BioChemicals/Renewable Chemicals – Advanced BioFuels USA

Bustos Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Ethanol Production and Combat Climate Change

(Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos) Today (February 14, 2019), Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped introduce the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would implement strategies that help ethanol producers develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Specifically, USE IT simplifies the permitting process for the construction of carbon

February 18, 2019 Read Full Article

EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW: Neste Brings Biofuels to the Aviation Industry

(ACT News) An ACT News Executive Interview with Lana Van Marter, Commercial Development Manager, Neste, a front-runner in the production of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels. Lana Van Marter has a unique perspective on sustainability and many of the global challenges we currently face. Today she works for Neste, focusing on

February 18, 2019 Read Full Article

Pilot Plant to Turn Sugarcane Waste into Biofuel and Beer Bottles

(Queensland University of Technology) QUT researchers and Mercurius Australia have commenced work on a pilot plant to prove the economic viability of turning sugarcane waste into either jet and diesel fuel or chemicals that could be used to make plastic soft drink and beer bottles. Dr Darryn Rackemann, Senior Research Fellow

February 18, 2019 Read Full Article

Biochar Science and Market: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochar

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, a technical expert in pyrolysis, biochar and activated carbon, and Gerald Kutney, PhD, a business expert in pyrolysis and biochar, and both members of Lee Enterprises Consulting offer this illuminating perspective on the science of biochar, associated commercial activities, and more. Lee

February 18, 2019 Read Full Article

MEGA MEG – Braskem and Haldor Topsoe’s Monoethylene Glycol from Sugar Is in Operation

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) …Brazil-based Braskem and Denmark-based Haldor Topsoe just commissioned their pioneering demonstration unit, located in Denmark, for the development of monoethylene glycol (MEG) from sugar. Their innovation for renewable plastic made from sugar instead of traditional fossil fuels has been getting attention and this news marks a

February 11, 2019 Read Full Article

Biorefineries Assessment: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy Task 42

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 42 is working on the analysis and assessment of biorefining in the whole value chain in order to meet its mission to facilitate the commercialisation and market deployment of biorefinery systems & technologies. Johannes Lindorfer from the Energy Institute at the Johannes Kepler University in

February 8, 2019 Read Full Article

Flax Fiber Skis, Biobased Turf for 2020 Olympics, Gevo’s Isoprene, Veja Vegan Leather, Castor Oil Jacket Membrane and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 8th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of February 8th. In today’s Digest, flax fiber skis, biobased turf for 2020 Olympics, Gevo’s isoprene, Veja vegan leather, castor oil jacket membrane — these and

February 8, 2019 Read Full Article

Gevo Develops Renewable Isoprene from Waste Alcohols

by Elaine Burridge (CheManagerInternational) US clean technology company Gevo has developed a catalytic process that converts waste alcohols into renewable isoprene. The company Gevo expects the isoprene produced by its proprietary process will be able to compete head-to-head on price with natural and petroleum-based chemical equivalents, while also reducing CO2 emissions.

February 6, 2019 Read Full Article

GLOBAL BIOENERGIES: First Production of Isobutene from Wheat Straw at Demo Scale

(Global Bioenergies/Globe Newswire) New phase for the H2020 Optisochem project after 18 months of activity; Sugars from wheat straw produced at Clariant’s Sunliquid® pre-commercial plant have been shipped to Global Bioenergies’ Leuna demo plant; Successful test runs for production of straw-based isobutene, batches delivered to INEOS for evaluation Global Bioenergies today announces that runs

February 6, 2019 Read Full Article

Consumer Values Drive Demand for the Bioeconomy Specialty Chemicals

by Bogdan Comanita (Lee Enterprises/MarketChemica Inc./Biofuels Digest) VIRIDISOL®, ecoXTRACT® and GreenFlame® are examples of B2B brands launched in 2018 that support the use of new biobased products in large B2C markets. All these B2B brands are in perfect alignment with powerful B2C brands in markets as divers as pharmaceutical, cosmetics and hearth

February 6, 2019 Read Full Article

Almond Joy: CEC Poised to Award $10 Million to Advance Aemetis, West Coast Nut Waste-to-Fuels Commercial Projects

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the California Energy Commission has issued a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) for a $5 million grant to the Aemetis Riverbank cellulosic ethanol biorefinery, and $5 million for West Coast Waste Co., to assist in the development of its innovative commercial-scale, low-carbon biorefinery, known

February 5, 2019 Read Full Article

No Carbon Left Behind: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to LanzaTech

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTechhas over 20 years experience sourcing and supplying over 5 million tons of wood fiber and organic feedstock in markets across North America. They offer biomass feedstock supply and analytics to understand and minimize supply chain risk. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech gave this illuminating overview of

February 5, 2019 Read Full Article

CEC Grants Wishes to Some for Biofuels Projects

by Helena Taveras-Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Wishes are coming true for some California bioenergy projects. Aemetis, Oberon Fuels and others will receive millions from the California Energy Commission for their bioenergy projects, from DME to advanced ethanol. … Back in August 2018, the California Energy Commission released a solicitation (GFO-18-602) called “Demonstration-Scale

February 5, 2019 Read Full Article

SABIC and Customers Launch Certified Circular Polymers from Mixed Plastic Waste

(SABIC) o SABIC and customers Unilever, Vinventions and Walki Group will introduce ISCC certified circular polymers in 2019 during a market foundation stage. SABIC’s certified circular polymers will be produced in The Netherlands from a recycled plastic waste feedstock developed by PLASTIC ENERGY and offer a drop-in alternative for customers

February 3, 2019 Read Full Article

QuantaVision: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Global Biofuture Solutions

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Biofuture Solutions have a team of global consultants that help guide legislators and regulators as they develop the policies and approaches to realize new investment in the global bioeconomy, evaluate, share and promote sustainable best practices for the entire bio-project value chain, and use the

February 3, 2019 Read Full Article

Nouryon Partners with Unilever, Investment Companies and Startup Networks to Accelerate Innovation in Chemistry

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) has officially launched the third edition of its Imagine Chemistry collaborative innovation challenge. Through this program, the company invites startups, scale-ups, university spin-outs, and other potential partners to tackle chemistry-related challenges and uncover new ways to create value

January 31, 2019 Read Full Article

Green Guns, Poop Plastic, Kenaf Cars, Wildflower Jacket Insulation, Leaf Extracts that Fight Blue Light Damage and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 30th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of January 30th. In today’s Digest, green guns, poop plastic, kenaf cars, wildflower jacket insulation, leaf extracts that fight blue light damage — these and more,

January 30, 2019 Read Full Article

Gevo Announces Breakthrough Development of Renewable Isoprene, a Key Chemical Building Block for Producing Rubber and Rubber Products

(GEVO/Globe Newswire) Potentially price competitive with petroleum-based isoprene, made with 100% renewable carbon — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), a leading renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer, announced today that it has developed a proprietary, breakthrough catalytic process that transforms low-cost commercially available, or even waste by-product, renewable alcohols into renewable isoprene that would

January 29, 2019 Read Full Article

January 2019 PyNe43 Newsletter Available

(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) It (January 2019 PyNe43 Newsletter) contains contributions on Electrocatalytic upgrading to stabilize pyrolysis oil Progress towards commercialization at pilot and demonstration scale Pyrolysis of forestry and fishery residue for rural applications. Overview on catalysts to upgrade pyrolysis oils. Hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass to drop in diesel Challenges under

January 28, 2019 Read Full Article

The Stora Enso Story – A Magical Tale of Trees and Forests

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, we talk about Stora Enso’s story – the renewable materials company that develops and produces wood and biomass based solutions for a range of industries and applications globally – what they have done recently that shouts innovation from the tree tops,

January 28, 2019 Read Full Article

Reaping the Benefits of Agricultural Waste

(University of New Castle) Australia’s $63 billion* agriculture sector stands to benefit from a revolutionary fuel technology that will convert multiple agricultural waste streams into valuable biofuel and green chemical products for the first time. In partnership with the University of Newcastle, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and

January 25, 2019 Read Full Article

Attis, Iowa State Partner on Lignin-Based Carbon Fiber

(Attis Industries Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) Attis Industries Inc., a diversified innovation and technology holding company, today announced a partnership with Iowa State University for a funded research program to develop carbon fibers for use in a wide variety of applications derived entirely or predominately from lignin produced at Attis’ planned biorefineries. Carbon fibers

January 25, 2019 Read Full Article

USask Research Turning Ethanol Waste into Alzheimer’s Meds, Industrial Products

(University of Saskatchewan) A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team’s quest to extract protein from more than a billion litres of annually produced wastewater (called thin stillage) at Saskatchewan’s ethanol plants has yielded something far more valuable—a compound used in many countries to slow cognition loss in Alzheimer’s patients. That compound

January 25, 2019 Read Full Article

The Bio Wilburys: ExxonMobil, REG Add Clariant to Monumental Effort for Cellulosic-to-Biodiesel

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, as the advanced bioeconomy has continued its pivot to deployment-scale diesel and jet fuels, there has been quite a bit of scrutiny and skepticism over the sourcing of enough sustainable feedstock to supply all the growing demand. A big part of that puzzle

January 24, 2019 Read Full Article

ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group Partner with Clariant to Advance Cellulosic Biofuel Research

(ExxonMobil/Renewable Energy Group/Globe Newswire) Partnership to expand on joint ExxonMobil and REG research into cellulosic biodiesel; Clariant’s sunliquid® technology to facilitate creation of compatible cellulosic sugars; Objective is to combine technologies into a single, integrated biodiesel production process ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) said today that they have signed a joint research

January 23, 2019 Read Full Article

From Take-Off to Offtake – Driving Sustainable Aviation Fuels to Commercial Scale

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a tale of two Washingtons, the sustainable aviation fuels movement will gather in Washington state in March and in Washington, D.C. in April to seek breakthroughs in the adoption rate of jet biofuels, which have been stalled for some time between the successful certification/demonstration efforts

January 23, 2019 Read Full Article

Benefuel Secures Land for Sarnia Biodiesel Plant

by Paul Morden (The Sarnia Observer) … (Benefuel CEO Rob) Tripp said Benefuel has successfully commercialized its patented process for manufacturing low carbon biodiesel and bio-lubricants from waste feedstocks, such a used cooking oil and byproducts from ethanol refining. It has demonstrated the process at a biodiesel refinery in Nebraska for

January 22, 2019 Read Full Article

Finance Series on Biofuels and Biochemical Sectors

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, Lee Enterprises Consulting completed a series on due diligence within the biofuels and biochemical sectors. The 12-part series on “Bioeconomy Project Financing & Due Diligence” was published in 2018 by several members of the Lee Enterprises group. … Free copies of summary are now available

January 21, 2019 Read Full Article

Biomass Biocrude: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Ensyn

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn produces a biocrude from forest and agricultural residues using its proprietary thermal technology. Dr. Robert G. Graham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ensyn gave this illuminating overview of their growth in RFO, advancement in refinery co-processing, and start-up of a new 10 million gallon/year production facility

January 17, 2019 Read Full Article

Sustainable Plastics – If We Want a Sustainable Future, It Will Be Driven by Companies

by Tomi Nyman (Pöyry/Biofuels Digest) It seems like there is a never-ending deluge of negativity about plastics in the media. Yet for all the valid and important points being made about the environmental impacts of plastics, the most important question is all too often missed: can plastics be replaced? Ending plastic use

January 17, 2019 Read Full Article

Pushing Microbes to Deliver Preferred Products

by Tom Ziemer (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Phys.Org) If environmental engineer Daniel Noguera had his way, he would orchestrate a microbiome to pump out higher-value chemical products. In that vein, Noguera, the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with graduate student Matt Scarborough and collaborators in the

January 16, 2019 Read Full Article

Greenbelt Resources Receives PURNOL Funding and Commences Enhancements to Production Facility and Supply Chain Logistics

(MarketWatch/Greenbelt Resources Corporation ) PURNOL to market premium brand bioethanol for extraction solvent — Greenbelt Resources Corporation GRCO, (Greenbelt), the developer of a sustainable ECOsystem model that transforms waste into revenue generating bioproducts including bioethanol, today announced initial funding for a licensing and exclusive distribution rights agreement from PURNOL, a California-based distribution company. In accordance

January 16, 2019 Read Full Article

VTT Develops New Wood Gasification Method to Produce Biofuel, Chemicals

( VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland/Canadian Biomass) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd has developed a new technique based on gasification, which offers a sustainable way to turn forest industry byproducts, such as bark, sawdust and forestry waste, into transport fuels and chemicals. The new technique reduces carbon dioxide

January 16, 2019 Read Full Article

EU Bioeconomy Survey: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to IEA Bioenergy Task 42

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy 42 conducted a bio-economy survey using an online system to collect data, analysis of bioeconomy economics and policy data with interactive visualization, and a biorefineries database. Vincenzo Motola, Alessandro Giocoli, Nicola Pierro, and Isabella De Bari from IEA Bioenergy Task 42 gave this illuminating

January 16, 2019 Read Full Article

Porsche Hemp Race Car, Cigarette Butt Bricks, Biobased Boo-Boo Bandages, Flax Phone Cases, Bursting Balloon Bubbles, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 16th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of January 16th. In today’s Digest, Porsche hemp race car, cigarette butt bricks, biobased boo-boo bandages, flax phone cases, bursting balloon bubbles — these and more,

January 16, 2019 Read Full Article

Thermal Biomass Plants: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy Task 32

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 32’s aim is to focus on biomass combustion and co-firing. Morten Tony Hansen from Ea Energy Analyses gave this illuminating overview of the future role of thermal biomass plants in renewable energy systems specifically using Germany as a case study at ABLC Global 2018

January 11, 2019 Read Full Article

Christmas Trees to Paint and Sweeteners, Newly Discovered Protein, Hemp Beard Oils, Potato Waste Fiberboard, Biobased Outdoor Apparel and Cosmetics, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 10th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of January 10th. In today’s Digest, Christmas trees to paint and sweeteners, newly discovered protein, hemp beard oils, potato waste fiberboard, biobased outdoor apparel and cosmetics

January 11, 2019 Read Full Article

Aemetis India Plant Completes Capacity Expansion to 50 million Gallons Per Year of Biodiesel from Lower Cost, High FFA Feedstock

(Aemetis/Globe Newswire) Expanding Demand from India Government and Domestic Customers — Aemetis, Inc. (“Aemetis” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Universal Biofuels subsidiary has completed a two-year upgrade of the Kakinada, India biodiesel and glycerin plant. The upgrades to the Kakinada plant included installation of a pre-treatment unit to process

January 10, 2019 Read Full Article

Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot: The Zydeco of Xyleco

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This week on 60 Minutes, another unlikely character burst onto the national scene, courtesy of one of the lightest technologies profiles ever investigated on 60 Minutes by the otherwise redoubtable Lesley Stahl, who offered up the story of Xyleco, presumably as a proxy for the efforts of the

January 10, 2019 Read Full Article

Green Science Alliance Developed an Effective Method for Making Bioethanol from Plants, Wood, Wood Waste, Paper Waste and Food Waste. The Challenge Now is to Use Bioethanol as a Biofuel and an Alcoholic Drink.

(Green Science Alliance/PR Newswire) … Utilizing plants, wood, wood waste, paper waste, and food waste as raw materials for bioethanol production is extremely effective and environmentally friendly. These kinds of biomass are the most abundant raw materials on earth and are a potential carbon-neutral source for alternative natural resources in

January 9, 2019 Read Full Article

Forecast for U.S. Federal and International Chemical Regulatory Policy 2019

(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and its consulting affiliate The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to offer you our Forecast 2019. In this richly detailed document, the legal, scientific, and regulatory professionals of B&C and Acta distill key trends in U.S. and global chemical law and provide our

January 9, 2019 Read Full Article

Top 10 Bioeconomy Markets and Predictions for 2019

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2019? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2018 gives way to the dawn of 2019, once again roll the

January 8, 2019 Read Full Article

The Unlikely, Eccentric Inventor Turning Inedible Plant Life into Fuel

by Lesley Stahl (60 Minutes/CBS News) Marshall Medoff unveils to 60 Minutes his innovative method of turning plant life into fuel and other useful products — … What (Craig)Masterman helped implement was Medoff’s novel idea of using these large blue machines called electron accelerators to break apart nature’s chokehold on the valuable

January 7, 2019 Read Full Article

Biodiesel’s Cutting Edge

by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine profiles nine companies whose process technologies, products and services are on the frontline of change in this industry. Third Coast Commodities Biodiesel feedstock trading is evolving, and Third Coast Commodities is one of the firms ushering in this change. … The only way to

January 4, 2019 Read Full Article

State of the Bioeconomy

by Wayne Lee and Mark J Riedy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP/Biofuels Digest) At present, the bioeconomy continues to attract debt and equity interest. VCs, Private Equity Groups and Strategic Partners are providing equity at the technology holding company level in the form of private placements

January 4, 2019 Read Full Article

Making Biofuels to Help Airlines Fly Green: Gevo’s CEO Interviewed on BNN Bloomberg

(Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that Patrick R. Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer, was interviewed on the BNN Bloomberg program Power Shift on December 27, 2018. On the program, Mr. Gruber discussed Gevo’s technology and renewable fuel products. To view a replay of the interview, click on the

January 3, 2019 Read Full Article

Aviation Solutions: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Neste

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Neste has a strong history of developing, commercializing, and marketing new fuels, including diesel, renewable chemicals, renewable jet fuel, and more. Neville Fernandes from Neste, gave this illuminating overview of their plans for the production and expansion of renewable jet fuel as well as plans for

January 3, 2019 Read Full Article

3D Printing Lignin, Potato Postal Sleeves, Alginate Sausage Casing, Tree to Textiles, Chemical Recycling and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 2nd

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of January 2nd. In today’s Digest, 3D printing lignin, potato postal sleeves, alginate sausage casing, tree to textiles, chemical recycling — these and more, ready

January 3, 2019 Read Full Article

Emerging Process Tech: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to EPIC

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPIC helps pilot plants test and scale new process technologies. Check out their latest presentation with top four emerging process technologies that they are seeing a lot of right now: carbon capture, gas-to-liquids technologies, bio-based ethylene glycol, and biomass to commodity chemical application – and it’s ready

January 2, 2019 Read Full Article

Top 18 of 2018 – Looking Back to Look Forward

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … So on this last day of 2018, join the Biofuels Digest in looking back at our most visited and popular stories of 2018. … In today’s Digest, the hottest technologies, aviation developments we only dreamed of, cash out of trash innovations, biogas, cellulosic biofuels, lignin,

December 31, 2018 Read Full Article

Designed Materials Innovation: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Checkerspot

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Checkerspot designs high performance materials such as microbes to express new molecular building blocks that they then apply chemistry to create materials that are built into parts and products they prototype. Charles Dimmler, Checkerspot’s CEO gave this illuminating overview of their innovations, proven fermentation at commercial

December 27, 2018 Read Full Article

Catalysis Rocking: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to ChemCatBio

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio is a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Led by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, we work with industry to rapidly transition R&D discoveries into commercial processes and grow the bioeconomy in the United

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

Alt-Shift: As Alternatives to Alternatives, RNG and Fuel Cell Tech Markets Come Clearer, Closer

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, on the final day of California’s 2018 legislative session, a bill sponsored by the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas that would pave the way for a state renewable natural gas procurement program was approved by the Legislature, passing 29-10 in its reconciliation in the Senate.

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

Increase Public Awareness of Bio-Based Products and Applications Supporting the Growth of the European Bioeconomy

(European Commission) Promoting bio-based products to consumers–A bioeconomy uses renewable resources and helps society meet current environmental challenges so consumers need to be aware of the benefits of bio-based products. Converting resources from agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture into food, bio-based products and bio-energy is a promising strategy for minimising our

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

Little Falls High School Visits Central Minnesota Renewables

(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Seventeen students from Little Falls High School visited the Central Minnesota Renewables (CMR) plant … to learn more about Minnesota’s bio-based chemical industry. During the tour, the students, from grades 9 to 12, learned about the various processes of acetone and butanol production at CMR, which is

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

Waste Accumulation Problems and Opportunities

by Zoltan Kish (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) … In 2016, the Ontario government released its Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario [2], diverting our wasteful ways towards an entirely circular economy, but it doesn’t seem to be widely discussed. This strategy requires appropriate tools and an innovative approach to solving the tremendous waste accumulation

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

Enemy Submarine Detecting Microorganisms, Algae-Based Polymers, Edible Antimicrobial Film, Limestone-Based Bags, Soybean Oil Based Road Sealant: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 26th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 26th. In today’s Digest, enemy submarine detecting microorganisms, algae-based polymers, edible antimicrobial film, limestone-based bags, soybean oil based road sealant — these and more,

December 26, 2018 Read Full Article

New Composite Advances Lignin as a Renewable 3D Printing Material

by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a recipe for a renewable 3D printing feedstock that could spur a profitable new use for an intractable biorefinery byproduct: lignin. The discovery, detailed in Science Advances, expands ORNL’s achievements in lowering the cost of

December 24, 2018 Read Full Article

Table’s Been Set in 2018: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Cellana

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana develops algae-based products and has demonstrated commercially scalable yields for multi-products. Their algae is the world’s first biomass with two high-value product applications from different components. Martin Sabarsky, Cellana’s CEO gave this illuminating overview of cellana’s technology and products, going full commercial scale with “Last

December 24, 2018 Read Full Article

Technical Due Diligence Early and Often: The Best Insurance For Bioeconomy Investors

by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Many bioeconomy investors, while experienced with careful evaluation of marketing, supply chain, and legal aspects of due diligence, may be less familiar with scientific and technical evaluation of new technologies. Often only a cursory analysis is performed before making investment decisions. Appropriate technical due diligence

December 21, 2018 Read Full Article

Greener Days Ahead for Carbon Fuels

by Theresa Duque (Berkeley Lab) Researchers discover copper has potential as a catalyst for turning carbon dioxide into sustainable chemicals and fuels without any wasteful byproducts, creating a green alternative to present-day chemical manufacturing — For decades, scientists have searched for effective ways to remove excess carbon dioxide emissions from the air,

December 20, 2018 Read Full Article

Carbon Capturing: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Carbon Engineering

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbon Engineering is commercializing two clean energy technologies that can rapidly accelerate our shift to a net-zero world by removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and converting it to fuel. Geoffrey Holmes,Business Development lead from Carbon Engineering gave this illuminating overview of their Direct Air Capture

December 20, 2018 Read Full Article

Improved Catalyst Can Speed up Conversion of Industrial Biomass into Biofuel

by Monika Kundu Srivastava (TechExplorist) … Scientists at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, have developed a faster, environment-friendly method for conversion of industrial biomass into biodiesel. An organic compound called furfural is produced from agricultural waste biomass like bagasse, cottonseed hulls, sawdust, oat hulls, rice hulls, wheat husk, and bran. Typically furfural

December 19, 2018 Read Full Article

DOE Awards $1M to UMass Lowell-Led Team to Develop Renewable Fuel Additives from Wood Byproducts; Co-Optima Project

(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a three-year, $1 million grant to a team of researchers led by a UMass Lowell mechanical engineering professor that is working to develop renewable fuel additives from sawdust and other wood byproducts. The project is part of the Department of Energy’s Co-Optima

December 19, 2018 Read Full Article

Liquid Waste Garments and Birch Tree Gowns, Pulp Pill Bottles, Bioplastic Advances and Biobased Solvents: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 19th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 19th. In today’s Digest, liquid waste garments and birch tree gowns, pulp pill bottles, bioplastic advances and biobased solvents — these and more, ready

December 19, 2018 Read Full Article

Who’s Up, Down, Top, Charmed and Strange in the Bioeconomy: Learnings from the Earnings, as Four Bellwether Stocks Report

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … So, let’s look at Q3 earnings statements now just coming out from four of the sector’s signature companies in light-duty and heavy-duty fuels, enzymes, and nutrition and wellness. Namely, Aemetis, Novozymes, Renewable Energy Group and Amyris. Aemetis In California, Aemetis said that revenues for Q3

December 18, 2018 Read Full Article

Fast Pyrolysis Technology: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Biomass Technology Group

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biomass Technology Group develops fast pyrolysis technology and FPBO applications as well as the commercialization of such technology and production of fast pyrolysis bio-oil. Bert van de Beld from BTG gave this illuminating overview of their fast pyrolysis technology and commercial scale demo plant in the Netherlands at

December 17, 2018 Read Full Article

$$$ from Neste, Fulcrum, Others Making Renewable Diesel a Dream Come True

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … By The Digest’s estimates, there’s been close to two billion dollars in investments in renewable diesel lately. And the capacity just keeps growing. Between World Energy, Zymergen, Phillips 66 and REG, Diamond Green Diesel, Fulcrum, Red Rock, Raj Renewables, Dynamic Fuels,and more, it’s really happening….More money

December 17, 2018 Read Full Article

Algae Agriculture Triumphs in Farm Bill Compromise

(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic day for the algae industry, the U.S. Senate Tuesday approved a Farm Bill compromise that dramatically expands federal support for algae agriculture. The bill sets U.S. farm policy through 2023. It is expected to pass the House of Representatives as soon as today and receive President Trump’s

December 14, 2018 Read Full Article

Farm Bill Energy Title Contains Climate Tweaks, Slimmer Funding

by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … While the bill is largely viewed as a status-quo farm bill, the bill importantly reauthorizes the Energy Title (IX) and contains some new programs and tweaks aimed at helping producers become more resilient to climate change. … While overall the Energy Title

December 14, 2018 Read Full Article

Biobased Beer Can Rings, Algae and Bugs, Chitin-Based Plastic Breakthrough, Gribble Gut Enzymes, Banana-Based Products: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of December 14th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 14th. In today’s Digest, biobased beer can rings, algae and bugs, chitin-based plastic breakthrough, gribble gut enzymes, banana based products — these and more,

December 14, 2018 Read Full Article

RSB Assembly Approves Groundbreaking Standard for Advanced Products

(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) In a leap forward for the sustainable bioeconomy, the members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials approved our groundbreaking Advanced Products Standard. The culmination of over 18 months of consultation, expert working groups and member dialogue, the Standard provides the most robust set of sustainability requirements and

December 14, 2018 Read Full Article

Neste Strengthens Its Global Leading Position in Renewable Products with a Major Investment in Singapore

(Neste) Neste Corporation has made the final investment decision on additional renewable products production capacity in Singapore. The decision is based on a growing global market demand for low-carbon solutions in transport and cities, aviation, polymers and chemicals. The investment worth approximately EUR 1.4 billion will extend Neste’s renewable product overall

December 13, 2018 Read Full Article

Pre-Flight Checklist for Biofuture Takeoff: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Biofuture Platform

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuture platformwas launched at COP22 by 20 countries and top representatives of FAO, IEA, IRENA, UNIDO, SE4ALL, WBCSD, UNICA, and other leading organizations, whose aim is to kickstart a global, advanced bioeconomy and impact the future of bioenergy. Renato Domith Godinho, Biofuture Platform Interim Facilitator from the

December 13, 2018 Read Full Article

Zymergen, the Porsche 911 of the Materials Superhighway, Raises $400M in Monumental Series C Round

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In California, Zymergen has raised over $400 million in Series C funding led by returning investor SoftBank Vision Fund. The round welcomes new investors Goldman Sachs and Hanwha Asset Management, as well as returning investors, DCVC (Data Collective), True Ventures, Two Sigma Ventures, DFJ

December 13, 2018 Read Full Article

More Bioplastics Do Not Necessarily Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation

(University of Bonn) Study from the University of Bonn assesses potential implications of transitioning to plant-based plastics — Bioplastics are often promoted as an environmentally and climate-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, a recent study from the University of Bonn suggests that shifting to plant-based plastics could have less positive effects

December 11, 2018 Read Full Article

Iowa: Cultivating Growth in Bioprocessing

by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority/Biofuels Digest) … Nearly $4 billion dollars was infused into capital investments in the U.S. for renewable and bioscience projects in 2018. This significant investment is merely part of an upward trend that’s yielded more than 273,000 new jobs at bioscience companies across the country since

December 11, 2018 Read Full Article

COP24 Brings New Bioeconomy Strategy from UK, $200B from World Bank and More

by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Amid rumors of President Trump’s coal and fossil-fuel side event at COP24 (the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Poland this week and a Swedish 15 year old climate activist who tells it like it is, all hope for

December 10, 2018 Read Full Article

Researchers Advance Biomass Transformation Process

(Chinese Academy of Sciences/Phys.Org) … Thus, it is important to develop a highly efficient water-resistant catalyst to directly and selectively convert crude aqueous oxygenate mixtures to value-added chemicals; water-immiscible ones (easy separation after reaction) are especially of great importance. However, the efficiency and selectivity of the transformation process for biomass-derived intermediates remains

December 7, 2018 Read Full Article

Top 4 Techs: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Carbon Capture, Gas-to-Liquids, Bio-Based Ethylene Glycol, Biomass to Commodity Chemical Application

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbon Capture, Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Technologies, Bio-Based Ethylene Glycol, and Biomass to Commodity Chemical Application. EPIC Modular Process writes that “through our work scaling technologies for pilot plants or commercial systems, we often get exposed to the up-and-coming processes on the verge of commercialization. In the last several years, we have seen an especially

December 7, 2018 Read Full Article

Renmatix, Gevo Ink Deal to Develop Cellulosic Hydrocarbons for Jet Fuel, Gasoline Markets

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We have word bubbling up simultaneously from Pennsylvania and Colorado that Gevo and Renmatix inked a joint development agreement to evaluate the commercial feasibility of creating renewable jet fuel by integrating Renmatix’s Plantrose Process with Gevo’s GIFT technology and alcohol to jet process. The key word

December 7, 2018 Read Full Article

C.J.’s Back and REGI’s Got Her: Warner Tapped as New Renewable Energy Group CEO

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, white smoke has emerged from the REGI conclave: Tesoro EVP and former Sapphire Energy CEO C.J. Warner has been named chief exec of Renewable Energy Group, at a pivotal moment for biodiesel in Washington and around the world and amidst a boom for renewable diesel

December 7, 2018 Read Full Article

Strategic Due Diligence of Emerging Technologies for the Advanced Bioeconomy

By Bob Kodrzycki (Encompass Biotech LLC) and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting Inc./Biofuels Digest) … It’s the use of the most recent improvements that put the “advanced” in the advanced bioeconomy. So, by definition, the advanced bioeconomy relies on emerging technology. While some may see the wealth and excitement of opportunity

December 6, 2018 Read Full Article

A Summary of Federal Programs: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A wide array of federal incentives supports the development and deployment of alternatives to conventional fuels and engines in transportation. These incentives include tax deductions and credits for vehicle purchases and the installation of refueling systems, federal grants for conversion of older vehicles to newer technologies,

December 5, 2018 Read Full Article

The Laws of Biofuels Deployment, and TACs that Whack: Heard on the Floor at the CAAFI Annual Meeting

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This year, the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee of the Biomass R&D Board) did something about as audacious and rare as shouting loud praise of open markets and democratic values on the streets of Pyongyang. The TAC actually decided to write a document about the barriers

December 5, 2018 Read Full Article

Turning Grams into Tonnes: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant aims to enable the transition to a sustainable bio-based economy through development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of bio-based product and processes. Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Business Development at BBEU gave this illuminating overview of the pilot plant at ABLC Global 2018 in San Francisco.

December 4, 2018 Read Full Article

SouthCoast a Possible Site Location for Waste-to-Ethanol Company

by Jennette Barnes (The Standard-Times/Herald News) A Canadian waste-to-ethanol company is looking for its first U.S. location, and the SouthCoast is on the list of possibilities. Montreal-based Enerkem confirmed to The Standard-Times Friday that it has been speaking with local officials and with waste hauler ABC Disposal about using material generated by ABC’s

December 3, 2018 Read Full Article

Long-Term Decarbonisation Strategy: Bioenergy Recognised as a Key Contributor to Achieve a Net-Zero Carbon Economy by 2050

(Bioenergy Europe) Today, the Commission has published its long-term strategy for emissions reduction looking at different options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% with more ambitious scenarios achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals by 2050. Bioenergy Europe welcomes the fact that bioenergy is one of

December 3, 2018 Read Full Article

Fungi Convert Waste Material into Food, Fuel and Feed

(University of Borås/Alpha Galileo) Wastes become resources in the project Ways2Taste, where researchers at the University of Borås are developing methods for growing fungi on material that would otherwise have become waste. The goal is to produce climate-smart materials–including a whole new source of protein. Two of the world’s major environmental

November 30, 2018 Read Full Article

Innovative Conversion Technologies: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Using Canadian Biomass

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) is a nationally focused not-for-profit organization based in Sarnia, Ontario, in the county of Lambton. BIC’s mission is to provide critical strategic investment, advice and services to business developers of clean, green and sustainable technologies. “Our expertise in commercialization builds a stronger Canada,’ the

November 30, 2018 Read Full Article

Brain Regeneration, Data Storage with Biocomputers, Plastic from Waste Gases, Bamboo Diapers, Gene-Edited Wheat, Jackets from Bison Fluff : The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 29th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 29th. … #3 Munich researchers use algae to convert waste gas to carbon fiber In Germany, researchers at the Technical University of Munich are

November 30, 2018 Read Full Article

European Bioeconomy University: UEF and UNIBO Join Four Universities to Form International Alliance with Focus on Bioeconomy

(Science/Business) Europe’s leading universities in the field of the bioeconomy are looking to further intensify their existing cooperation to develop common problem-solving approaches for society’s most urgent challenges. JOINT PRESS RELEASE from the Universities of Hohenheim, Bologna, and Eastern Finland, AgroParisTech, BOKU Vienna, and Wageningen University and Research Think Tank for

November 27, 2018 Read Full Article

Tapping the Genetic Power of Algae: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Algenol

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algenol is a global, industrial biotechnology company that is commercializing its patented algae technology platform for production of ethanol and other biofuels, chemicals and biobased materials. Formed in 2006, and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida with an R&D facility in Berlin, the company operates in multiple

November 26, 2018 Read Full Article

The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Aemetis

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels and chemicals using lower cost, non-food energy sources and feedstocks. Of

November 23, 2018 Read Full Article

New Report Shows Global Link Between Pro-Innovation Policies and Biotech Advances

(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/BusinessWire) A study released today highlights strategies, policies and best practices that have been successful in creating an environment in which biotechnology innovation can flourish around the world. The fifth edition of the Building the Bioeconomy report shows the correlation between economies with pro-innovation policy frameworks and those achieving strong biotechnology

November 21, 2018 Read Full Article

A Fuel Value over $7.00 per Gallon, and Everyone’s Chasing It: The Birth of USA Bioenergy and the Surge in Renewable Diesel

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, we are now seeing project flow projecting a sustainable $7.63 price for renewable diesel in the California market, where the Low Carbon Fuel Standard stacks on top of the RIN values from the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. That’s market value, not subsidy. Though some

November 21, 2018 Read Full Article

The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Anaergia

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Anaergia is the world leader in solving waste problems by recovering energy, water, and fertilizer from virtually any waste stream. While Anaergia was built on the foundations of highly capable and experienced acquisitions, focused investments on innovation and execution capabilities allow us to deliver facilities that

November 20, 2018 Read Full Article

Beyond the Cow: ICYMI, BYND IPO PDQ, and Perfect Day AKA Muufri JDA w/ ADM, FYI

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In New York and California this week, the nutrition side of industrial biotechnology — and specifically, the “beyond the cow moovement is, ahem, mooving faster with news that Beyond Meat has filed for its IPO and Perfect Day has inked a Joint Development Agreement with Archer Daniels Midland(ADM) to

November 20, 2018 Read Full Article

One Molecule at a Time: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Amyris

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For many people, a key question in the advanced bioeconomy continues to be: “what is Amyris becoming, and when, and where and how?” Becoming a global leader in the health and beauty market, and self-funding operations in 2018 with at least $10 million in EBITDA this

November 16, 2018 Read Full Article

BRAG: Call For Candidate Chemicals For Equivalency Determinations

(Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®)) Is your company engaged in Class 2 chemistries that are similar to existing Class 2 chemicals but are derived from an innovative bio-source? We are looking for pioneering companies working on new biobased Class 2 chemicals to assist in advancing an important project

November 16, 2018 Read Full Article

It Might Be Giant: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Nanocellulose, American Process Style

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A few years back, Research & Markets startled the bio world when they projected that the “Nanocellulose Market by Type (Cellulose nanocrystals, Cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose nanocomposites, and others) would reach $250 Million by 2019, signifying annualized CAGR of 19% between 2014 and 2019. Heft growth indeed, and a survey

November 15, 2018 Read Full Article

3D Printed Bio-Eyes, Biobased Surfactants, Duckweed’s Comeback, Cow Poop Fabric, Starch Algae Opp, Disney Goes Bio, Alt Tuna: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 14th

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 7th. In today’s Digest, 3D printed Bio-eyes, biobased surfactants, duckweed’s comeback, cow poop fabric, starch algae opp, Disney goes bio, alt tuna — these

November 15, 2018 Read Full Article

Global n-Butanol Market 2017-2022 – Increasing Use of n- butanol as a Biofuel Gaining Momentum

(Globe Newswire/ResearchAndMarkets.com) The “Global n-Butanol Market 2018-2022” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The global n-butanol market to grow at a CAGR of 4.72% during the period 2018-2022. Global n-Butanol Market 2018-2022, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its