7 Big Deals, and Why They’re Big -- Microsoft, Cargill, ADM, Aemetis, Lygos, Alaska Airlines, SkyNRG, Biofine, and Ways2H

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) There's been a barrage of big deals this week and here's The Digest's exclusive take on the biggest 7 deals, why they are big, and more. In today's Digest, we've got the latest deal details that include Microsoft, Cargill, ADM, Aemetis, Lygos, Alaska Airlines, SkyNRG, Biofine, and Ways2H, the numbers, the tech, the partnerships, the backstories, and more. READ MORE

Lygos’s cannabinoids gambit

In California, Lygos has launched Lygos CBx, a Lygos company and new website focused on delivering a wide range of high-quality, pure and sustainable non-plant-based cannabinoids.

Marfrig, ADM Launch PlantPlus Foods

In Illinois, Marfrig and ADM announced the completion of regulatory approvals and the launch of PlantPlus Foods, a joint venture that will offer a wide range of finished plant-based food products across North and South America, backed by unmatched technology, scale and experience. The Chicago-based joint venture will serve customers with a focus on North and South America, with the ability to reach other global markets.

Below carbon zero: Aemetis starts up RNG production at carbon-neg project

In California, Aemetis has commenced producing dairy biogas from the first two dairies in a 17 dairy digester biogas project. The below-zero carbon intensity gas is initially being utilized for the production of fuel ethanol at the Aemetis Advanced Fuels Keyes facility in Keyes, California. Aemetis also produces high-grade sanitizer alcohol and various feed products at its Keyes facility.

Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, SkyNRG deploy new corporate SAF travel model

In Washington state, Microsoft Corp. employees who fly between their global headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and California on Alaska Airlines will fly more sustainably thanks to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to cover their business travel. The SAF, supplied by SkyNRG, is an important option for the aviation industry to reduce CO2 emissions on a life-cycle basis. This first U.S. partnership of its kind is a model for other companies and organizations committed to reducing the environmental impact of business air travel.

Cargill launches $150M waste-based biodiesel project in Belgium

In Belgium, Cargill is constructing a waste-based biodiesel plant at its existing integrated oilseeds crush and Bioro biodiesel site in Ghent, Belgium. The $150 million project will have a biodiesel production capacity of 115,000 metric tons per year. Construction will commence in October 2020, with the plant due to open in June 2022. The new facility will create around 20 new direct jobs and an additional 60 indirect jobs in the Ghent community.

Biofine partners with Sprague to distribute biobased heating oil

In Maine, Biofine Developments Northeast and Sprague Resources have signed a partnership to bring the next generation of advanced biofuel, ethyl levulinate to the market. Biofine will produce and Sprague will market EL, a product poised to revolutionize the heating oil market by transforming waste material into zero emission heating fuel.

The Biofine technology enables the production of high value renewable biofuels from cellulosic residues, including non-food feedstock such as wood, agricultural residues and municipal waste fiber.

Why Big? Here’s a company that’s found a powerful way to bring a new molecule to the market.

Pacific6 Enterprises invests in Ways2H waste-to-hydrogen development

In California, Pacific6 Enterprises has invested in Ways2H, developing technology to produce waste-based hydrogen fuel for mobility, microgrids and power generation. Pacific6 Enterprises, a Long Beach-based social benefit investment firm, holds interests in health care, local media, aquaculture and real estate. The firm supports the development of numerous projects and companies that have the potential to make a significant positive social, environmental and economic impact. READ MORE