by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a polyester derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, cassava (tapioca) and other plants. Compared to other bio-based polymers (such as PET, PE) PLA is considered a greener alternative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
(Chemical Online/Businesswire) Nexant announced today that it has launched Biorenewable Insights—its new subscription program that provides in-depth evaluations and reliable data on the technology, cost competitiveness and industrial developments of biorenewable chemicals and fuels. “Nexant is the first major consultancy in this space
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think affordable, available, sustainable carbon is the biggest barrier to the growth of biofuels? Or, access to market via blender pumps? In the case of drop-in biofuels, the biggest challenge might be finding enough hydrogen.
(Dyadic International Inc./Biomass Magazine) Dyadic International Inc., a global biotechnology company whose patented and proprietary technologies are used to develop, manufacture and sell enzymes and other proteins for the bioenergy, bio-based chemical, biopharmaceutical and industrial enzyme industries, recently announced that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All that food waste, all that potential value. What’s being done about all that material heading from the garbage pail to the landfill? Turns out, the State of Hawaii and BioTork are doing a lot.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference included a discussion of research efforts aimed at making ethanol plants more profitable. Ken Valentas, professor at the University of Minnesota, and Joseph Molde, a student, have
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) — A University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering professor is one of the authors of a paper recently published in Science that outlines ways companies can commercialize and profit from what
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) A team of researchers, led by Professor Charles E. Wyman, at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed a versatile, relatively non-toxic, and efficient way to convert raw agricultural and forestry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Captain James C. Goudreau, Director, Navy Energy Coordination Office: Stay the course. There is always risk, always naysayers. When we moved from sail to coal, coal to oil, oil to nuclear, there were always people
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) BioCycle plans to make use of agricultural scrap and waste materials and other biomass sources as manufacturing precursors, via a $5 million bioprocessing facility that is currently in final financing stages. According to President and
(Domtar) Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) and UPM (NASDAQ OMX Helsinki: UPM1V) today announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for UPM to become the exclusive distributor of Domtar's BioChoiceTM lignin in Europe. The agreement takes effect
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd./Biofuels Digest) ... The problem with CO2 sequestration and carbon reduction schemes is the lack of economic return for many purely sequestration projects, unless government funding or subsidies are guaranteed. Then, the challenge is to
(Edeniq/BusinessWire) Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a cellulosic sugar producer, announced it has signed a letter of intent with Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited (“Global Bio-chem,” HKG:0809) to develop and commercialize processes to convert corn stover to industrial sugars for use in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cobalt Technologies signed an exclusive global cooperation and supply agreement with Andritz to integrate Cobalt’s proprietary lignocellulosic process for the production of n-butanol with Andritz’s customized pre-treatment systems. The primary alcohol, n-butanol is a widely used
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We hear from the whispering winds of Wichita that INVISTA, the redoubtable owner of the Lycra and Stainmaster brands, amongst many others, has introduced the only commercial offering of a bio-derived spandex available globally and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has heard from China that Sapphire Energy’s and Sinopec’s algae-derived renewable crude oil project has been selected for the U.S.-China EcoPartnerships program, and that the announcement is being made overnight US time in
by Gleen Farley (KING 5 News) In 2011, Alaska Airlines was the first carrier in the country to fly regular passenger carrying flights using bio-fuel. It replaced 20 percent of the jet fuel with a crystal clear liquid - refined industrial
by Steve Dale (My Pet World/Chicago Tribune) Current and future trends in food for pets and people were among topics addressed at the 30th Alltech Annual International Symposium May 18-21 in Lexington, Ky. The theme of the conference was "What If?"
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has heard from California that Calysta has successfully produced lactic acid – a key building block for industrial bioplastics – from methane at lab scale for NatureWorks. NatureWorks is one of the world’s largest makers
(Neol) Neol Biosolutions (Neol) a 50:50 joint venture between the Neuron Bio Group and Repsol has been granted the patent in USA for its technology MicroBiOil 1®. This technology makes possible to obtain oils from crude glycerine via a biotechnological process for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been known as a source of fiber, and tequila. But exotically high per acre yields and sugar content, and adaptability for low-water and marginal land prompt a key hook-up between Byogy and AusAgave. Can agave transform
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Developments of OBN west coast partners was the focus of the latest presentation by OBIC Bioproducts Network. The presentation is a part of the bioproducts commercialization webinar series. The webinar was conducted on May
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corn producers, ethanol producers and crude oil refiners: locked in a rollercoaster of commodity prices, and a battle for market share and profits. As the EPA readies to unleash its view of the future volumes
(Byogy Renewables/Nassau News Live) Continuing its commitment to deliver price competitive, 100% replacement biofuels and chemicals, Byogy Renewables Inc. has invested in a strategic partnership with AusAgave Australia, as part of the upstream integration of multiple feedstocks to develop low
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... A week before the FEW, Enerkem Inc. celebrated the inauguration of its 10 MMgy facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Commissioning is nearly completed, reported Tim Cesarek, senior vice president of business development. The thermochemical process
by (Biofuels International) ...Enerkem has officially inaugurated its first full-scale municipal waste-to-biofuels and chemicals facility in Edmonton, Alberta. The facility will have a production capacity of up to 38 million litres per year and is expected to generate net economic spending
by Rebecca Maitland (Houston Chronicle) ... Biofuels' primary benefits are in energy security, economic growth and environmental performance. "Biofuels reduce dependence on imported fuels. This strengthens our energy security while also creating jobs and improving local economies," Dascal (Rob Dascal, vice president,
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Major step towards stable commercial supply chain for 100% renewable plastic bottling; big step forward for Gevo’s Silsbee operations in paraxylene, jet fuel and iso-octane. From Colorado, news has arrived that Gevo is now selling paraxyleme
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Inbicon technology planned as centerpiece of low-carbon, high-profit platform: “Patriot will lead the way.” In Illinois, Patriot Renewable Fuels announced that Leifmark has been hired to create a custom Project Definition, the first stage of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The migration from first-gen to next-gen biofuels is becoming less ‘Invisible’ — and the new landscape is not, by anyone’s estimation, an ‘Ordinary World’. If Aemetis’ latest earnings hadn’t rocked your world quite enough, here
by Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) Solazyme (NASDAQ: SZYM ) and FutureFuel (NYSE: FF ) are two relatively small companies largely focused on the emerging bio-fuel market. However, they aren't the only players in the space. And some of the other companies, like DuPont (NYSE: DD ) , operate on a
(Biorizon) South-western Netherlands-based Biobased Delta Foundation has agreed to work closely with the Canadian sustainable chemistry alliance Bioindustrial Innovation Canada. Together they aim to accelerate the international commercialization of advanced new technologies. Biorizon is one of the flagships of the
by Arthur J. Ragauskas, Gregg T. Beckham, Mary J. Biddy, Richard Chandra, Fang Chen, Mark F. Davis, Brian H. Davison, Richard A. Dixon, Paul Gilna, Martin Keller, Paul Langan, Amit K. Naskar, Jack N. Saddler, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan,
by (University of Waterloo) Media are invited to attend as researchers from Waterloo and Bordeaux gather to create a bio-chemistry program that will support research into sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. The University of Waterloo and Université de Bordeaux also begin a longer
(National Wildlife Federation) Last week, Unilever announced that any product certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will be considered to be “sustainably sourced” according to their corporate standards. This step helps to simplify the assessment of sustainability of Unilever’s supply chain and reduces the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, the 11th World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, produced by BIO, opened today with a flurry of announcements and presentations. Here are hot slides ... and links to presentations. READ MORE
by Mary-Russell Roberson (News Observer) Bruce Dannenberg is a big fan of cyanobacteria – the ancient lineage of organisms you may remember from high school as blue-green algae. Turns out cyanobacteria aren’t algae after all; hence the name change. But
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Kansas, INVISTA and LanzaTech signed a research and development agreement focused on the development of gas-fermentation process technology for the production of industrial chemicals from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas (CO2 and H2) feedstocks. According
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Meets December 2013 commitment to be able to provide BTX developmental quantities to strategic partners. Plant begins production of 1 kg quantities of BTX, now available to support Anellotech’s ongoing business development activities and strategic
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) OBIC hosted a webinar on Bioproducts World Showcase & Conference on April 25th 2014. OBIC at Ohio State University integrates academia and industry and creates bioproduct clusters. OBIC’s mission is to accelerate commercialization of
by Jim Lane (Seeking Alpha) -Companies are shifting from biofuels to renewable chemicals. -Understanding the role of oxygen in their technology is key to sorting potential winners and losers. -Effective use of oxygen is powering top picks in the sector
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, depnding on which analyst you follow. With price targets ranging from $4 to $18 — and warnings from one end over delays at
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How a small, development-stage industrial biotech company, making chemicals you never heard of, landed $48M in new investment and a $100M valuation from investors like BP. And how they got so hot that figures like President
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the meetings, hallways and conference sessions at Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference near Washington, DC, the following issues, rumblings, lessons and congratulations abounded. Criticism of the Obama administration and its lack of enthusiastic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alberta’s Grand Challenge on carbon — Liquid Light, Enerkem among 24 winners picking up $500,000 seed grants in first round. Next round will result in up to five $3M grants in 2018, and $10M to
(Axens/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Axens, Total and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) have launched Atol, an innovative technology for bioethylene production through dehydration of bioethanol. Atol is a technology for the profitable production of polymer grade bio-ethylene by dehydration of 1G and 2G-renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – are plans turning into reality? Are development plans realistic? When these 10 projects open for business (or not) in 2014, you’ll know for sure. ...Well, the picture is incomplete. Plants like the Valero Darling renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rivertop to accelerate commercialization of novel, sustainable chemicals for consumer products and industrial applications. How does an early-stager get to the next level? Try a hot anchor product, innovative technology, and the right connections. In Montana,
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Luxresearch conducted a webinar on March 4th 2014 about new opportunities for downstream producers due to the growing production of bio-based chemical Intermediates. The basic science of bio-based material and chemicals has advanced.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $391 million in new capital in Q1 2014, while 8 biobased ventures raised $128.6 million in Q4 2013. This compares to $363.8M million in Q2,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, Amyris and Kuraray announced the expansion and extension of their ongoing collaboration in high performance polymers using Biofene, Amyris’s brand of renewable farnesene. Amyris and Kuraray launched the collaboration in 2011 with an initial
(Oklahoma State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Hasan Atiyeh, assistant professor in biosystems and agricultural engineering, recently received a South Central Sun Grant Award to advance the development of a new hybrid conversion process. “The hybrid gasification-syngas fermentation technology, when further developed, has
by Phillip Fiorini and Cynthia Sequin (Purdue University) Purdue University researchers are launching a company focusing on an innovative process that could revolutionize how lignocellulosic biomass is used to make biofuels and other bio-based products and chemicals. Spero Energy Inc., which is based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Gevo reports its 4Q results and adds back some ethanol production, we look at the short-term gains and the long-term implications. Why ethanol, why now — what’s the latest news mean from this signature
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Part 1 ... It seems that many of the companies providing new biofuels technologies do not fully understanding the competitive environment that they must navigate. As a consequence they fail to develop strategies that will allow
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Solazyme announced its entry into the oil and gas drilling fluids additive market. Building upon its proprietary platform of high performance, sustainable Tailored oils, Solazyme has introduced Encapso, the world’s first encapsulated biodegradable
(Algae Biomass Organization) A new survey of the algae industry conducted by the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) broadly shows an industry that is growing, from increased production of biomass and oils, to increased hiring, to a wider variety of end products. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This week, Blue Sun Energy, ARA, and Chevron Lummus Global achieved a key development milestone with their 100 barrel/day (4,200 gallon/per day) demonstration-scale Biofuels ISOCONVERSION facility in St. Joseph, Mo. Less than a year after
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Still seeking commercial-scale opportunities, Lignol continues to collaborate with companies that are eager to buy high-purity lignin in bulk. Is this abundant byproduct of pulp and paper milling and biorefining poised for new and
(Valmet Corp./Biomass Magazine) Fortum, UPM and Valmet have joined forces to develop a new, winning technology to produce advanced high value lignocellulosic fuels, such as transportation fuels or higher value bio-liquids. The idea is to develop catalytic pyrolysis technology for
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking companies or institutions to nominate their innovative technologies for the 2014 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. EPA is looking for nominations from companies and institutions that have developed
(Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process that uses gamma valerolactone (GVL) to deconstruct plants and produce sugars that can be chemically or biologically upgraded into biofuels. The team is expected to begin scaling up
(American Chemistry Council) The American Chemistry Council (ACC) unveiled today a new Biobased Chemistry Network to help educate policymakers on how to create effective and workable regulatory programs for the growing biobased chemistry industry. Global sales of this segment of
(Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy is partnering with GreenField Specialty Alcohols to test and develop a technology that, if successful, will lead to significant economic and
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Vertimass LLC, a California-based start-up company, has licensed an Oak Ridge National Laboratory technology that directly converts ethanol into a hydrocarbon blend-stock for use in transportation fuels. The ORNL technology offers a new pathway to biomass-derived renewable
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
(Lesaffre) Through its business unit Fermentis launched in 2003 Lesaffre has successfully served the fuel ethanol industry with yeast, yeast products and technical support. Aiming to concentrate their efforts on offering more specialized services and products to theirpartners in the first
(Precision BioSciences) Nova Synthetix and Precision BioSciences, Inc., today announced that they have initiated a joint research effort to generate non-GM, ricin-free castor plants using Precision’s Directed Nuclease Editor (DNE) technology in combination with Nova Synthetix’s proprietary plant transformation system. Scientists at Nova Synthetix
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reminiscent of 2009′s Summer of Algae, when those technologies were coming out of the woodwork, we appear to be in the Hydrogen Spring. Every time we write about them, more pop up, like a Prairie
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sweetwater Energy and Proterro, two companies using widely different approaches, aim for low-cost sugar that may give today’s corn ethanol plants a glide path into advanced ethanol production. They're in different stages, but share
by Atul Deshmane (Whole Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Today most glycerin is derived from biodiesel production. ... The basis of Whole Energy’s glycerin process is to distill off water and methanol and then allow salts and other residuals from biodiesel production to separate from
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The uses of glycerin - crude, USP-grade or otherwise - and other byproducts from biodiesel production are virtually limitless. Profiled here is the glycerin and coproduct research of three Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel. In the early
(Neste Oil Corporation) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “You will never have enough affordable hydrogen.” Perhaps that is the attractor in the news from little-known Solarvest Bioenergy, when they announced third party confirmation of their bio-hydrogen expression system following the successful completion of a six
Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The uses of glycerin - crude, USP-grade or otherwise - and other byproducts from biodiesel production are virtually limitless. Profiled here is the glycerin and coproduct research of three Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel. READ MORE
(Arab News) Dubai-based Petrixo Oil & Gas has decided to invest $800 million in bio-fuel refinery in Fujairah. The company, which has been investing in the green fuels for several years, has plans to be a leader in bio-fuel production
by Anne Trafton (MIT News) MIT chemists have devised a way to trap carbon dioxide and transform it into useful organic compounds, using a simple metal complex. More work is needed to understand and optimize the reaction, but one day this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reduce carbon? Rid the world of excess CO2? Not so fast, buster. A new generation of technologies has come along that capture, re-purpose and monetize CO2 emissions. Will they realize their promise? As Liquid Light steps out of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has been touted as the ultimate platform for fuels, chemicals, nutraceuticals, proteins — even cancer therapies. There’s been a rate of progress that would impress any devotee of Moore’s Law — and a series of
(Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of New York) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the State will commit $3 million to the Eastman Business Park (EBP) Bioscience Manufacturing Center in Rochester which will begin construction later this year. The construction
(Virtual-Strategy.com) Changing the way the world looks at the source of hydrocarbons for biofuels and sustainable green chemicals, Endophytics LLC announces a new technology platform in Bozeman, Montana that is receiving attention from many throughout the industry. Endophytics, LLC recently announced
by Al Costa (Biofuels Digest/Alkol) ... So, the idea I’m spreading here is that we should produce ethanol from many sources? No, that is only PART of the idea. And a small one, in fact. The larger part of the idea
(Global Business) It may be surprising to know that, strictly speaking, there is no such thing as “cellulosic ethanol”. Instead, there is cellulosic “sugars”. That because it is often forgotten that the cellulosic process (also called “2nd generation”) creates sugars,
(Wageningen University/Biomass Magazine) Chemical building blocks from lignocellulosic feedstock form a huge potential for the production of bioplastics. More specifically, they have potential for biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). The building block for PLA - lactic acid - is currently
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In April, International Flavors & Fragrances and Amyris announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize a specific set of renewable fragrance ingredients. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, IFF and Amyris will jointly develop
by Chris Groobey and Taite McDonald (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati) ... Since the changes surrounding the Section 9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program of Title IX (9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program or the program) are the most substantive and have been the most difficult for industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massacusetts, Lux Research reports its forecast that bio-based material and chemical (BBMC) technologies “have reached an inflection point with companies scaling to commercial production levels and growing revenues”, according to Lux Research. The leading growth
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... The true good news is that the Senate conferees prevailed in getting $881 million in mandatory funding over the next ten years to renewable energy and biofuels initiatives and extending incentives for the
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces the signature of a collaboration with the German car-manufacturer Audi on the development of isobutene-derived isooctane, a high performance biofuel for gasoline engines. Global Bioenergies, a NYSE Alternext Paris listed company (ALGBE), is a pioneer in the development
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Good news for mankind worried about getting a more sustainable world: it is expected that the next few years will be decisive for the future of advanced biofuels and bioenergy with the establishment
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... “Renewable chemicals are now defined in the farm bill, an important and long overdue change,” said Matt Carr, BIO Industrial and Environmental Director about that inclusion in the Biorefinery Assistance Program and Biomass Research and Development
(American Chemistry Council/Pine Chemicals Association) Results of a third-party peer-reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA), published today -- "Greenhouse Gas and Energy Life Cycle Assessment of Pine Chemicals Derived from Crude Tall Oil and Their Substitutes" -- found that diverting Crude Tall Oil
by Dale Hildebrant (Minnesota Farm Guide) Tuesday, Jan. 28, marked the beginning of a five-city tour for the steering committee of BeetsAll Biofuel in their search for a site for the first industrial beet plant site. The committee’s first stop was
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) “Industrial beets” is now the preferred moniker for beets being promoted for growing outside the Red River Valley to make things such as industrial sugar components or “green” ethanol, but not sugar. For the past five years,
(Yulex/Reuters) Yulex Corporation, an agricultural biomaterials company, today announced the opening of a Seed & Genetics Center focused on plant breeding, molecular genetics and development of agronomic best practices to support the global cultivation of sustainable guayule plantations for medical,
by Monica Becker and Amy Perlmutter (GreenBiz.com) ... Now 10 organizations from the Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3), including Timberland, Valspar and Seventh Generation, will spearhead a one-year collaborative project aimed at bringing green chemistry into the mainstream. The development follows the growing awareness of green
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables, Abengoa, Enerkem, Proterro among the winners for Project of the Year — as residues and waste are keys to the big wins. For Fuel of the Year, Renewable Chemical of the Year, Product
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Asia looks at petroleum reserves and exploration and concludes: our future is in biomass. As we wrote in 2012: “There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Pennsylvania and Germany, BASF and Renmatix signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement to scale up the Renmatix Plantrose process for the production of industrial sugars based on lignocellulosic biomass. The parties have agreed to
(University College London) A new UCL project is developing the idea that microalgae could provide more sustainable production of a wide range of useful oils – from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to lubricants to next-generation biofuels. Part of a wider funding
(GreenGasTrading) Future Biogas, an established and experienced builder and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, is to become the first registered producer to join the Biomethane Certification Scheme (BMCS) run by Green Gas Trading Limited (GGT). Explaining the company’s
(GlobeNewsWire) Braskem and Genomatica announced an agreement for the joint development of commercial process technology to make bio-based butadiene from renewable feedstocks. Braskem is the world's leading producer of biopolymers and the world's third largest producer of butadiene. Under the agreement, Braskem anticipates providing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Support in Washington for the bioeconomy tends to be more bipartisan than some other issues we work on,” reflected (San Diego Congressman Scott ) Peters. “The impact is felt all over the country — technology
(Oregon State University) Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that one gene in a common fungus acts as a master regulator, and deleting it has opened access to a wealth of new compounds that have never before been studied
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
(UPM) The Biofore concept car, a joint production by UPM and Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, is to premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, 6-16 March, 2014. The unique concept car is designed to be a futuristic,
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces its decision to construct its second industrial pilot on the site of the Leuna refinery, close to Leipzig in Germany. This new pilot plant, to be supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through a EUR
by Tom Tobin (Democrat & Chronicle) Naturally Scientific Technologies Ltd., a business described as an anchor in the Eastman Business Park's efforts to compete in the bioenergy field, will locate at the park to pursue a partnership with Rochester's Sweetwater Energy. The tenancy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Massachusetts, applied mathematicians Markos Katsoulakis and Luc Rey-Bellet of the University of Massachusetts Amherst will share a three-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, with others, to develop new methods to improve mathematical
by Jim Greenwood (Roll Call/Biotechnology Industry Organization) During a time when partisan politics rule the day, it is sometimes hard for pragmatic bipartisan efforts to cut through the clutter and get the attention they deserve. American workers in the emerging
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) M&G Chemicals announced its decision to construct a second-generation biorefinery in China to convert 1 million metric tons of biomass into ethanol and bioglycols. The project in the Fuyang region in Anhui Province is
(Battelle/Biomass Magazine) Battelle engineers and scientists have developed a mobile device that transforms unwanted biomass materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste into valuable bio-oil using catalytic pyrolysis. As currently configured, the Battelle-funded unit converts 1 ton of pine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In years gone by, it was not too hard to write up a summary of Gevo, Solazyme and Amyris — all aimed at fuels, all in the development stage, all used synthetic biology in closed
(Metso) Metso’s Pulp, Paper and Power business, the future Valmet, will supply a LignoBoost lignin separation plant to Stora Enso’s Sunila mill near Kotka in the south east of Finland. The order is one part of Stora Enso’s EUR 32
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The new technologies that come along have to provide pressure, temperature and feedstock at their own cost. So it’s the cost of those three elements, competing against the cost of locating, drilling and pumping. In
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Seeking low-carbon fuels, even negative carbon? Or, looking for a low-cost, cellulosic renewable fuel? Or, in search of a capital-light, bolt-on technology to drive better economics for first-yen ethanol plants? Well, what about all three,
by Frank Esposito (Plastics News) Less than a year after opening its plant in Indonesia, Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. has announced plans to open another bioplastics feedstock plant in Natchez, Miss., by 2016. Current customer interest in the firm's Inherent-brand biofeedstocks –
(Fraunhofer) Crude oil is getting scarce. This is why researchers are seeking to substitute petroleum-based products – like plastics – with sustainable raw materials. Waste wood, divided into lignin and cellulose, could serve as a raw material. A pilot plant
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Reps. Scott Peters and Matt Salmon as New Chairs of the Congressional Algae Caucus. Bi-partisan group focused on increasing awareness of the potential of algae industry to create jobs and economic development through
by Ariana Eunjung Cha (The Washington Post) For scientist Jack Newman, creating a new life-form has become as simple as this: He types out a DNA sequence on his laptop. Clicks “send.” And a few yards away in the laboratory,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biobased investing continues surging, both direct and via strategics. The Digest has the data and the scoop in our 5-Minute Guide. In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $363.8 million in new capital
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Next-gen biofuels technologies may be key to making the International Space Station cost effective — not to mention, other destinations in the NASA agenda. Which may explain why a high-tech algae outfit, Evodos, is advertising
by Kathryn Sheridan (Sustainability Consult/American Chemical Society) In recent years, the bio-based chemical industry has experienced steady growth and interest in the ‘bioeconomy’, an economy based on the consumption and production of materials from renewable sources. Companies and consumers alike
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of chemists, they are known as the C4s, and they are a target these days for just about anyone who can figure out a way to make them. Over on the petrochemical side,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As ABLC-Next concludes, here is the first installment in a review of the hottest slides, stories, intrigue and perspective from the Big Conversation amongst the bioeconomy’s elite. ... (see these slides and others here, here, here, here and here.) Kef Kasdin, CEO, Proterro Kasdin
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy announced a 50/50 joint venture with Naturally Scientific, Inc. to produce sugar from waste carbon dioxide. The new technology converts carbon dioxide taken directly from the emissions of industries such as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The rankings, which recognize innovation and achievement in biobased chemicals and materials development, are based 50 percent on votes from an invited panel of distinguished international selectors, and 50 percent on votes from subscribers of
(Solazyme) Announces agreement to commercialize world’s first sustainable, microalgae-derived, high-performance textile lubricants Solazyme, Inc.(NASDAQ: SZYM), a renewable oil and bioproducts company, today announced its entry into the textile lubricants market through a commercial supply agreement with Goulston Technologies Inc., a leading
(GlobeNewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels LLC, the leading biobutanol technology company, and Highwater Ethanol LLC, a leading producer of first generation ethanol, have begun to retrofit Highwater's ethanol plant in Lamberton, Minnesota for the production of biobutanol. Butamax's cutting edge technology
(BusinessWire/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and a group of renewable chemical companies and state advocacy organizations today wrote to the chairpersons and ranking members of the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture, urging passage of a five-year
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The company developed Bio-Res, a trademarked product made from distillers grains, that can be used in place of traditional petroleum-based resins. It can be included in the manufacturing process of various plastics at rates
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... Speaking to a packed conference hall, executives from Algenol, Sapphire Energy, Cellana, BioProcess Algae, Heliae, Algix and Aurora Algae all emphasized scaling up production as the industry’s next major priority as it begins to provide algae-derived fuels
(RNCOS) In a world which is ever thirsty for energy, economies eye on renewable energy sources to conserve environment and reduce costs. Our recent analysis of global biofuel industry revealed that in 2012, Asia Pacific witnessed the fastest growth of
(Amyris) Amyris's Farnesene Production Unit would be First RSB-Certified Plant in Brazil The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After taking a leading role in the global first generation wave of ethanol production, here come the Brazilians — with some hot North American technologies in tow — to take on next-generation biofuels and chemicals.
by Josh Bergeron (Selma Times-Journal) ...Algix, a company based in Georgia, opened its newest facility in Dallas County that will help turn catfish-pond algae into biodegradable plastic. “It’s really quite a revolutionary to take algae, which is seen as waste, into a
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