocery segment. Unlike the last decade, this decade sees a rise in organic, fresh, supplemental, and specialty products and the emergence of more natural and fresh food chains, independent grocery stores, and organic food retailers. Additionally, the most noteworthy change will be that each store will now have an added aisle of botanicals, replacing chemical-based supplements. 

Conclusion

While all these developments in the food and beverage industry show a silver lining on environmental and technological fronts, they still face resistance from their end-users on some levels. Technical literacy remains a challenge for the elderly and specially-abled in many parts of the world, and the fear of robots replacing humans in catering and waitressing segments remains prevalent. The regulatory domain, too, still poses some obstacles that pioneering and expanding companies must address before they move into a sustainable, automated, intelligent future. 

Is There More? 

Yes. The food and beverage industry is a massive landscape that cannot be covered in a few paragraphs. To explore more trends and developments expected along these lines, kindly download the PDF below. 

Healthcare and Life Sciences Market Outlook 2024

2023 was a mixed bag of cookies for the healthcare and life sciences (HCLS) market. The regulatory and funding uncertainties challenged the growth of the biotech and pharma sectors. Au contraire, the rising demand and integration of Generative AI, digital technologies, and virtual reality kept the growth and investment charts alive. Nevertheless, in both cases, significant growth was registered in the last quarter, and further developments regarding healthcare and life sciences can’t be ruled out in 2024-25.

To get a better picture of the global HCLS market, let’s get a bit closer and evaluate major growth indicators: : 

Healthcare and Life Sciences: Increased Spending:

The prolonged COVID phase left several backlogs, especially regarding non-covid R&D and innovations. Global investments may have gone up since 2021, but they failed to outpace inflation, putting the SP & Pharmaceutical and SP & Biotech index on a declining slope. 

Nevertheless, considerable reduction in interest rates, increased collaborations, and sufficient economic recovery positively impacted market growth, and now the hope is tight and bright that the 2024 healthcare market will show real-time growth and recovery. 

Drug Manufacturing Value Chain To Face More Challenges

The impact of cost-control regulations isn’t limited to drug pricing but will now spread through production and market competition. Drug makers are now realizing the IRA in the US and “Pharmaceutical Package” regulations in Europe as they see how it will impact their R&D priorities, supply chain expenses, and ability to face increased market competition. 

Drug prices ought to rise in the wake of these challenges, neutralizing the impact of cost-control measures to some extent. Bigger priorities this year will include CRISPR and gene therapies, supporting the dithering supply chains, treating rare diseases, setting up new API manufacturing units, and innovation in oncology regimens.

Industry trends of the Life Sciences Industry in 2024

Figure: Top Life Sciences Trends for 2024

Human Resources and Skillforce Shortages Remain A Challenge

At the beginning of 2023, the healthcare sector was buzzing with talent and workforce shortage on account of COVID aftershocks. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies were worried about the skill level of their workforce, but that seems to have subsided. Yes, it is still an effective tool concerning competitive edge. 

On the other hand, the global healthcare segment went through several strikes because of inefficient wage raises, rising inflation, and other pressures. The level of these strikes did go down, but they will continue shaking up the long-term care systems and hospitals at a smaller scale for some time. Globally, companies will try to be more innovative about their recruitment and retention strategies. 

Increased M&A Activity Will Be Key To Maintaining Life Sciences’ Services Portfolio

In 2023, a considerable increase in the acquisition of smaller players by their larger counterparts and various mergers was noted. As the major players move forward with new treatments, digitalization, clinical developments, and integration of AI, ML, and mixed reality in their modus operandi, more M&A activity can be expected in 2024-25. As per Stellarix’s estimation, the total valuation of these deals may go as high as $180-190 billion, gaining approx. 27-28% growth on a year-on-year basis. 

Healthcare and Sustainability Navigate Each Other’s Ascendence

As the net zero targets of other industries compromise under geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, and the ever-growing demand-supply gap, the healthcare industry braces itself for emission reduction. Besides pharmaceuticals and hospitals, several products like asthma inhalers are under scrutiny. Medical waste, growing heat-caused diseases in equatorial and temperate areas, and tightening protocols on climate-related disclosures are some of the topics that will increase sustainability efforts in this industry this year.

Healthcare and Life Sciences: Final Word

Despite the increase in M&A activity, healthcare spending, and digitalization, a few other concerns remain unanswered. There is very little discussion about emission targets and medical waste management. It is one of the major causes of land and air pollution. Also, the mercury will hit new levels in 2024. It means more diseases, deaths, and increased aid demand in nations close to the equator. Healthcare units will need to build more resilience and inventory to meet such challenges, especially in low-lying regions. A small silver lining is that extra pressure on healthcare systems may give the needed push to digital practices. It includes DCTs, virtual healthcare, telemedicine, speed of vaccine approval process, etc. 

The biotech and pharma segments in the life sciences industry are witnessing transformative trends. From CRISPR gene editing to AI adoption and real-world evidence trials, innovation is reshaping the future. Personalized medicines, wearables, and digital health tools drive a patient-centric shift in pharma, while generative AI and digital transformation shape life sciences. Collaboration is key as we navigate challenges like drug pricing pressure. Together, these trends promise a future of ground-breaking discoveries and a more accessible, personalized healthcare landscape.

What’s More?

Yes, there is much more to the development and progress in the healthcare industry in 2024. Discover the impact of Generative AI, ML, gene editing, cloud computing, DCTs, etc., here below:

Global Energy Industry Outlook 2024

2023 concluded with COP 28 showing the world the present worth and discrepancies of its 2050 Net Zero plan and efforts. An IEA report suggests that to zero its CO2 emissions by 2050, the energy sector needs to raise its target bars while improving the pace and intensity of its efforts. These requisites are further backed by the record-level surge in demand for fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources projected for this year. This, however, doesn’t mean any stagnation in renewables growth and adoption. But there remains a scope for stronger and more genuine efforts. For a clearer understanding, here’s a summarized global energy industry outlook for each segment: 

Renewable Energy

As the first half of 2023 indicated, the clean energy investments reached new peaks, registering record growth. The trend also continued in the second half and will continue in 2024. As Europe takes lessons from the recent energy crisis, governments across the West push harder for renewable energy deployment. Globally, solar and wind energy consumption will ascend on charts rising by approx. 10-11% on a year-on-year basis. These growth numbers will still face a stark challenge from supply chain disruptions, lower auction prices, rising mining commodities prices, and financial burdens. 

Global Energy Industry: Hydrogen Capacity

As more and more nations rush to increase their hydrogen production capacity, infrastructure expansion will be a common sight worldwide. But the catch is that most of this hydrogen is produced through fossil fuel reformation methods, making it grey hydrogen. Most countries lack electrolysis capacity, which complicates the production process of green clean hydrogen. It is a mineral and metal-intensive task that places hydrogen in close competition with other renewable energy technologies and total renewable output economics. 

Other than short electrolysis capacity, high capital requisites, unaffordable production expenses, and uncertainty about offtake contracts after project commissioning restrain growth in this domain. Moderate growth can be expected in 2024 owing to low-cost renewable energy production supporting policies introduced by governments in China, Australia, and the US. This is evident by the rising number of green hydrogen projects reaching the Final Investment Decision (FID) in all these nations. 

Global Energy Industry: Nuclear Power

Last week, the World Economic Forum included the outlook from the IAEA director general about the significance of nuclear energy in the clean energy mix in the near future. It implies the rising share of nuclear energy in global energy output, and the total numbers ought to go up from 5GW in 2023. The major driving factors for this resurgence include the Ukraine crisis, natural gas shortage, and increasing inclination towards renewable energy independence. This year, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the leading growth driver in this domain, followed by Europe. 

CCUS

Despite CCUS’s higher significance in decarbonization, less activity has been noted in this area in the last few years. As governments and private players are pushed hard to increase activity in this respect, strong uptake in CCUS strategies is expected this year. Denmark, the US, the UK, and others will be the nation’s leading licensing in this niche in 2024. 

Oil and Gas

After a slump in 2023, the demand for fossil fuels, especially oil and gas, is rebounding in 2024. Reports from associations suggest increasing consumption in growing economies, colder weather, and rising unrest in the Middle East will push global demand for oil and gas. The charge for oil supply is to be taken by the United States, Brazil, China, and Guyana. Figuratively, the global gas demand will go up by 2.5%, while for oil, the numbers will go up by 1.2-2.25 million barrels per day. 

Global Energy Industry: Year-On-Year Change In Global Gas Trade

Image: Year-On-Year Change In Global Gas Trade And LNG Supply 2019-2024

Conclusion

The resurging demand for oil, gas, and other fossil fuels poses a challenge to emissions reduction efforts. Climate change, rising heat, and geopolitical tensions further fuel this fire that must be contained without delay. In all, there is a dire need for more serious national, industrial, and technological efforts to meet the 2030 targets set by developed and developing economies. 

Is There More?

Yes, there will be much more to the energy industry’s development and progress in 2024. Below, we have covered the key developments, insights, and expected movements in the renewable and non-renewable energy sectors. 

Future of Collaborative Robots- Intuitive & Intelligent

Collaboration between humans, robots, and industries is getting mainstream. From the first robotic arm, Unimate of 1961, to the present-age UR30 from Universal Robotics, there has been a profound technological shift in robotics. Unlike robots, collaborative robots are lightweight, possess advanced sensors, are capable of hand-guided approach, and are embedded with AI and intelligent end effectors. Today, cobots have found workability in almost all industries. This blog will elucidate how cobots’ future is bright, given the rapid need for automation and increased manufacturing.

Surging Demand for Collaborative Robots

With over 3.4 million operating robots, some 517,000 new industrial robots were set up in 2021 alone. Out of them, 39,000 / 7.5% were cobots. Mobile cobot demand is high, and its market is expected to reach $7 billion by 2030. Material handling tasks, such as assembling, picking and placing, testing, welding, sorting, and positioning, had the biggest implementation among other cobot applications.

Collaborative robots size worldwide

Figure: Collaborative robot size globally

Industry Guidelines for Collaborative Robots

Whether service robots, vision-guided robots, or new-age industrial mobile robots (IMRs), requisite cobot parameters must be well-applied. Moreover, cobots need precise force control/payload, rounded edges, advanced sensors to detect human skin/touch detection for collision prevention, force/speed limitations, and internal sensors for force detection.

Many manufacturers use the industry cobot controls to ensure human safety and keep accidents at bay. Cobots are developed for precise and unique automation tasks. Hence, the working and software of the cobot type differ; however, the core/minimum safety measures are integral for every commercial and personal cobot.

Types of Collaborative Robots

Cobots are quick to set up and reprogram and can be used for performing complex tasks. For classification’s sake, cobots can be distinguished by how they work in collaboration with humans. Cobots are employed with Power and Force Limiting (PFL) and Speed and Separation monitoring (SSM), joint sensing, skin sensing, hand-guided controls (HGC), and Safety-rated Monitored Stop (SMS). As cobot is an emerging field, a preliminary classification can also be based on usage- a) industrial and b) service.

Top Companies in the Cobot Space

Leading cobot companies include names like Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Doosan Robotics, Neura Robotics, and Mitsubishi. Universal Robots had a Q3 (2023) revenue of $ 71m. Fanuc Corporation had a net income of 63,937¥ for April 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023. ABB Robotics Q3 revenue was $7,968 million, with an 8% growth from Q3 2022.

KUKA, the Germany-based robot/cobot-making company, saw revenues of €3.9 billion (2022), a 19% increase compared to the previous year. Mitsubishi Electric’s revenue reached 5,003.6¥ billion for the financial year April 2022-March 2023, a 12% increase year-on-year. Rethink Robotics, Locus Robotics, Yaskawa Motoman, Techman Robot, Omron, and AUBO Robotics are other key collaborative robot manufacturing companies. They have developed modern cobot solutions with varying payload capacities, advanced vision and flow sensors, compact design, and pre-integrated cobots.

Cobots Use in Various Industries

Cobots are used in many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food& beverage, agriculture, electronics, metal, mining, construction, plastic/polymer, chemical, and almost any other industry. Collaborative automation has great advantages like streamlining production, increased quality, and improved human/machine undertakings. On average, Cobots cost between 20,000/55,000 USD anyway, making them affordable for SMEs and large manufacturers. Unlike robots that are heavy, high-priced, single-task-oriented, and programmable only by experts, collaborative robots are sleek and smart. They occupy less space, are easy to move, and can be programmed for multiple tasks via mobiles/tablets/via guided hand movement. The greatest draw of working with cobots is that they are safe and instinctive robots.

Latest Research in Collaborative Robots Technology

Regular cobot implementation includes use in assembling and handling work. The latest cobots are being used in x-ray inspection/security, 3D vision-enabled surgeries, cobot prosthetic applications, and supernumerary robotics/soft robotic limbs (SRLs). Surgeons have been using collaborative robots with 3D sensors, helping them perform complicated surgeries easily. Amputees are putting cobot prosthetics to use, thus allowing them an opportunity to interact with their surroundings/people in ways not possible previously. SRLs are being used in different use cases to help users free up their limb usage and add more dexterity to their current activities. Additionally, they can be attached to the user’s back, arms, legs, fingers, and heads and embedded with physical sensors, bioelectric signals, control strategies, wireless Electromyography (EMG) signals, and other control mechanisms.

Standards and Regulations for Collaborative Robots

The risks of working with collaborated cobots are low as they have built-in measures to work in close proximity to humans. A thorough Cobot Risk Assessment (RA) needs to be done for integration, set-up, operating/function, and maintenance works. Many accidents often take place while performing maintenance. The various international standards for collaborative robot safety include ISO 10218-1, ISO/TS 15066, ANSI R15.08-1-2020, ANSI/RIA R15.606, and ANSI B155.1-2016. One can also refer to industrial robot safety and hazard measure standards (country-wise) like ISO 10218-1 and -2 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) manual. Hybrid interaction modes, AI/ML, and advanced sensors are helping users and cobots work safely simultaneously.

Conclusion

One of the key next-frontier technologies is cobots, which are surely revolutionizing manufacturing. The efficient production process is a staple for any vibrant economy or business, and this is where Cobots offer excellent value addition. Moreover, business owners need to be smart about how they will incorporate cobots into their work processes.

There are still questions on how safe cobots will be, especially with Artificial Intelligence, and if they can think for themselves. Despite all the RA, other thoughts remain about the possibility of accidents in the near and far future and if the cobots can truly replace human workers. The catch is that cobots can never replace humans. However, they act as assistants to support high-quality automated tasks and reduce human workload.

Automotive Industry Outlook 2024

As the nexus of sustainability, electrification, connectivity, and automation redefines the horizons of the automotive industry, it also lays the foundation for its radical restructuring. In 2024, these innovation drivers will gain momentum, shunning a few traditional norms and paving the way to novel consumer and business practices. 

Stakeholders planning to expand or preserve their market share must find a balance between mounting regulatory pressures and changing consumer perceptions. Hence, a keen eye on value drivers, market disruptions, challenges, and key trends will aid in strategic execution and swift adaptation to market shifts. 

In this outlook, we establish the relevance between our 2023 automotive outlook and this year’s predictions, along with strategic, sustainable, operative recommendations for different value chain participants. We look forward to taking the conversation further with you. 

Table: Summary Depicting The Present and Future Areas of Focus In The Global Automotive Industry

Automotive Industry: Key Value Drivers 

The global automotive sector is headed to an unprecedented degree of change that will have far-reaching effects across the value chain and end-users. This wave of mammoth changes rides on some underlying drivers that are slowly restructuring mobility’s complexity, capabilities, and future. Here is a summary: 

Electrification:

The steep inclination to emission-free vehicles is leading to the development of powertrain electrification. But there is still lingering about charging infrastructure and the availability of sustainable battery options. The ECUs still cost more than ICE, which is a major challenge in the growth of the EV market. Also, the integration of DCUs (Domain Controlled Units) in EVs will open up the market for new players. Therefore, as more and more complex functions are added to ECUs, the stakeholders will need to work hard to balance these against rising manufacturing costs. 

Shared Mobility:

As the trend for e-hailing, car sharing, micromobility, and unmanned aerial vehicles is taking a rise, it is expected that OEMs’ share in shared mobility will increase beyond 4 %. Additionally, as more and more urban dwellers are inclining towards micro-mobility, mini-mobility, and shared options, automotive manufacturers need to acknowledge the impending decline in demand for privately owned vehicles. 

Autonomy:

Unlike shared mobility, OEMs have no qualms about the value-creation capability of autonomous driving vehicles. It will transform the passenger car space and revolutionize the logistics industry with autonomous trucks. Automakers are already looking into new insurance products, changes in driving behaviors due to autonomous technology, etc, and this trend will rise further as the costs for high-performance computers and sensors go down and safety standards of autonomous driving technologies go up. 

Connectivity and Smart Mobility:

As automakers plan to position connectivity and smart mobility as long-term profitability and growth drivers, they need to keep consumers’ concerns about connected smart cars in view. The major focus needs to be on seamless in-car experience and vehicle monitoring. A connected car should be affordable and simple to use, with the least distractions. Thus, in both B2B and B2C domains, companies will need to derive monetization prospects from these basic demands. OEMs will need to make room for these demands.

What’s Ahead For The Value Chain? 

Along with all other pushes, the biggest thrust will come from the changing consumer behavior, bringing major changes in the core OEM business model. The signs are already there, and in the coming year, the trend will get stronger. Also, the new mobility concepts and intensifying competition will challenge market shares and profitability index. 

Alternative drive and mobility options will gain significant market shares by the end of 2024. The increasing automation will force companies to reduce their workforce. Moreover, the new competition parameters would include technology leadership, OEM collaborations against IT giants, niche markets, and strategic partnerships with emerging IT players. 

Every stakeholder has its own set of goals and challenges, which will pave the way to new trends on each front. We have detailed those changes and trends in the adjoining report.

Alternative Fuel Ammonia: The Emerging Source

Movement, silence, and motors are familiar and germane words for car manufacturers and steerer (s). This blog will focus on coupe motors and alternative fuels, a.k.a. car heat source (s). It is well documented that climate emergency, climate change, and global warming are all corollaries of the unabated use of fossil fuels. Alternative fuel ammonia is one of the instruments going forward.

A total of 1.474 billion cars, vans, and other vehicles contributed to the largest CO2 emissions in 2023. As per estimates by researchers, 2023 witnessed 40 billion plus tons of CO2 release worldwide and fossil fuels remained the major contributors with 37 billion tons of emission. Further, the three big Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle sales regions will be projected to produce 48,922 new units by 2025. Hence, compelled and propelled to cut down on CO2 emissions in the future, government/manufacturers/car users will push the growth of alternative fuels to a good 37% growth by 2050. Alternative Fuel Ammonia is the newest green fuel other than hydrogen and CNG, which car producers are exploring. This blog will consider everything around alternative IC engines fuelled by ammonia.

GAC Motor Makes First Alternate Fuel Ammonia-Powered Engine

The research and development team of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co., Ltd (GAC) has pioneered an ammonia-fuelled ignition engine for passenger cars. The company achieved success in building the first ammonia-based engine with reliable fuel ignition. The engine produces a decent 160.92 hp and 90% less carbon emissions. Thus, to remove carbon, the development of ammonia as an alternate fuel is a great achievement for the transportation industry.

Need for Continuous Research in Green Fuel Ammonia

GAC is further tasked with how to make the ammonia-powered engine get the environmental clearance, meet the safety needs, and make it mainstream. Using ammonia as motor fuel generally is complicated, for if it is unburned, it would release other GHG (s) like nitrogen (NOx) and nitrogen oxide (N2O). Ammonia is difficult to ignite due to its high ignition energy (impacting efficiency), low flame speed (causing release of unburned ammonia), and slow chemical reaction due to lower chemical kinetics.

Possible solutions to these concerns include using blended fuels, preheating ammonia, and higher compressed ratios. The designing of the ammonia (NH3) engine and fuel-burning process needs careful iterations with respect to better injection design and combustion dynamics. Until the widespread adoption of ammonia as motive fuel becomes common, industry pundits, scientists, and naysayers will continue to have their burning questions and skepticism.

Compression Engines And Ammonia

Experiments are ongoing on using ammonia in compression ignition (CI) engines. In tests conducted with increased use of diesel and ammonia mix, it was seen that more NOx was released and showed reduced engine performance. Moreover, possible solutions to these challenges have been demonstrated using high-stability Diethyl Ether (DEE) and ammonia blends.

The higher percentage of ammonia leads to better brake thermal performance and combustion reliability. Another possible solution that has been tested is the use of Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to decrease nitrogen emissions. It was seen that increasing the compression ratio and intake strokes was necessary for improved engine functioning.

Future Demand for Alternate Fuel Ammonia

The worldwide market of ammonia is expected to reach $103.8 billion by 2028 from a 79.79 billion market in 2023, a CAGR of 4.6131%, as per Stellarix’s analysis. This growth is subject to increased demand for fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and transport fuel.

Market value of ammonia worldwide

Figure 1: Market value of ammonia worldwide

Key Companies Exploring Alternative Fuel Ammonia

Many top companies are working on green ammonia and its innovative applications.

NYK’s A-Tug project

MAN B&W has recently achieved a milestone by developing an ammonia-powered, two-stroke, 4T50ME-X type engine. The MAN ES’s Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC) has tested it well for safety, heat-release, ignition, and harmful emissions. The company foresees a 27% increase in the use of ammonia fuel by large merchant-marine vessels by 2050. Höegh Autoliners is strongly committed to employing carbon-free fuel for its car carriers and using alternate fuel ammonia. Also, Hoeigh Autoliners has partnered with Norwegian North Ammonia to provide green ammonia for fueling their vessels.

NYK’s A-Tug project will see retrofitting the LNG-fuelled tugboat Sakigake into an ammonia-fuelled one built by IHI Power Systems, NYK, Japan Engine Corporation, and Nihon Shipyard. Below is the timeline of NYK’s A-Tug project:

Boris Gáis Energy’s Whitegate Energy Station

A first-of-its-kind ammonia-fired power generation is being developed at Boris Gáis Energy’s Whitegate combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) energy station in Ireland. The same is built with a partnership between three major entities: Boris Gáis Energy, Centric plc, and Mitsubishi Power Europe Limited. Low-carbon ammonia fuel will help in the much-needed clean energy transition. 

Europe's ammonia-fired power generation plant in Ireland

Source: www.bordgaisenergy.ie

Figure 2: Europe’s ammonia-fired power generation plant in Ireland

Allied Ammonia will deploy Topsoe’s new dynamic ammonia technology for its e-fuel export energy project in Australia. Moreover, the production is estimated to start from Q4 of 2028 and produce 900,000 tonnes per year.

Yara Eyde First Ammonia-Based Container Ship

It will act as the first ammonia-fuelled vessel to export products from Norway to Europe by 2026. Additionally, Yara Clean Ammonia has partnered with Yara Eyde to provide clean fuel for this carbon-free project. North Sea Container Line (NCL Oslofjord AS) and Yara Clean Ammonia are cooperating with the first ammonia-powered container ships. Enova has funded the project with NOK 40 million.

Other Ammonia Projects in the Pipeline

Wärtsilä, a Finnish propulsion system maker, modeled the first engine that runs on ammonia. The engine will be set up to power Viridis bulk carriers. First Ammonia, U.S.A, and Uniper, Germany, have joined hands on a green ammonia plant that deploys a unique solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC). It is 30% more efficient than the traditional electrolysis process.

Conclusion  

Engines are necessary, and so is fuel to power them. Most power-intensive industries, i.e., transportation and maritime, have used coal and petroleum for decades. Also, green change is happening slowly yet steadily in many global car manufacturing companies, shipping companies, and power-generating entities. Alternate fuel ammonia, in spite of being difficult to handle, is being explored cautiously and courageously. The total alternative fuel production will happen after a few years, whether green cars, ammonia fuel projects in Australia, or ammonia-based maritime engines.

                       

Sports Energy Drinks: Opportunities for F&B Players

The sports energy drink market offers plenty of opportunities in the ever-changing food and beverage sector. There is a sizable window of opportunity for F&B companies to take advantage of the growing demand for functional beverages as health and wellness trends influence customer choices. Sports energy drinks aim to attract a wide range of customers, including fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes, due to their capacity to improve physical performance and facilitate recuperation. Adding formulations with natural and organic ingredients to the product line will appeal to health-conscious consumers who desire both nutritional purity and efficacy, in line with the increased emphasis on clean-label products.

The ban on the energy of the sports drink Prime Hydration by several educational institutions globally has brought much attention to the veracity of claims by manufacturers. Renowned YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, who collectively own over 40 million subscribers, launched it with a significant stake in the business with Congo Brands in 2022. The ban on these sports energy drinks has triggered a debate on the issue of who can drink, their repercussions, and available alternatives.

Sports drinks have long been associated with athletic performance, promising replenishing electrolytes and providing a quick energy boost. However, many of these beverages are laden with excessive sugar, which can harm our health. In this blog, we will delve into the harmful effects of sugar in sports drinks, backed by relevant statistics, and explore sustainable solutions to make healthier choices for athletes and active individuals.

Sports Energy Drinks Market 

The sports drink industry is proliferating. Revenue in the Energy & Sports Drinks segment amounts to US$193.20 billion in 2023, as per Statista. It is slated to grow at 5.59% CAGR (2023-2027). The per capita sales volume ranking in the energy & sports drinks segment of the non-alcoholic drinks market is led by the United States with 28.4 liters, while the United Kingdom follows with 11.97 liters. In contrast, Russia is at the bottom of the ranking with 0.23 liters, showing a difference of 28.17 liters to the United States. 

Global Market for Sports Energy Drinks

Why Do Athletes Consume Sports Energy Drinks?

  1. Hydration: Sports energy drinks contain a blend of water, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium), and carbohydrates, which help athletes stay adequately hydrated during intense physical activity. These drinks replenish fluids lost through sweat and maintain the body’s electrolyte balance.
  2. Energy Boost: Sports energy drinks often contain carbohydrates in the form of sugars or glucose polymers. These carbohydrates provide a quick energy source that the body can readily utilize during workouts or competitions. This energy boost helps athletes maintain their performance levels through intense physical activity.
  3. Electrolyte Replacement: During prolonged exercise, athletes lose electrolytes through sweat. Sports energy drinks contain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which aid in replenishing these essential minerals. Electrolyte balance is crucial for proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and hydration.
  4. Performance Enhancement: Some sports energy drinks also contain ingredients like caffeine, taurine, or guarana, which enhance focus, alertness, and endurance. These components can provide a mental and physical boost, helping athletes push through fatigue and optimize performance.

What are the Major Constituents of Sports Energy Drinks? 

Energy drinks are specifically formulated to provide an “energy boost” by combining stimulants and energy-enhancing ingredients. Caffeine serves as the main ingredient in most energy drinks, typically found in amounts ranging from 80 to 150 mg per 8 ounces. To put it into perspective, this is approximately equivalent to the caffeine content found in about two 12-ounce cans of caffeinated soda or 5 ounces of coffee. 

These beverages often contain significant amounts of glucose, although some offer artificially sweetened alternatives. Additionally, common ingredients found in energy drinks include taurine, methylxanthines, vitamin B, ginseng, guarana, yerba mate, acai, maltodextrin, inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone, and ginkgo biloba.

Issues With Sports Energy Drinks?

  1. High Sugar Content: Many sports energy drinks are laden with excessive amounts of added sugars, contributing to their sweet taste. This can lead to tooth decay and an increased risk of chronic conditions, including obesity and diabetes. It is crucial to be mindful of the overall sugar intake from these beverages, especially when consumed outside of intense exercise sessions.
  2. Caloric Intake: Sports energy drinks often pack a significant caloric punch due to their carbohydrate content. While this can be beneficial during rigorous workouts, excessive consumption without sufficient energy expenditure can contribute to unwanted weight gain. Athletes should carefully consider their overall caloric needs and balance their intake accordingly.
  3. Limited Nutritional Value: While sports energy drinks provide hydration, electrolytes, and carbohydrates, they may lack the comprehensive nutritional benefits of whole foods. Relying solely on these drinks for fuel can result in a limited intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which are vital for overall health and optimal performance.

Caffeine and Stimulant Content: Sports energy drinks incorporate caffeine or other stimulants to enhance energy and focus. Moderate caffeine intake can enhance performance, but excessive consumption can result in adverse effects, including elevated heart rate, jitteriness, anxiety, and disturbances in sleep patterns. Athletes should be mindful of their caffeine tolerance and consider the potential impact on their overall well-being.

Potential for Dehydration: Although sports energy drinks are intended to hydrate, some high-sugar formulations may, paradoxically, contribute to dehydration when consumed in large quantities without adequate water intake. Excessive sugar concentration can impede fluid absorption, leading to a delayed rehydration effect. It is essential to maintain a balance between hydration and the consumption of sugary beverages.

Ban on Energy Drinks 

For some years, educational institutes have been banning energy drinks following the surfacing of hazards. The potential adverse effects on students and young adults consuming them have led to it. A report in 2020 at Harvard University displayed in controlled trials that students who consumed energy drinks saw fatigue reversal and enhanced physical strength and alertness in athletes. However, most candidates suffered from stomach irritation, increased blood pressure, high obesity risk, hyper behavior, poor sleep quality, type 2 diabetes, and stress. 

Learning from it, a school in Dubai alerted parents and banned Prime Energy Drinks, considering the health risks. The school highlighted several problems, including the possibility of students developing an addiction. 

Dr. Kholoud Saad Mohamed, General Practitioner at Aster Clinic, Al Warqa, says, “Some parents may not know that energy drinks can harm kids under 18. Children are at a higher risk for heart issues from excess caffeine in these drinks because their body size is much smaller than adults. High amounts of caffeine in kids can also cause anxiety and sleep disruptions, leading to less attention and focus during the day. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children do not consume any caffeine.”

Sports Energy Drinks List

Some of the top 10 energy drinks globally include

  • Gatorade Sports Drink
  • Ocean One8 Energy Drinks
  • Red Bull Energy Drinks
  • PRIME By Logan Paul x KSI
  • Enerzal Energy Drink

Sugar Loaded Energy Drinks 

All sports drinks boast of inducing energy in consumers. However, the story is titled upside down. Most energy drinks rely on high sugar or artificial sweeteners to disguise the bitterness of caffeine, resulting in sugar contents ranging from 21 g to 34 g per serving. 

Delving deeper, 21 to 34 gm/236ml of energy drinks = 88.9 to 144 gm/liter = 29 teaspoons in 1L of energy drink. Here, one teaspoon is equivalent to 5 gm. Thus, putting that amount of sugar in the human body can cause severe repercussions. 

  • Adults mustn’t consume more than 30gms of sugar daily (around seven sugar cubes).
  • For children aged 7 to 10, limiting daily free sugar intake to a maximum of 24g (equivalent to 6 sugar cubes) is recommended.
  •  Likewise, children aged 4 to 6 should aim for no more than 19g of free sugars per day (equivalent to 5 sugar cubes).

Problems Due to Sports Energy Drinks 

  • Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
  • Some potential health complications associated with the heart include irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Other effects may include feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
  • Restlessness 
  • High Blood Pressure 
Sweeteners Allowed in the USA 

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved six artificial sweeteners as food additives. These sweeteners include saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (acesulfame-K or Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantage.

Sweeteners Approved in the UK 

The UK approves the use of various sweeteners, which include:

  • Acesulfame K (E950)
  • Aspartame (E951)
  • Erythritol (E968)
  • Saccharin (E954)
  • Sorbitol (E420)
  • Steviol glycosides (E960)
  • Sucralose (E955)
  • Xylitol (E967)

Soft Drinks Industry Levy

The ‘Sugar Tax’ helps reduce sugar in soft drinks and tackle childhood obesity if they contain at least 5 gm of sugar per 100 ml in their diluted form. 

Soft Drinks Industry Levy, Sugar includes

  • Sucrose
  • Glucose
  • Fructose
  • Lactose
  • Galactose

It does not include sugar replacements, like:

  • Stevia
  • Aspartame
  • Sucralose

You have to pay the levy if the dispensed soft drink contains at least 5g of sugar per 100ml and has a 1.2% ABV or less content when combined and mixed in a dispensing machine.

According to Regulation  (EU) 1169/2011 (EU 2011) on food information to consumers in the European Union, it is mandatory for prepacked foods to provide a nutrition declaration. This declaration includes the amount of sugar per 100 grams of the product, listed under the carbohydrate section. To aid in labeling, the recommended sugar intake for an average adult based on a daily energy intake of 8400 kJ/2000 kcal is 90 g/day. Moreover, according to the regulation, carbohydrates (including sugars) are assigned a value of 4 kcal/g when determining energy content.

To make a “sugar-free” claim, the product must contain no more than 0.5g of sugar per 100g or 100 ml.

Claims of “no added sugars” can only be made when a product is free from added mono- or disaccharides or other sweetening ingredients. If the food naturally contains sugars, the label should include “CONTAINS NATURALLY OCCURRING SUGARS.”

To make a “low sugars” claim, a product must contain no more than 5g of sugar per 100g for solids or 2.5g of sugar per 100 ml for liquids.

Synthetic Ingredients Available in Energy Drinks 

The main findings of the current study indicate that all energy drinks and energy shots contain caffeine. At the same time, most of them also contain B vitamins, sugar, taurine, ginseng, tyrosine, L-carnitine, and electrolytes.

Caffeine sources in energy drinks are commonly derived from guarana, green tea extract, yerba mate, or synthetically derived, all of which may yield variations in pharmacokinetic profiles or how they are metabolized within the body.

Although not involved in protein synthesis, taurine, an amino acid containing sulfur, plays a vital role in several important physiological functions. These functions include facilitating retinal and neurological development, regulating osmotic balance, modulating cellular calcium levels, and supporting immune function.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the authority responsible for food risk assessment in the European Union, has conducted a thorough evaluation. They have concluded that the current taurine levels in energy drinks do not pose any safety concerns. This confirmation was included in the EFSA’s scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine in 2015.

Caution: High caffeine content. It is not suitable for children or pregnant or lactating women [Reference: Caffeine content (mg/100ml) as per regulations].

Risk Produced by Sugar-free Energy Drinks

Sugar-free energy drinks may similarly promote insulin resistance to sugared energy drinks or soft drinks. In 2018, the US energy drink market was 11 billion dollars. These products were marketed extensively to US children, adolescents, and young adults who are especially vulnerable to the adverse dietary and health effects of these products. Although individual autonomy and commercial interests are important considerations, major health organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have discouraged energy drink use among children, adolescents, and young people.

The Age Group for Energy Drinks
  •  The UK had banned sales of energy drinks to 16-years-old
  •  Poland to ban energy drinks for minors below 18 years of age
  •  The Energy drinks sales to people under Sixteen Years of Age Act- Connecticut, USA

The ban on several energy drinks in educational institutions in many nations has triggered a debate about their safety concerns and impending hazards.

Common Reasons for the Ban

  1. Excessive Sugar Consumption: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the daily added sugars intake should not exceed 10% of total energy intake. Unfortunately, popular sports drinks often exceed this limit in a single serving. For example, a typical 20-ounce bottle of a popular sports drink can contain up to 34 grams of sugar, which equates to approximately 140 empty calories.
  2. Negative Impact on Performance: While sports drinks claim to enhance athletic performance, excessive sugar consumption can have the opposite effect. Consuming high amounts of sugar before or during physical activity can lead to a rapid rise and frequent crash in blood sugar levels, causing fatigue and diminished performance. According to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, sports drinks with high sugar content may disrupt the body’s ability to efficiently use fat as a fuel source during exercise, impairing endurance and stamina.
  3. Dental Health Consequences: Sugar in sports drinks can majorly contribute to dental cavities. The prolonged exposure of teeth to sugary liquids can lead to tooth decay and erosion, impacting oral health in the long run. The American Dental Association warns that the combination of sugar and acid in many sports drinks can significantly increase the risk of tooth enamel erosion. This makes teeth more susceptible to decay.
  4. Contributing to Obesity and Chronic Diseases: Consuming excessive amounts of sugar from sports drinks can increase the risk of developing acute conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The high sugar content in these beverages provides unnecessary calories without essential nutrients, leading to an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. According to a study, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may cause weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.

Sustainable Solutions 

  1. Read Labels: Before purchasing sports drinks, it is crucial to read the labels and check the sugar content carefully. Opt for beverages with lower sugar levels or consider alternative options. Look for drinks low in added sugars or those sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit extract.
  2. Natural Electrolyte Sources: Instead of relying solely on sports drinks, incorporate natural sources of electrolytes into your routine. Coconut water, for instance, is a hydrating and nutritious option that contains naturally occurring electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. It is low in calories and contains no added sugars or artificial additives.
  3. Homemade Electrolyte Drinks: Create electrolyte drinks by mixing water with a pinch of sea salt, a squeeze of citrus juice (such as lemon or lime), and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. This way, you have better control over the sugar content while replenishing essential electrolytes. You can add herbs like mint or cucumber slices for added flavor.
  4. Hydrate with Water: Water is sufficient for most moderate physical activities to stay hydrated. It is an excellent calorie-free option that helps quench your thirst without the added sugar or artificial additives found.

Natural Juices as Alternatives for Drinks 

Montmorency Cherry Juice: Montmorency cherries are rich in polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These compounds have remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut water: Naturally has some key components in sports drinks. The natural sugars help keep your energy levels high for exercise that lasts longer than an hour.

Chocolate Milk: This dietitian’s go-to post-workout recovery drink is Chocolate milk. Research suggests drinking fat-free milk after exercise replenishes lost electrolytes and rehydrates better than a sports drink or water.

Products to Replace Energy Drinks

  • Vitamin Water: Nutrient-enhanced water beverage 
  • Caffeine Alternatives – Rhodiola, Peppermint tea, Cordyceps, Ginseng
  • Alternative coffee blends containing organic cacao, ayurvedic herbs, and functional mushrooms.
  • Cosmix- Sustained energy release product containing Asphaltum Punja- bianumNootropics – Alpinia galanga

Conclusion

Energy drinks have shown potential benefits for exercise performance in different sports activities. However, it is essential to acknowledge that along with their performance-enhancing effects, energy drinks have been associated with documented health concerns, especially among children and adolescents. Consumption of energy drinks can adversely affect various aspects of the body. Given these findings and the growing popularity of these beverages, it is advisable to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks. Governments should consider regulating overambitious marketing practices and non-scientific claims until independent studies confirm the safety of these products.

However, despite everything, the sports and energy drinks market is huge. If sustainable and unharmful ingredients are blended, there is a big opportunity for the food and beverage industry. Stellarix can help your sports energy drink company with our expertise in consultancy. Furthermore, the customization trend opens doors for F&B players to differentiate their offerings by providing consumers with personalized solutions that cater to specific performance goals and taste preferences. Leveraging digital platforms for targeted marketing and engaging with the athletic community can create a powerful brand presence. Collaborations with well-known athletes or fitness influencers could elevate brand credibility and establish a direct connection with the target demographic. As sustainability gains traction across industries, incorporating eco-friendly packaging and sourcing practices can position F&B players as responsible contributors to environmental conservation. By staying agile and innovative in product development, marketing strategies, and sustainability initiatives, F&B players can carve a distinct niche in the sports energy drinks market and capitalize on the growing intersection of performance, health, and convenience.