by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, many have been uncertain as to what direction former REG CEO Dan Oh would take in developing a new entry into the fast-growing bioeconomy, but now we can be certain, or rather, AgCertain. News
BioChemicals/Renewable Chemicals
Back TO HOMEAvantium Awarded Funding for VEHICLE
(Avantium) Avantium N.V. announces that it has been awarded €1.3 million for its Dawn and Mekong Technologies from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The total subsidy granted to the Industry Consortium
July 01, 2019 Read Full Article
How Low Can You Go with Carbon?: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis is an international renewable fuels and biochemicals company using patented industrial biotechnology for the construction and operation of advanced biorefineries. They own and operate a 60+ million gallon ethanol plant in California, a 50 million gallon
July 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Enerkem Co-Founder Vincent Chornet Dies at 45
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Enerkem announced the death of co-founder and long-time CEO Vincent Chornet following a prolonged illness. He was 45. The company noted, “faithful to himself, he fought this terrible disease with the passion and determination that
June 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Letter from Route 12 and the Pacific Northwest: From Waste Streams, a Bioeconomy Rising
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, there’s a new mill near the city of Dayton that is the first to use waste straw to make pulp for paper products, and biopolymers; and, a new project near Granger turning
June 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Fighting Forest Fires with Biofuels: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Red Rock Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Red Rock Biofuels produces drop-in, renewable, low-carbon jet and diesel fuels. RRB makes the long-commercialized Fischer-Tropsch process economic at the biomass scale. By using forest and sawmill residues, Red Rock reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Partnership for Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(NTBInfo/Avinor) Avinor has entered into an agreement with Quantafuel to buy sustainable aviation fuel based on Norwegian biomass. The fuel will be produced in a pilot plant partly funded by ENOVA*. “Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
June 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Polymer Plant: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Avantium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Avantium, a renewable chemicals company, develops and commercializes biobased plastics, chemicals, and fuels. The company offers polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a biobased and recyclable polymer that is used in various applications, such as packaging of soft drinks,
June 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Turning the Switch on Biofuels
by Anne M Stark (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/Phys.Org) Plant cell walls contain a renewable, nearly limitless supply of sugar that can be used in the production of chemicals and biofuels. However, retrieving these sugars isn't all that easy. ... Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
June 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Hemp Product of the Year, BASF’s Sun Protection, Saving Kiwi with Algae, Biodegradable Polyester Fashion, Renewable Surfactants, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of June 19th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As summer gets hotter, bioeconomy inventions and changes are getting hotter too. Here are the top innovations for the week of June 19th – from hemp face cream and hemp protein powder to saving the kiwifruit
June 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Efficiently Producing Fatty Acids and Biofuels from Glucose
(The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)/Phys.Org) Researchers have presented a new strategy for efficiently producing fatty acids and biofuels that can transform glucose and oleaginous microorganisms into microbial diesel fuel, with one-step direct fermentative production. The newly developed strain,
June 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Bioprocessing in Iowa: Reflecting on Our Journey
by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority/Biofuels Digest) ... For decades, we’ve applied our work ethic and expertise in laboratories, innovation centers and refineries throughout the state. As a result, we’ve become a leader in bioprocessing, in addition to our agrarian achievements. ... There’s
June 18, 2019 Read Full Article
4 Key Bioenergy Technologies: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to SoCalGas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) he Southern California Gas Company is the primary provider of natural gas to the region of Southern California and has a vision to become the cleanest natural gas utility in North America. As California works to
June 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Potential to Decarbonize Long Distance Transport: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Drop-in Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 39, with the help of the National Renewable Energy Lab and University of British Columbia, has been working facilitating the commercialization of conventional and advanced liquid biofuels from biomass drop-in biofuels for quite
June 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Study Identifies Most Promising Feedstocks for Pyrolysis-Based Biorefinery
(CORDIS/Phy.Org) A study into the composition and processability of different biomass feedstocks has found sunflower seed husks and poplar wood slabs to be the most suitable for producing bio-based products via fast pyrolysis conversion. The study was conducted by Capax Biobased
June 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomanufacturing 2.0 Cell-Free: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Invizyne Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Invizyne Technologies is making chemicals the cell-free way using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. By inputting sugar and using engineered microbes, they can result in useful compounds and commodity chemicals, biofuels, fuel additives, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals. James
June 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Researchers Create Microorganism for Algae Biomass to Produce Biofuel and Biochemical
(AZO CleanTech) ... (T)he collaborative research team of POSTECH and Seoul National University created a new microorganism, which they christened as Vibrio sp. dhg. In their research, they effectively showed that Vibrio sp. dhg can be a capable microbial platform for the
June 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Promising Start to 2019: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Stora Enso
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Stora Enso. Stora Enso celebrated some positive Q1 2019 financials including sales that
June 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Of Impossibles and Whoppers: Notes from the Planet Synthetica
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s been a stream of good news and bad news on the “made in a lab” front in recent weeks. First, the amazing news that Impossible Foods raised a $300 million in its Series E round was led
June 04, 2019 Read Full Article
EU-India Conference on Advanced Biofuels
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The 2nd EU-India Conference on Advanced Biofuels was organised by the Directorate General for Energy of the European Commission and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India under the framework of the India-EU CECP. The conference aimed at
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Thermochemical Pulp Biorefinery Opens in Ontario
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) FPInnovations and Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced May 27 the commissioning of a new pilot biorefinery that converts wood biomass into lignin and sugars. On the same day, the Canadian government awarded C$2 million to the
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Nouryon Announces 2019 Imagine Chemistry winners
(Nouryon) Surfactants derived from plants, eco-friendly membranes, and miniature sensors were among the eight winning ideas in the 2019 Imagine Chemistry collaborative innovation challenge, organized by Nouryon. More than 160 submissions from 30 countries were received, and the winners were
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
BASF, The Estee Lauder Companies, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and Solidaridad partner for sustainable palm project partner for sustainable palm project
(BASF) Sustainability project in Lampung, Indonesia launched; Program to encompass 1,000 independent Indonesian smallholder farmers -- BASF, The Estée Lauder Companies and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are partnering with the civil society organization Solidaridad to promote sustainable palm oil and
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Rethinking Tomorrow and New Product Launches: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Novozymes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s new “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Novozymes. Novozymes has had 17 years of innovation driven growth with a
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
MicroNiche Engineering: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Microvi
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Microvi has a vision of safe water, sustainable chemicals and a clean environment for all. How they do this is through their exclusive MicroNiche Engineering platform which combines material science and microbiology to provide novel, fit-for-process biocatalyst
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
EERE’s SBIR Selects Bioenergy Phase I Innovation Projects
(U.S. Department of Energy) American small businesses got nearly a $22 million boost from the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Small businesses are receiving Phase I Release 2 grants (from
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
BASF Develops Process for Climate-Friendly Methanol
(BASF) Successful team of experts applies for patent for complex process; With the help of BASF’s OASE® gas treatment technology, no carbon dioxide should be emitted during the entire production process The production processes of the most important basic chemicals are responsible for around
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Gevo
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s new “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Gevo. Gevo produces and sells low-carbon, renewable, high-performance fuel products. From ethanol
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Project LIBERTY: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to POET
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET has been turning one big idea after another into biofuel and renewable alternative product solutions for thirty years. They have grown from a single, humble refinery in Scotland, South Dakota, to one of the world’s
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Plant Robot, Wheat Bran and Food Waste Coffins, Lyocell Car Seats, 3D Biobased Dwelling, Milk Protein Films, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of May 23rd
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 May 23rd In today’s Digest, plant robot, wheat bran and food waste coffins, lyocell car seats,
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Corn More than Just for Foodstuffs
by Mary Smallsreed (Tribune Chronicle) ... After I read an article about GMOs by my favorite agricultural blogger — The Farm Babe, Michelle Miller — I did some Internet surfing to find everyday items that contain corn. Even when you
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Methanol Institute Releases New Report on Renewable Methanol
(Methanol Institute) Compared to conventional fuels, renewable methanol cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95%, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%, and completely eliminates sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions. The report, prepared for MI by ATA Insights, features
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Pushing Plants Harder Reduces Costs More Than We Thought
Dennis Zeedyk (Glycerin Traders, LLC/Lee Enterprises Consulting) ... Glycerin Traders LLC takes in waste raw glycerin from multiple biodiesel plants around the country. It acidulates the raw glycerin to remove the fats for sale to multiple industries. It also strips
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
RoadToBio: Roadmap for the Chemical Industry in Europe towards a Bioeconomy
The RoadToBio project is funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It aims to pave the way for the European chemical industry towards a higher bio-based portfolio and competitive success based on the benefits offered by the bioeconomy. The
May 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Innovative Foundation in Iowa
by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority) ... Iowa is home to three public universities – the University of Iowa, Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Northern Iowa – that are world-renowned for dynamic research capabilities in plant, animal
May 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Development of Novel Processes for the Aqueous Extraction of Natural Rubber from Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK)
by David A Ramirez‐Cadavid, Katrina Cornish, Upul Hathwaik, Robert Kozak, Colleen McMahan and Frederick C Michel Jr. (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology) Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK) is a rubber‐producing plant being developed as a commercial alternative source of natural rubber (NR). The
May 21, 2019 Read Full Article
LanzaTech Aims to Fuel Jets and Make Consumer Goods from Recycled Carbon Pollution
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -LanzaTech sells technology that transforms carbon pollution into ethanol, a renewable fuel and feedstock for chemicals. -Founded in 2005, the start-up is now aiming to produce sustainable jet fuel and chemicals that can be used in consumer
May 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Greening the Chemical Industry Requires Massive Amount of Renewables
by Michael Le Page (New Scientist) ... While in theory carbon dioxide captured from the air could replace fossil fuels as a feedstock for the global chemicals industry, in practice it would likely require vastly more clean electricity than we currently have. ... They
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Ireland's First Grass-Fed Biorefinery Hits the Road to Help Farmers Go Green
(European Science Communication Institute/Phys.org) A New Mobile Refinery Is Travelling Across The West Of Ireland To Turn Grass Into Sustainable Materials -- Along the windy west coast of Ireland a biorefinery on wheels is turning grass into a series of different
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Genera Begins Farmer Recruitment
(Genera) Genera is launching a new business line that will manufacture disposable food service and packaging products from sustainable ag fibers in Vonore, made from locally grown biomass crops. Genera will be making a variety of ag-based paper products like plates, bowls,
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Running on Refuse
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Enerkem is producing methanol and ethanol at its Edmonton, Alberta, plant, diverting up to 24 percent of the city’s landfill waste. The company has partners for another project in the Netherlands. -- A Canadian company is
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Converting CO2 to Carbon at Mild Conditions
by Paul Grad (Chemical Engineering) ... (C)onverting CO2 into a solid offers an attractive alternative method for safely and permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere. To date, CO2 has only been converted into a solid at extremely high temperatures, making it industrially unviable. The team created a liquid
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Canada’s First Bioeconomy Strategy Launched
(Bioenergy International) Canada’s first national Bioeconomy Strategy has been released by Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC). Produced by BIC in partnership with BIOTECanada, FPInnovations and Forest Products Association of Canada, the report reflects the views of more than 400 industry representatives from
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Indian Perspective on Bioenergy: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to IndianOil Corp.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IndianOil has a 33,000-plus work-force, extensive refining, distribution & marketing infrastructure and advanced R&D facilities. In the country’s pursuit of alternative sources of energy, IndianOil is focusing on CNG (compressed natural gas), Autogas (LPG), ethanol blended
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Mushroom Burial Suits, Fish Gut Bioplastic, Algae Foam Bags, Power Generated from Human Sweat, Castor Oil Polyamides, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of May15th
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 May 15th. In today’s Digest, mushroom burial suits, fish gut bioplastic, algae foam bags, power generated
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomass to Hydrocarbon Fuels and Chemicals: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Vertimass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vertimass technology converts renewable ethanol into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel blend stocks and high value chemicals. They recently had $2 million scale-up and $500k catalyst optimization awards by DOE BioEnergy Technology Office (BETO) accelerating commercialization. Charles E.
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomethane Business Is Booming – From Waste to Watts and Wonder Chemicals
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... First, let’s make sure we aren’t confusing biogas with biomethane. Biogas is mostly methane and carbon dioxide but that doesn’t mean it’s biomethane. You see, biogas is produced from organic matter breaking down in the absence
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Gevo Announces Plans to Decarbonize Luverne Plant
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. released first quarter 2019 financial results May 8, highlighting efforts to decarbonize its Luverne, Minnesota, biorefinery and predicting the company could be become profitable during the next 18 months. Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo,
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Feedstock Flexibility
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond Enerkem, a few companies around the world are looking to feedstocks outside of corn to produce cellulosic ethanol. -- A few well-known ethanol producers are developing cellulosic pathways that use feedstocks other than elements of
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
The Case for a Credit
by Steffen Mueller and Sam Rushing (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The role of ethanol-based carbon dioxide is often underappreciated, both as an important source for the nation’s carbon dioxide market and for its carbon-reduction impact. Fermentation CO2 is captured, cleaned and condensed
May 10, 2019 Read Full Article
BP, Nouryon, and Port of Rotterdam Explore Green Hydrogen via Water Electrolysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From the Netherlands arrives the news that BP, Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals), and the Port of Rotterdam have joined forces to explore the opportunity of making ‘green hydrogen’ via water electrolysis for BP’s refinery in
May 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Paper Sludge to Biogas, 3D Printed House, Cocoa Bean Waste-to-Fuel, Vegan Silk Biopolymers, Biobased Adhesives, and More: The Digest's Top 10 Innovations for the Week of May 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 May 8th. In today’s Digest, paper sludge to biogas, 3D printed house, cocoa bean waste-to-fuel, vegan
May 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Anellotech’s Bio-TCat Technology Viability Confirmed during Pilot Plant Campaign – Moving forward with Commercialization
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We hear the theme song to Disney’s Carousel of Progress… “It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…” but it’s also a great big beautiful today because the viability of Anellotech’s Bio-TCat technology has been proven by
May 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Government, National Labs, Academia, and Industry Convene at the 2019 BETO Peer Review! Presentations Now Available
(U.S. Department of Energy) From March 4–8, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, hosted the 2019 Project Peer Review in Denver, Colorado. This was the largest Peer Review
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0002029: FY19 Bioenergy Technologies Office Multi-Topic Funding Opportunity Announcement
(U.S. Department of Energy) This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will provide funding to address the highest priority R&D areas within biofuel technologies, bioproducts, and biopower. It includes Areas of Interest (AOIs) from all five BETO programs: Feedstock Supply and Logistics; Advanced
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Of Renmatix and All These Pivots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pennsylvania bioeconomy pioneers debuts Celltice, a “Petro-Free Breakthrough in Clean Cosmetic Formulations” -- From Pennsylvania, comes the news that Renmatix is introducing Celltice, its “zero-chemical self-emulsifying active,” built from cellulose and lignin, and aimed at the clean
May 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Tequila-Waste Straws, Blood-Based Sneakers, Green Burials, Spider Silk Athletic Apparel, 3D Printed Heart, Water-Filled Seaweed Spheres, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of May 1st
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 May 1st. In today’s Digest, tequila-waste straws, blood-based sneakers, green burials, spider silk athletic apparel, 3D
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Pierz Healy High School Tours Central Minnesota Renewables
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Forty-seven students from Pierz Healy High School toured Central Minnesota Renewables (CMR) in Little Falls yesterday to learn more about clean Minnesota-produced renewable chemicals. “We were pleased to welcome Pierz Healy High School to our plant to learn about
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Solar Fuel Turns to Plants for Inspiration
(European Commission) An 'artificial leaf' being developed by EU-funded researchers to produce fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, could tackle soaring global energy demands, the growing impact of climate change, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. -- Developing new sources of
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
The Fundamental Things Apply: The Rise of Checkerspot and Supermaterials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently from California comes the news that advanced materials wunderkind Checkerspot has closed its Series A financing for $13 million. ... ...(A)dvanced materials are perhaps the first breakout anyone will really notice. Because materials are stuff and stuff
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Scientists Explore Using Bacteria as Building Blocks fior Alternative Fuels
by Valerie Nikolas (Medill Reports) Researchers at Northwestern University’s Jewett Lab use E. coli and other strains to innovate new renewable compounds -- At Northwestern University’s Jewett Lab in the Center for Synthetic Biology, researchers aim to create sustainable chemicals
April 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Reducing Energy Required to Convert CO2 Waste into Valuable Resources
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Phys.Org) Surplus industrial carbon dioxide creates an opportunity to convert waste into a valuable commodity. Excess CO2 can be a feedstock for chemicals typically derived from fossil fuels, but the process is energy-intensive and expensive. University of
April 26, 2019 Read Full Article
All About the Enzymes: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to METGEN
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) METGEN designs and markets novel enzymatic solutions for challenging and large industry sectors to meet specific customer needs. MetGen’s enzymes – MetZyme – are industrial, highly-active, natural catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions. They can survive in
April 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuel Made from Roadkill, Cardboard Café, Wheat Straw Transformed to Isobutene, 3D Printed Biobricks, Algae Plastic, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of April 25th
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 April 25th. In today’s Digest, biofuel made from roadkill, cardboard café, wheat straw transformed to isobutene,
April 25, 2019 Read Full Article
REACHing for the Stars: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Mercurius Biorefining
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mercurius Biorefining is developing its novel REACH process, which converts cellulosic biomass to hydrocarbons in the renewable diesel, aviation, and marine fuel ranges. Valuable by-products include bio-char and a bio-plastic monomer, FDCA. REACH (Renewable Acid-hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating)
April 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Putting CO₂ Emissions to Work: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Opus 12
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Opus 12 has developed a device that recycles CO₂ into cost-competitive chemicals and fuels. Their technology bolts onto any source of CO₂ emissions, and with only water and electricity as inputs, transforms that CO₂ into some
April 19, 2019 Read Full Article
India’s Ethanol Scenario: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Praj
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj Americas, Inc.,subsidiary of Praj industries ltd, is a unique technology and engineering company in the ethanol arena in the Americas. What started off as an entrepreneurial venture three decades ago, the parent company, Praj Industries,
April 18, 2019 Read Full Article
CENER is Developing Technology for Future Urban Biorefineries, to Move towards a Circular Bioeconomy
(Bio-based News) CENER is involved in 4 specific initiatives, in order to develop the most adequate management and valorization routes of different urban biowastes -- The Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain) is convinced of the need to
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Beyond Beef with No Cow, Sunflower Crop Waste for Phone Cases and Binders, BASF’s Bioactives from Rambutan Tree, Repurposing Wastewater Algae, Nouryon’s Biopolymer for Hair Care, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of April 17th
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 April 17th. In today’s Digest, beyond beef with no cow, sunflower crop waste for phone cases
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Spero Renewables Announces Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Energy
(Spero Renewables/Online PR News) Spero Renewables Awarded $1.6 Million to Develop & Scale-up SPERLU™ Biomass-based Polymers Production -- Spero Renewables, LLC, a Green chemistry company today announced a $1.6 million cooperative agreement with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy division of the Department of
April 16, 2019 Read Full Article
The Latest on Biogas: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biogas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) .. Terry Mazanec, Principal of T-MAZ LLC and Executive Vice President at Lee Enterprises Consulting gave this illuminating overview of biogas production, treatment and utilization, potential, and more, at ABLC Global 2018 in San Francisco.
April 16, 2019 Read Full Article
The Advanced Bioeconomy: State of the Industry 2019 -- 25 Key Trends for 2019 and Beyond
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In any discussion of decarbonizing transport, we start with the bioeconomy itself. It’s an unfamiliar term to many — some people think it’s a fast-growing but small segment, some think of it as a sleeping giant. In
April 16, 2019 Read Full Article
This Sustainable Biofuel Company Is Also a Beauty Company
by Eillie Anzilotti (Fast Company) ... Bob and Kelly King founded Pacific Biodiesel in Hawaii in 1995 in response to a concerning issue: the volume of used cooking oil that was being dumped into a landfill in Maui. Bob, who at the time owned the
April 16, 2019 Read Full Article
BioAg of the Future: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Novozymes BioAg
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions focusing on enzymes and microbes. Since 2000, they have brought more than 100 new molecules to market to address specific industry and customer challenges. We account for 2/3
April 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Coffee without the Coffee Bean, Bioplastic Burial Pods, Fruit and Algae Clothing, Soy Straws, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of April 12th
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 April 12th In today’s Digest, coffee without the coffee bean, bioplastic burial pods, fruit and algae
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
BASF to Expand Production Capacity for Sodium Methylate in Brazil
(BASF) ... Sodium Methylate is an efficient and reliable catalyst that provides a sustainable solution for the production and use of Biodiesel, meeting the requirements of engine manufacturers for high-quality fuels and lower emissions. Sodium methylate supports higher yields and low preparation
April 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Gevo to Work With Praj Industries to Commercialize Renewable Isobutanol, Jet Fuel and Isooctane in India
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it has signed a binding, definitive Construction License Agreement with Praj Industries Ltd., dated April 4, 2019, to commercialize the production of renewable isobutanol using sugary-based feedstocks, such as juice, syrup and
April 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Canadian Biofuel Producer Investing €30m in Portlaoise Plant
by Peter Hamilton (The Irish Times) Greenfield Global is establishing its European manufacturing headquarters in Laois -- A Canadian alcohol and fuel ethanol producer is investing in the region of €30 million to establish its new European manufacturing headquarters in Portlaoise, a move
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Promising Opportunities for Circular Agro-Food Industries
(BioRescue) Education, training and awareness raising were identified as key factors to unlock the potential of 62 million tonnes of agricultural residues available annually in Europe during a policy conference organised by eco-innovation expert group Greenovate! Europe, where innovative examples of circular economy in
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Food and Drink Packaging from Seaweed and Animal Hides, Beer Six-Pack Rings, Mouse Ears for Humans, Vehicle Pigments, Carbon Fiber for Building Materials, Hempcrete, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of April 8th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. ... In today’s Digest, food and drink packaging from seaweed and animal hides, beer six-pack rings, mouse ears for humans, vehicle pigments, carbon fiber for
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
ABLC 2019 Round-Up
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... ABLC 2019 kicked off on Wednesday with about 540 delegates in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture building complete with secret service protection and escorts for some big-name super star speakers, with
April 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Technology Turns Municipal Wastewater Algae into Specialty Chemicals for Biofuels, Bioplastics
(Purdue University/Phys.org) Gen3Bio has designed mobile 15-gallon enzymolysis pilot plants to be placed in wastewater treatment facilities to transform algae into specialty bio-based chemicals, such as biofuels or bioplastics. -- A startup is advancing a unique way to transform algae used
April 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Students' Soybean Straws Win Award
(The Exponent) Three Purdue students brought home top honors and a $20,000 prize at this year's Student Soybean Product Innovation Competition for their biodegradable soybean based drinking straw, according to a Purdue press release. "Team Stroy" is made up of Natalie Stephenson, a senior in
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Minnesota Announces AGRI Bioenergy/Biochemical Pilot Project Grant DEADLINE: April 26, 2019
(State of Minnesota) The AGRI Bioenergy/Biochemical Pilot Project Grant provides funding that would advance a bioenergy or biochemical production technology beyond the bench scale/proof-of-concept scale toward commercial scale, through construction and operation of a pilot plant. See the glossary in the
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Sustainable Chemicals Produced by Vertimass Now Eligible for Iowa Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit
(Vertimass/Cision/PR Newswire) Vertimass' ethanol to renewable chemicals offers ethanol producers alternative product capability -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has approved the addition of four new renewable chemicals to the list of those eligible under its first-in-the-nation renewable chemical production tax
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Creating Chemistry: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to BASF
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BASF, as of January 1, 2019, has twelve divisions grouped into six segments. They create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF’s new segment structure will allow a more differentiated steering of their businesses according to their market-specific
April 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Covestro and Genomatica Launch Partnership for High-Performance Plant-Based Materials
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Materials manufacturer Covestro and biotechnology company Genomatica joined forces to research and develop high-performance materials based on renewable feedstocks. With their collaboration, both partners are aiming to reduce the use of fossil-based resources such as
April 01, 2019 Read Full Article
No Compromise: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Amyris
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amyris has a proprietary process of engineering organisms (yeast) using renewably-sourced carbon from plants (sugarcane) to make sustainable, custom molecules. They use their technology to create products that support biopharmaceutical drug discovery and production, from cosmetic emollients
March 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Edible Seaweed-Based Packaging, Dissolvable Polyvinyl Alcohol Grocery Gag, Bioplastic from Apple and Orange Waste, Levi’s Cottonized Hemp, Biobased Composite Car Ceat, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 28th
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 March 28th In today’s Digest, edible seaweed-based packaging, dissolvable polyvinyl alcohol grocery bag, bioplastic from apple
March 28, 2019 Read Full Article
The Next Chapter for Algae: The Farm Bill of 2018 Recognizes Algae as a Crop for the First Time. Will We Be Bold Enough to Treat It Like One?
by Rebecca White (iWi (Qualitas Health, Inc.)/Biofuels Digest) This Wednesday marks a major milestone in the history of the American algae industry: the first meeting in which the Biomass R&D Board Technical Advisory Committee officials will discuss algae as an agricultural crop. Up
March 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Surrey Catalyst IP Set to Ignite Innovation in Modern Bio-Refineries
(University of Surrey) The University of Surrey has developed a new, cost-effective type of catalyst that it hopes will ignite innovation in bio-derived added value chemicals and bring about the next generation of bio-refineries. As the world is looking to combat the
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s Top 10 Celluosic Project Flashpoints, 10 Quick Takes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s all very rosy on the cellulosic potential frontier. As Gevo and Renmatix recently observed, “cellulosic sugars are one of the most abundant feedstocks in the world, and in many geographies with dense vegetation, using woody
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
AFPM '19: US Glycerine Markets Watching Indonesian Biodiesel Production
(ICIS News) The US glycerine market is closely watching Indonesian biodiesel production given that a potential ramp up of production rates in that country could push more glycerine volume to US markets, a distributor said on Sunday. The source was speaking
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
This Mexican Company Is Making Biofuel from Cactus Plants
by Sean Fleming (World Economic Forum) ... Rogelio Sosa López, is a farmer and tortilla producer from Zitácuaro. Like many farmers, he was always open to the idea of finding new ways to keep operating costs down. Working with a
March 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Ingredients and Innovations: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Corbion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corbion is a global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals, vitamins and algae ingredients. In 2018, Corbion generated annual sales of € 897.2 million
March 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Learnings from the Earnings – Who’s Up? Who’s Down?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The lucky 13 – with spring comes a sense of renewal and this season these lucky 13 bioeconomy bellwethers recently shared their 2018 and Q4 earnings to reveal uncertainties with trade wars, especially between the
March 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Scientists Develop Cheaper, Greener Plant-Based Jet Fuel
by Julie St. Louis (Courthouse News) Chinese scientists have developed a new plant-based biofuel that could help the aviation industry “go green,” according to research published in the journal Joule Thursday. Researchers say the magic of this biofuel, derived from cellulose, is its high-density state
March 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Disruptive Technologies: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Praj Industries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj Industries is an end-to-end solutions provider in the ethanol arena from concept to commissioning and feedstock handling to effluent treatment. They have technology and engineering solutions for biofuels, biochemicals and water. Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, Chief Technology
March 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Methane to Chemicals: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to iMicrobes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Industrial Microbesupgrades methane to various multi-carbon chemicals using synthetic biology. Noah Helman, CSO and Co-Founder of iMicrobes gave this illuminating overview of methane as a feedstock, the breakthrough in active MMO in E.coli that has allowed easier methane
March 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Plant and Algae-Based Tuna, Lignin Plastic Alternative, Rice Husks in Architecture, Seaweed T-shirt and Lube, Jute and Kenaf Composites and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of March 21st
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 March 21st. In today’s Digest, plant and algae-based tuna, lignin plastic alternative, rice husks in architecture,
March 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Soy Innovation Campus to Co-locate with New Minn. Biodiesel Plant
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council plans to co-locate its new Soy Innovation Campus with Epitome Energy LLC’s proposed 30 MMgy biodiesel production and soybean crush facility in Northwest Minnesota. Earlier this year, Epitome Energy was
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Europe Glycerine Players Brace for Possible Tightness in Summer Months
by Samantha Wright (ICIS) European glycerine players are anticipating a possible hit to stocks of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) material in the summer months, with increased biodiesel imports expected. -- Players are turning their attention to the possible upstream biodiesel imports from Argentina
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Farmers from Oltenia and Clariant to Partner for a Cleaner Environment
(Clariant) Opportunity for significant extra revenues for farmers in Oltenia by selling straw residue to the cellulosic ethanol plant built by Clariant in Romania -- Clariant, a focused and innovative specialty chemical company, provides farmers in Oltenia with the opportunity to transform
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Commitment to R&D is the Key
by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority/Biofuels Digest) ... Toward that end, Iowa offers incentives such as the Research Activities Tax Credit to alleviate the potential financial risk associated with R&D investments, and ultimately, improve the potential for profitability. As one
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Innovative Waste to Biofutures Project Funding DEADLINE: April 8, 2019
by Elisa Iannunzio (Energy Magazine) The Queensland Government has opened up expressions of interest for its new $5 million Queensland Waste to Biofutures Fund (W2B Fund). The fund will help Queensland companies find innovative ways to convert waste into bio-based products –
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
5 Minutes With… Tineke Woort from Royal DSM
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insight) ...It is replacing fossil fuel-based materials with plant-based ones. Its Decovery family contains anywhere up to 49% plant-based content, comprised of seeds, tree bark, corn, castor beans and other agricultural waste. Here, Liz Gyekye, senior content
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Slovenian BioApp Helps Reduce Pollution from Single-Use Plastics
by Lidija Petković (European Commission) The ERDF-funded BioApp platform has become the focal point for research ideas on developing smart biomass materials in the cross-border region of Slovenia and Italy. The EU produces over 25 tonnes of plastic waste every year. In response,
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomass Breakdown: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Sweetwater Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweetwater Energy has developed a unique and patented technology for producing low-cost sugars and clean lignin fiber from multiple non-food plant materials to help meet the modern world’s increasing demand for biochemicals, bioplastics and biofuels. Jack Baron,
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil’s GranBio Acquires USA’s American Process
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... The acquisition of American Process Inc’s technologies, intellectual property portfolio and physical assets strengthens GranBio’s market position in the deployment of highly competitive industrial processes for conversion of biomass to renewable fuels, chemicals, and
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomanufacturing as a Service: Culture Biosciences Lands Series A for Its Bioreactors Accessed via the Cloud
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, a new company has launched called Culture Biosciences and today we’d like to take you inside it. It’s a story about making the bioeconomy radically more efficient at the point of developing and deploying product, by
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
5 Minutes With… Bram Gräber and Rebecca Groen from SHV Energy.
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “In use, bio LPG is identical to conventional LPG and therefore has the benefit of being able to be blended and used by all existing appliances.” 123 years. That is how long family-owned multinational organisation SHV Energy
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Call for EU to Stop Subsidies for Fossil Fuels to Help Bio-Based Materials Sector and the Circular Economy
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insight) “Please stop all subsidies to fossil fuels. In 2016, €56 billion went from EU member states to fossil fuels.” EU member states need to stop subsidising fossil fuels in order to help the bio-based materials industry, according
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
5 Minutes With… Peter Jürgens
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “There is a huge interest in the circular economy at the moment. In relation to the circular economy, the chemicals sector is really pressing ahead with this agenda.” REDCert was founded in 2010 by leading associations and
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
We Can't Tackle Fossil Fuels without Addressing Freight, Flying, Plastics and Chemicals
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) ... In fact, he (oil tycoon Harold Hamm) significantly undercounted the depth of the U.S. Government support for the breakthrough technologies of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing. In addition to the incentives for private sector risk taking,
March 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Pilot Plants: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Zeton
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) David Edwards,VP Sales and Marketing at Zeton and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this overview of the types of Zeton’s 800+ projects in over 45 countries in relation to the design and fabrication of
March 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Let’s Get Agitated: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biomass Conversion Agitation Strategies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gregory Benz, from Benz Technology International and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of wet conversion agitation systems like solids mixers and turbine agitators, various test summaries, and more. READ MORE
March 13, 2019 Read Full Article
ReactWell Licenses ORNL Catalyst for Energy Conversion Applications
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) ReactWell, LLC, has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods for cleaner, more efficient oil and gas, chemical and bioenergy production. ReactWell will bring ORNL’s electrochemical
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Biogas To RNG Projects: What, Why And How
by Brad Pleima (BioCycle Magazine/EcoEngineers) With prices for renewable electricity low in many states, biogas producers are turning to the renewable natural gas marketplace. This road map is a valuable navigation tool. -- There is a national trend to reposition biogas-producing assets
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
French Company: We Can Infinitely Recycle PET Plastics Using Enzymes
by Jeff Kart (Forbes) A French company called Carbios has announced a process it says can infinitely recycle PET plastics using enzymes, even creating clear bottles from colored, post-consumer ones. The enzyme solution is said to be superior to current thermo-mechanical recycling processes. Those processes can't be
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Engineered Microbe May Be Key to Producing Plastic from Plants
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin-Madison) With a few genetic tweaks, a type of soil bacteria with an appetite for hydrocarbons shows promise as a biological factory for converting a renewable — but frustratingly untapped — bounty into a replacement for
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Biosolvents Solving Challenges– from Dry Cleaning and Cleaning Shorelines to Biomass and Biofuel Production
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Biobased solvents are on the rise with more demand for them now than ever before. What used to be an alternative to petroleum-based solvents, biosolvents are now looked at as an environmental win-win as well as a win
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
The Competitive Edge: BioBTX
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Most chemical building blocks, platform chemicals originate from fossil sources. Especially for aromatics, no sustainable production route was available at start of BioBTX. Market size for BTX is 100M tons/year, still growing, with value
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil’s ECB Group to Build Renewable Diesel Complex in Paraguay
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A first-of-its-kind renewable diesel project in South America has moved one step closer to construction. Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benítez and Erasmo Carlos Battistella, president of Brazilian investment holding company ECB Group, met at Palacio de
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces $31 Million in Funding to Advance H2@Scale DEADLINE: April 8, 2019
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $31 million in funding to advance the H2@Scale concept. The focus of H2@Scale is to enable affordable and reliable large-scale hydrogen generation, transport, storage, and utilization in the
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Super Corn Microbe, Self-Healing Concrete, Jute Gene Tweak, Mushroom Root Styrofoam Replacement, Biodegradable Food Packaging and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 6th
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 March 6th. In today’s Digest, super corn microbe, self-healing concrete, jute gene tweak, mushroom root Styrofoam
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Shell Joins Air Liquide, Nouryon in Enerkem Waste-to-Chemicals Project in Rotterdam: The Complete Story
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Shell will become an equal equity partner in the proposed commercial-scale waste-to-chemicals project, which will be the first of its kind in Europe to make valuable chemicals and biofuels out of non-recyclable waste materials. The consortium,
March 04, 2019 Read Full Article
BP Partners with Virent and Johnson Matthey on Virent’s Bioforming® Process for Production of Bio-Paraxylene
(Virent) BP, Virent Inc. and Johnson Matthey (JM) have signed an agreement that will further advance the commercialization of Virent’s Bioforming® process for production of bio-paraxylene (PX), a key raw material for the production of renewable polyester. Virent’s Bioforming® technology, which is
March 04, 2019 Read Full Article
News Release: NREL Pioneers Cleaner Route to Upcycle Plastics into Superior Products
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have discovered a method of plastics upcycling—transforming discarded products into new, high-value materials of better quality and environmental value—that could economically incentivize the recycling of
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Gevo and HCS Group Enter Into Game-Changing, Long-Term Supply Agreement for Renewable Isooctane Worth Up to $180 Million; Gevo and Haltermann Carless Ready to Roll out to Mass Markets like Outdoor Power Equipment
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that HCS Group and Gevohave entered into a long-term, definitive, binding and bankable renewable isooctane purchase and sale agreement, dated February 21, 2019. HCS Group will be supplied exclusively for sales of Gevo’s renewable isooctane into high-end applications ranging from high purity solvents
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
World’s 1st for Product Carbon Footprints, Polyhydroxyalkanoates Bioplastic, BASF Shoe Shanks, Bacteria-Infused Knits, Eastman’s Cellulosic Yarn and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 28th
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 28th. In today’s Digest, world’s 1st for product carbon footprints, polyhydroxyalkanoates bioplastic, BASF shoe shanks,
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuture Platform Response to Open Letter from Global Forest Coalition and Other NGOs
(Biofuture Platform) In response to the open letter ... the Biofuture Platform reaffirms the unwavering commitment to its mandate to promote and exchange lessons, knowledge and analysis on sustainable, environmentally friendly, and resource efficient solutions to scale up the low carbon bioeconomy. The Biofuture Platform
February 28, 2019 Read Full Article
10-Slide Guide to the US Ethanol Industry
by Douglas B. Rivers (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises, Inc.) Past, Present and Future Douglas B. Rivers, PhD, from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting, offers this illuminating overview of the U.S. ethanol industry’s history, current technologies, new developments
February 26, 2019 Read Full Article
NEXT Renewable Fuels Secures Land at Port Westward
(NEXT Renewable Fuels) NEXT Renewable Fuels has agreed to purchase a 25‐acre parcel at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park. The land is zoned industrial and was purchased from Teevin Bros, a local material handling and timber company. “We are
February 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomass Separation Technology: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Attis Industries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Attis Industriesis a diversified company focused on innovation and technology including renewable fuels, bio-based plastics, healthcare and communications infrastructure. At a recent investor meeting, Attis offered this illuminating overview of their proprietary biomass processing technology, Attis’ renewable fuels, investment
February 25, 2019 Read Full Article
So Happy Together: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biomass and Plastic Wastes Co-Processing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lorenz Bauer, from LJBILL Chemical Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of biomass and non-recyclable plastic to liquid fuel, landfill and carbon reduction, and more. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Grow Your Own Bioplastic Home, Avocado-Pit Bioplastic, Arla and UPM’s Wood-Based Dairy Packaging, PHA Bioplastic Water Bottle and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 20th
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 20th. In today’s Digest, grow your own bioplastic home, avocado-pit bioplastic, Arla and UPM’s wood-based
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
B&C Launches TSCA Tutor™ Modular Training Platform
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to announce an exciting and important new component to our suite of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) offerings. Our TSCA Tutor™ training platform provides live in-person training at a company’s site,
February 21, 2019 Read Full Article
The Expert Witness: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioeconomy Litigation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Wayne Lee, CEO of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of what bioeconomy litigation is, what makes a good expert witness, and more. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting group with over 100
February 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Ultraviolet Light Could Provide a Powerful New Source of Green Fuel
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) Methanol—a colorless liquid that can be made from agricultural waste—has long been touted as a green alternative to fossil fuels. But it’s toxic and only has half the energy as the same volume of gasoline.
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Biotech Startup Turns Palm Waste into High-Value Chemicals
by Akane Okutse, (Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese biotechnology startup Green Earth Institute is set to expand into Southeast Asia with plans to manufacture petrochemical substitutes from biomass. The company plans to start producing in Malaysia from 2022, and is looking to launch
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Cortus Energy and Swedish Biofuels Cooperate for the World’s First Bio-Jet Fuel Plant Based on Forest Resources
(Cortus Energy) Cortus Energy AB (Publ) and Swedish Biofuels AB (SB) have agreed in a preliminary agreement about cooperating with the goal of during 2019, jointly projecting a first commercial plant for production of bio-jet fuel based on forest raw material
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Biogas Business: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biogas Conversion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Terry Mazanec, a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of biogas, what it’s good for, scale, bio-methane, what to do with it, key players, and more. Lee Enterprises Consultingis the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
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.
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
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
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
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Producers Ask Congress to Extend Tax Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of advanced biofuel producers are urging leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means to extend two tax credits that are critical to the development and deployment of advanced biofuels. On Feb.
February 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Fermentable Sugar as a Raw Material for the Chemical Industry: First Generation as Sustainable as the Second – Significant Reduction in Greenhouse Gases for Both
(Bio-based News) New study conducts quantitative and qualitative sustainability assessment of bio-based raw materials for the chemical industry An extensive sustainability study carried out by nova-Institute shows that first-generation fermentable sugar is just as advantageous for a sustainable raw materials strategy of
February 11, 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
February 11, 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