(Cardolite Corporation, SHD composite Materials Ltd and Solvay) Cardolite Corporation, SHD composite Materials Ltd and Solvay are supporting the Punch Powertrain Solar Team from the University of Leuven in building the PunchOne, a Belgian solar car based on bio-based resins. The Punch One, that
BioChemicals/Renewable Chemicals
Back TO HOMEElephant in the Bio-Room: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to BASF
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BASF is the world’s leading chemical company, ranked by sales. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
BASF, Genomatica Target Asia for Commercial Production of Renewable Butanediol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) License agreement adds countries in Southeast Asia; Optional capacity for up to 75,000 metric tons per year; Targeting large-scale commercial production of renewable butanediol using Genomatica technology In California, BASF and Genomatica have expanded the scope
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
China! Boeing, Algenol, Inventure Deals Propel Industrial Biotech Momentum
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As President Xi visits North America, China signs 3 major deals in industrial biotechnology. The East is Red, it’s been said, and the future looks that way too. The US is no place to deploy
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
The Building Block Builders: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to BioAmber
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From the company’s IPO Prospectus: “Our proprietary technology platform combines industrial biotechnology, an innovative purification process and chemical catalysis to convert renewable feedstocks into chemicals that are cost-competitive replacements for petroleum-derived chemicals. The development of our
September 23, 2015 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2015 6-Minute Country Guide to France’s Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mandates and national consumption Key takeaway: France is part of the EU and its overall Renewable Energy Directive, and is ramping up national targets. But think chemicals as well. France is the EU’s 2nd largest producer,
September 22, 2015 Read Full Article
100% Renewable: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to the Coca-Cola Plant Bottle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Since introducing PlantBottle packaging – the first-ever fully recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants – Coca-Cola has distributed more than 25 billion of the bottles to thirsty consumers in 37 countries. The breakthrough
September 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Neste Breaks Ground on World's First Bio LPG Facility in Rotterdam
(Neste Corporation) The ground-breaking ceremony held today at Neste's renewable product refinery in Rotterdam marks the beginning of construction for the world's first Bio LPG production facility. The EUR 60 million facility will start production of Bio LPG in the
September 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Watch This Space: Rivertop Renewables Begins Its Roll, Water Treatment Now, More Later
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Rivertop Renewables is proving that there’s a way to beat low-cost oil prices and do well in renewable chemicals: chase phosphate replacement rather than petroleum replacement. This week, the focus is on chelation — a chemical
September 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Become an Informed Consumer and Investor in a Truly Sustainable Renewable Transportation Future
by Joanne Ivancic* (Alberta Council of Technologies/Advanced Biofuels USA) Myths and misunderstandings about biofuels abound. You've heard them--food vs. fuel, land use change, energy return on energy invested, decreased mileage, harmful to engines, and more. Nevertheless, although fossil feedstock is finite,
September 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Methanol’s Moment: With Low Prices, and Proven Process, Is Meth Your New Best Friend?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Methanol is gaining momentum as a low-carbon fuels target, as Enerkem starts producing in Edmonton. Why methanol, why now? Here, we look at the technology and market rationale for this rising trend. As we reported earlier
September 11, 2015 Read Full Article
The New Tobacco Road: A Path beyond Smoking for America’s Traditional Cash Crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tobacco’s been re-thought, re-engineered and re-invented as a platform for sustainable, low-carbon fuels, and green chemicals – who’s doing what, where and how? ... If tobacco’s reputation has fallen into disrepute on soil sustainability and smoking
September 10, 2015 Read Full Article
World Enzymes Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 -2020
(Allied Market Research) Enzymes have gathered a special attention in the recent years due to its potential application in the several industries such as food & animal feed, textiles and Surfactants, pharmaceuticals & biotechnology R&D and manufacturing and others (paper
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
DEINOVE and Tyton Forge Partnership to Commercialize Unique Solutions in the Green Chemicals Sector
(Globe Newswire/Benzinga) A technological and commercial partnership between Deinove and Tyton BioEnergy Systems, the leader in tobacco technology for green chemicals production -- T he synergistic technologies are expected to provide techno-economic benefits in the production of renewable chemicals by
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
One Darn-Hot Renewable Chemicals Play: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Verdezyne
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Verdezyne is a privately held industrial biotechnology company that is developing and commercializing novel genetically engineered microorganisms for use as “factories” to manufacture renewable chemicals. Verdezyne’s unique microorganisms permit greener, cleaner and more cost effective
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Blume Distillation and Biogy Renewables Partner to Create Replacement Fuels
(Renewable Energy World) New Business Partnership Forged at AREDAY Summit -- Two businesses participating in the American Renewable Energy Day (AREDAY) Summit in Aspen/Snowmass from August 8-13 created a partnership to combine their technologies with the hope of eventually replacing the
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Enerkem Raises C$152.6 Million in Financings; Initiates Biomethanol Production
(Enerkem, Inc.) Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, announced today it has raised C$152.6 million and has initiated the production of biomethanol from non-recyclable household garbage at the Enerkem Alberta Biofuels full-scale facility in Edmonton, Canada. "I must say a
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Yeast Cell Factories on the Horizon
by Jens Nielsen (Science Magazine) For thousands of years, yeast has been used for making beer, bread, and wine. In modern times, it has become a commercial workhorse for producing fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals such as insulin, human serum albumin,
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Poplar Trees Are Best Bet for Biofuel in UW-Led Research Project
by Michelle Ma (University of Washington Today) Groves of poplar trees could one day fuel our vehicles and be the source of chemicals that we use in our daily lives. A five-year, $40 million study is laying the foundation for
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Whisky Biofuels Company Wins £11m in Government Funding
by Ben Martin (The Telegraph) Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables uses waste products from malt whisky production to produce biobutanol, which power cars and lorries -- A Scottish company that makes bio-fuels from the waste produced by the whisky industry is to share
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Petri Vasara, Head of Biofutures, Poyry Management Consulting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Poyry is the only Finnish knowledge company to become no 1 in a global industry sector (pulp and paper), and it has always been an enormously good observation post and global laboratory for trends, new
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
NSF Awards Maximum Support to Iowa State-Based Center for Biorenewable Chemicals
(Iowa State University) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has added three years and $8.48 million to the grant supporting the NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals based at Iowa State University. That brings NSF’s total funding of the center (known
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Taurus Energy Signs Key Brazilian Material Transfer aAgreement; Wins US Patent for More Ethanol, Xylose; Less Xylitol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Sweden, Taurus Energy has signed a material transfer agreement with a leading research and technology center for sugar cane and ethanol producers in Brazil. Work will be performed in both parties’ respective laboratories to
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Joule Unlimited: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Who are Joule? Joule is advancing a production platform for Liquid Fuel from the Sun, expected to eclipse the scale, productivity and cost efficiency of any known alternative to fossil fuel today. Its transformative
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Carbon Dioxide and Its Practical, Green Uses
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd/Biofuels Digest) ... WHEN CO2 is the subject of discussion, outside of those in the gas trade, it is usually associated with greenhouse gases, a gas exhaled endlessly, and soft drinks. As those in the gas
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
A New Maine Manufacturing Strategy Could Turn Plants into Products
By Charlotte Mace (Bangor Daily News/Sustainable Economy Program at Environmental Health Strategy Center) ... Yes, several Maine mills have closed and pulp and paper production statewide has declined. But the global market for advanced biobased products is skyrocketing. Maine is in
September 04, 2015 Read Full Article
New €106 Million Released by BBI JU to Research Innovative Ways of Using Renewable Resources
(Bio-Based Industries) Second call for proposals for the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) published today (August 25, 2015) --- New €106 million for research and development are unveiled today for bio-based initiatives to turn renewable resources into useful
September 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Top 10 Low Carbon Fuels Made from Greenhouse Gases All Around You
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) No fossil fuel, no biomass, low carbon, no kidding. -- ... The top 10 new technologies. Note: Some amazing technologies such as Industrial Microbes, Trelys, Kiverdi and Mango Materials fell outside the concept for this rankings —
September 02, 2015 Read Full Article
WSU Tri-Cities Prof Receives Grant to Study High-Energy Biofuels
(Washington State University) Hanwu Lei, Washington State University Tri-Cities associate professor in biological systems engineering, was awarded a $494,000 grant this fall to research catalysts, which will be used to increase the energy output and performance of biofuels. Lei said he
September 01, 2015 Read Full Article
An Integrated Approach to Cellulosic Fuels: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Clariant’s sunliquid process
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in
August 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Ensyn Receives Key Regulatory Approval for its Renewable Diesel
(Ensyn/Advanced Biofuels Association) Dr. Robert Graham, CEO and Chairman of Ensyn Corporation (Ensyn), is pleased to announce that Ensyn has been granted a key regulatory approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its renewable diesel product, RFDiesel. This
August 28, 2015 Read Full Article
US Firm Developing Plans to Turn Household Waste into Sugar on Teesside
by Kelley Price (Gazette Live) Fiberight Ltd and CPI launch project to produce sugar from landfill waste through Industrial Biotechnology -- A sweet £1m project to turn household waste into sugar could prove a game-changer in global energy consumption -
August 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Amyris and the Velocity of Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What makes Amyris, Amyris? We look at the products, the evolution of the story, the partners, the focus on yield, and deeper into the story of Rate. ... Amyris experienced last month what CEO John Melo
August 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy Department Awards up to $4 Million to Develop Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced two additional projects selected to receive up to $4 million to develop next-generation biofuels that will help reduce the cost of producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels from biomass. These projects—in
August 27, 2015 Read Full Article
8 Ways to Win with $30 Oil: “Energy at the Extremes”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What works, what struggles, what changes when oil prices head into the tank? Who will feed China’s manufacturing monster? -- At Clariant’s “Defining the Future VII” conference in San Francisco, the delegates were leaning forward, straining
August 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Butamax, Gevo Settle, Will Work Together on Market Development
(Gevo/Butamax/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. and Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, a joint venture between BP and DuPont, announced that they have entered into worldwide patent cross-license and settlement agreements, ending a patent dispute related to technologies for the production of
August 24, 2015 Read Full Article
Glucan Biorenewables: The Digest’s 2015 5-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Glucan Biorenewables is producing furan derivatives from biomass. The furfural platform will be used to launch other value-added co-products: 5-hydroxyl-methyl furfural (HMF) and downstream derivatives The company’s TriVersa Process meets the need for a renewable, environmentally
August 24, 2015 Read Full Article
The Isobutene Process Successfully Uses Xylose, the “Wood Sugar”
(Global Bioenergies) The isobutene process was first developed by Global Bioenergies using glucose derived from cereals such as wheat or corn. Early in 2015, the company announced that the process was compatible with crude “second generation” sugars derived from agricultural
August 24, 2015 Read Full Article
DOE Funds 2 Algae Biomass Projects under Carbon Capture Program
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory recently announced it has selected 16 projects to receive funding through its Carbon Capture Program, including two focused on algae. According to the DOE, the program funds development
August 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Turning CO2 Emissions into Plastic with Algae? It May Not Be as Crazy as It Sounds
by Niina Heikkinen (E&E Climate Wire) ... But ethylene's ubiquity as a building block in plastics and chemicals masks an underlying environmental cost. The cheap hydrocarbon is made using petroleum and natural gas, and the way it is produced emits more
August 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Meet the Companies Trying to Break our Plastic Addiction
by Phil McKenna (Green Biz) The fate of the world’s oceans may rest inside a stainless steel tank not quite the size of a small beer keg. Inside, genetically modified bacteria turn corn syrup into a churning mass of polymers that
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Forest Concepts Awarded SBIR Contract to Improve Biomass Drying
by Forest Concepts LLC (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Forest Concepts LLC was recently notified that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research contract from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The two-year $499,997 contract will support development
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Biochemist Studies Oilseed Plants for Biofuel, Industrial Development
(Kansas State University) A Kansas State University biochemistry professor has reached a milestone in building a better biofuel: producing high levels of lipids with modified properties in oil seeds. Timothy Durrett, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics in the College of
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
BESC Creates Microbe that Bolsters Isobutanol Production
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Another barrier to commercially viable biofuels from sources other than corn has fallen with the engineering of a microbe that improves isobutanol yields by a factor of 10. The finding of the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Alpena Biorefinery Takes a Sabbatical, as American Process Shifts Testing/Demo Ops to Georgia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, American Process has completed replication of its GreenPower+ cellulosic technology at its Thomaston, GA Biorefinery, and has shifted customer feedstock performance evaluation operations to Georgia. With the shift, the company announced that, pending improvements
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Streamlined Synthesis Yields Longer Sugar Chains
by Emma Cooper (Chemistry World) By using bigger building blocks, scientists in the UK have shown they can make much longer oligosaccharide sequences than previously possible. The traditional synthetic route to long chain oligosaccharides is drawn out and complicated; they require
August 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Liquid Light: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Liquid Light develops electrocatalytic technology to make major chemicals from low-cost, globally abundant carbon dioxide (CO2). Licensees benefit from a lower cost of production and can reduce their carbon footprint. READ MORE
August 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Yep, There’s a Biomass Crop Planning App for That, Says Genera Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Tennessee, Genera Energy has launched its first mobile agriculture app, Biomass, developed to serve as a tool for planning, selecting and calculating biofuel crop needs, for use with Android and Apple smart devices. The
August 10, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Posts Information on GM/Synbio Algae Project
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that it is developing a project intended to support public dialog concerning the development and use of synthetic biology (synbio). EPA has oversight responsibility for the production and
August 07, 2015 Read Full Article
BIO Applauds Bipartisan Legislation That Levels the Playing Field for Renewable Chemicals
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) expresses thanks to Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Richard Neal (D-MA) for introducing, H.R. 3390, which provides renewable chemical producers access to production or investment tax credits currently available
August 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Amyris: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Amyris is a global renewable products company providing sustainable alternatives to a variety of non-renewable resources. 2. Amyris uses its innovative bioscience technology to convert plant sugars into hydrocarbon molecules. Amyris creates ingredients and is commercializing
August 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethylene Production via Sunlight Opens Door to Future
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.Org) Here's the future of ethylene production as Dr. Jianping Yu sees it. "We envision some farms in the field that cover many acres. We will have cyanobacteria harvesting sunlight and C02 and then produce ethylene or
August 05, 2015 Read Full Article
The Three Microb-eteers: Methanogens, Methanotrophs, Acetogens and Knallgas Bacteria
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Which microbes achieve a better, faster, cheaper transformation of the world around us? ... Down there in the mud, too small to be seen with the naked eye, are some of your new best friends.
July 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Shampoo, New and Improved! BASF and Solazyme Launch the First Commercial Microalgae-Derived Betaine Surfactant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BASF and Solazyme have launched of the first commercial surfactant derived from microalgae oil, a high performance algal betaine for use in home and personal care applications. Generally speaking, surfactants, which are the “lifting
July 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Plant Sensory Systems Forms Subsidiary Company, Just Beets LLC
(Plant Sensory Systems) Just Beets LLC to Sell Plant Sensory Systems’ Proprietary Beet Seeds -- Plant Sensory Systems, LLC (PSS) announced the formation of a subsidiary company, Just Beets LLC, to produce, sell and distribute PSS’ proprietary beet seeds. Beets are
July 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Chemical Firms Seek Better Grasp of Biomanufacturing
by Andy Extance (Chemistry World) Hope and expectation surround the chemical industry’s increasing adoption of biotechnological manufacturing – but today, their lengthy development times and complex processes mean frustration is a major by-product. ‘The process of developing industrial biomanufacturing [IB] processes
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Gert-Jan (G-J) Gruter, CTO, Avantium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Avantium developed a novel process for the production of PEF (brandname YXY), a 100% biobased polyester with enhanced barrier, thermal and mechanical properties. Together with Coca-Cola, Danone and ALPLA we target PEF bottles. The process
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Seeking Success in Succinic, Succinctly, Sustainably
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The real deal is succinic acid and polybutylene succinate. The latter found in everything from boxes, bags, tableware, even mulching films. If we haven’t seen SucciniMania quite yet, well, it’s the fate of intermediates to
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Prioritizing the Bioeconomy: Observations on USDA's 9003 Loan Guarantee Program
by Osaretin Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biobased products are a new innovation that are gradually contributing more to the U.S. economy in the forms of alternative fuels, packaging, plastic substitutes and more. An Economic Impact Analysis report was recently submitted
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Branstad & Vilsack Discuss Boosting ‘Biochemical’ Production in Iowa
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Governor Terry Branstad wants Iowa to become the first state to offer a tax credit for transforming the “biochemicals” that are a byproduct of ethanol production. Branstad discussed the issue with former Iowa Governor and
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Research and Markets: Pine-Derived Chemicals (TOFA, TOR, Gum Turpentine, Gum Rosin, Pitch, Sterols) Market 2015 - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020
(Research and Markets/BusinessWire) Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hjlj3s/pinederived) has announced the addition of the "Pine-Derived Chemicals Market by Type (TOFA, TOR, Gum Turpentine, Gum Rosin, Pitch, Sterols), Application (Paints & Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants, Surfactants, Printing Inks), Source, & by Region -
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Liquid Light, Coca-Cola Sign Technology Development Agreement
(Liquid Light/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Liquid Light announced it has signed a technology development agreement with The Coca-Cola Co. The objective of the agreement is to accelerate the development of Liquid Light’s technology which can make mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) from carbon dioxide. Liquid
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
“The Time Is Ripe” for a Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (Biofuels Digest/Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)) ... Buoyed in wake of our successful Farm Bill expansion of USDA 9003 loan guarantees to renewable chemicals/bioproduct manufacturing and progress toward bipartisan TSCA reform, re:chem remains
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Ginkgo Bioworks: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are they? “Nature’s biodiversity holds answers to challenges in health, energy, food, materials, and more,” they say. “Organism Engineers at Ginkgo learn from Nature to develop new organisms that replace technology with biology.” ... “if
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Special China Report: 10 Top Advanced Bioeconomy Stories in China and Taiwan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 10 Biggest Advanced Bioeconomy stories of the year we reported from the world’s second-biggest economic region. 1. DuPont, New Tianlong Industry Co. ink Cellulosic Ethanol pact; China’s first Advanced Renewable Fuel Project on the way In
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
International Research Team Seeks More Efficient Biomass Refinement Processes
(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) Researchers from across the world, including from Virginia Tech, plan to mimic the chemistry of the brown rot fungus to improve biorefining processes. BioMim, a $4 million, four-year project funded by the Research Council
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Genomatica: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Genomatica is a widely-recognized technology leader for the chemical industry, and for four years running has been the #1-ranked company in the Hot 30. It delivers new manufacturing processes that enable its partners to produce the
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Johnson Matthey Process Technologies and Rennovia Announce On Time Start-up of Mini-Plant for Bio-Based Glucaric Acid Production Using Jointly Developed Technology
(Rennovia) Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, a global provider of advanced process technologies, and Rennovia Inc., a privately held company that develops novel catalysts and processes for the cost advantaged production of chemical products from renewable feedstocks, announced today that they
July 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Pulp2Value: European Project Realises New Value Chains for Sugar Beet
(Wageningen UR) Wageningen URFood & Biobased Research is launching a large-scale European project in collaboration with Cosun (coordinating partner) and ten businesses from the Netherlands and abroad to extract more value from sugar beet pulp. After undergoing bio-refinery and other conversion
July 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Corbion: The 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corbion has over 80 years of experience in fermentation and downstream processing, is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, and a leading company in functional blends containing enzymes, emulsifiers,
July 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Blog: Research Projects Look into Low-Lignin Plants
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) You may have heard the old joke, “you can make anything out of lignin, except money.” Well, I hope to still be writing about ethanol the day that's been proven wrong. ... Earlier this year, I
July 14, 2015 Read Full Article
One Billion Pounds of Carbon-Negative Plastic, Made from Greenhouse Gas and Pure Air
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Newlight Technologies has signed a 20-year take-or-pay off-take agreement with Vinmar International for 1 billion pounds of AirCarbon PHA. Critical to the deal? Newlight’s catalyst aims to transform the economics of PHA-based plastics, solving
July 14, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Honors Winners of the 20th Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards/Innovative Technologies Tackle Climate Change, Water, and Chemical Issues
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia
July 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Novvi Engine Oil Achieves Critical Performance Milestones
(Novvi/BusinessWire) Novvi, a leading producer of high performance renewable oils, today announced Novvi engine oils are now American Petroleum Institute (API) certified and delivered superior performance over more than a half million miles of raceway driving. Together, these accomplishments mark
July 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Steel’s Big Dog Jumps into Low Carbon Fuels: ArcelorMittal, LanzaTech, Primetals Technologies to Construct $96M Biofuel Production Facility
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) First plant will produce 14 million gallons per year by 2018; first production train online in 2017. More plants to come? Up to 150 mgy potential in Europe, ArcelorMittal says; culmination of work since 2011. In
July 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Bioeconomy Ventures Raise $1.328 Billion in Past 12 Months, up 5.2%
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 45 deals, 37 companies; deal size jumps 7 percent and Q2 2015 is 15% up over 2014 and 138 percent up over Q1. Here’s the complete skinny on who got what. ... Notable transactions in the period include
July 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Solar Fuels: Making Hydrocarbon Fuels Directly from CO2 and Sunlight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Drop-in Hydrocarbon fuels made directly by plants? Here. we look at the science and risks of turning an “ability” into an “industrial reality”. It’s common knowledge that terrestrial plants (and many aquatic species) use carbon dioxide,
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: White House Directs EPA, FDA, and USDA to Update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) With little fanfare or advanced notice to the general public, on July 2, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Trade Representative, and
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Approves Funding for Circular Bioeconomy Projects
(Bio-based Industries Consortium/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium, has approved the funding of 10 projects totaling €120 million ($132.66 million) to boost the EU capacity to stimulate
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
3 Biobased Strategies to Beat $60 Oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil price predictions are all over the map. So, how are biobased businesses coping when no one quite knows what’s up with the incumbent? Amyris, Cellerate and Propel Fuels are three ventures showing the way(s) forward. If
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
The 10 Hottest, Bossest Renewable Plastic Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One way to get plastics out of the landfill, where they pile up as waste, is to find a use for them. Numerous project developers have technology that makes liquid fuels directly from recycled plastic
July 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Rep. Kaptur Welcomes $50,000 NSF Award For UT Algal Bio-Chemistry Research
(Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)) Innovative extraction method sources chemicals from algae instead of from imported oils -- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) welcomed news that The University of Toledo (UT) will receive $50,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research into
July 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Making the Biofuels Process Safer for Microbes
by Scott Gordon (University of Wisconsin-Madison) A team of investigators at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Michigan State University have created a process for making the work environment less toxic—literally—for the organisms that do the heavy lifting in the increasingly
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Rule for Revamped Biorefinery Assistance Program
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service has published an interim final rule for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program.
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
The 35 Hottest Companies in Feedstock Development & Supply in the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Solazyme took the #1 spot in the 2015 “35 Hottest Companies in Feedstock Development & Supply” rankings, announced today by The Digest, the world’s most widely-read bioeconomy daily, at the Advanced Bioeconomy Feedsrtocks Conference (ABFC
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Green Lights €120M in Advanced Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), has approved the funding of 10 projects totalling €120 million to boost the EU capacity to
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
RIP Cobalt Technologies or…How Commercializing Butanol Technology is Like Riding the Tour de France
by Sam Nejame & James Evangelow (Biofuels Digest/Promotum and Chemical Strategies) Sad to say Cobalt Technologies is dead – no really they’re dead – it’s not just double secret probation anymore. Although you’d almost not even know it given how quiet the
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Building Markets for Ethanol Exports
by Cindy Zimmerman (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Expanding export markets for U.S. ethanol was the focus last month as a group of industry representatives to Mexico and Japan on trade missions coordinated through a partnership between the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA),
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Genomatica Advances Development of Feedstock for Biochemicals
(Genomatica/Biomass Magazine) Genomatica announced significant progress in harnessing cellulosic biomass for commercial production of high-quality chemicals rather than just fuels. ... Genomatica has developed clear guidance for biomass pretreatment technology developers to enable their technologies to work better with commercial bioprocesses for
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy: $369B and 4 Million Jobs Strong, says USDA; Changes to the BioPreferred program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry in 2013 contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to the US economy. He also announced changes under
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Joule Wins Key Patent for Direct Conversion of CO2 to Hydrocarbon Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, Joule, the pioneer of liquid fuels from recycled CO2, announced the issuance of an additional patent on the direct, continuous production of hydrocarbon fuels – extending its ability to target the highest-value molecules
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) 2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Shatter the Blend Wall with High Performance Bio-Gasoline
by David Gogerty and Ronan Rocle (Global Bioenergies/Biofuels Digest) ... And there are indeed interesting developments: using new synthetic biology techniques, we can now target the best-of-the-best in gasoline molecules—isooctane. This high-performance fuel, which is expected to be produced by fermentation at
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Virent, Coca-Cola Hit Key Production Milestone with the 100% Biobased Plant Bottle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Production goes from pilot to demonstration scale as Coca-Cola “makes it happy,” showcasing its newest Plant Bottles at Expo Milan News has arrived from Europe that Coca-Cola is displaying 100% bio-based content Plant Bottles produced using
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
GS Caltex to Build Biobutanol Plant
(Yonhap News Agency) GS Caltex Co., South Korea's second-largest refiner, plans to build a 50 billion won (US$44 million) plant to produce biobutanol, a biofuel, the presidential office said Tuesday. The announcement, which was made as President Park Geun-hye toured a
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Novvi Launches First-Ever 100 Percent Renewable Base Oils
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Portrait of a breakout: Amyris, Cosan JV launches “next generation of revolutionary oils” touting “unmatched value” and “unbeatable economics” ... Novvi’s 100 percent renewable PAO is a clean, direct replacement for conventional Group IV PAO base oils
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Research and Commercial Development in Denmark
(Task 39 Newsletter) General introduction - A fossil free energy supply by 2050 -- In 2012, the Danish parliament decided on a new climate act, which calls for an energy supply totally free of fossil fuels by 2050. This goal
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
8 Hot Targets in Advanced Bioeconomy R&D
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fuels, chemicals, pathways, and microbes that could shake it all up ... (H)ere are 8 Hot Targets that we can point to that could be game-changers in the world of making fuels, chemicals and biomaterials from
May 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Methes to Devote Part of Biodiesel Capacity to Other Bioproducts
(Menthes Energies/Biodiesel Magazine) Methes Energies International Ltd. announced May 19 that it will start offering epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and natural polyol from its Sombra, Ontario, biodiesel facility. Both of these biobased products help address growing global demand for the
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Air Liquide Commissions New Carbon Dioxide Plant in California
(Air Liquide) Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP (“Air Liquide”) has commissioned a new state-of-the-art carbon dioxide liquefaction plant in Tulare County, California. The new 450 ton-per-day facility is one of three carbon dioxide liquefaction facilities owned and operated by Air
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Voices from Europe, on Europe and Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... How does the European renewable fuels industry look at itself? Too focused on survival instead of growth? Too focused on sector competition instead of the transparency on carbon that leads to policy stability? Not focused
May 26, 2015 Read Full Article
The Materials Superhighway
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New physical materials — stronger than steel, stiffer than Kevlar, lightweight, conductive, non-toxic, and highly absorbent. New liquid fuels and chemicals — strong on performance, price, and emissions. New edible materials — lighter in unhealthy
May 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Finally, Finally…USDA Loan Guarantees Open to Renewable Chemicals
by Corrine Young and Michele Jalbert (Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)/Biofuels Digest) ... Program changes garnered in the most recent Farm Bill reauthorization have, for the first time, broadened the loan guarantee program to include renewable chemicals and biobased products
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Bioenergy & Sustainability: Bridging the Gaps
(SCOPE) Bioenergy & Sustainability is a collective effort with contributions from 137 researchers of 82 institutions in 24 countries. The volume is the outcome of an assessment that included a meeting held at UNESCO, Paris, in December 2013. Fifty experts
May 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Oakbio Announces New Green Biofuel Production Platform
(Oakbio/Digital Journal) his ecoli based microbe platform expands the sources of waste materials Oakbio can convert to green, renewable fuels and other chemicals to include agricultural and municipal waste products. Oakbio announced today (May 14, 2015) the development of a novel
May 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Stepping Up to a Currency Molecule
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biobased chemicals are two steps closer to the tipping point when the growing demand for sustainable products opens huge global markets for renewables. Last fall, DuPont announced a deal to sell its cellulosic
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Kansas Plant Maximizes Value of Inputs by Adding Diesel Production
by Loretta Sorensen (Midwest Producer) ... But one Kansas ethanol company, East Kansas Agri-Energy LLC (EKAE), is taking steps to stabilize its business with diversified income streams generated from the same corn source used to make ethanol. For EKAE, that means
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Dyadic Receives Funding for New Advanced Biofuels Program
(Dyadic/PR Newswire) Dyadic International, Inc. ("Dyadic") (OTCQX: DYAI), a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of enzymes and other proteins for the bioenergy, bio-based chemicals, biopharmaceutical, food and feed industries, announced today details regarding 2G
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Thrive, Survive, Jive or Take Five: Who Is Weathering the $50 Oil Storm in Biofuels, and How?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Survive -- First-Gen ethanol producers. So-so. Corn prices have fallen, and though margins have been compressed and gone negative in some cases, balance sheets remain strong and the margin outlook is improving and positive
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Developers Like Neste Oil, Diamond Green Can Thrive Despite Cheap Oil
(Lux Research/Market Wired) While alternative fuels like biofuels had obvious appeal when oil prices were well over $100 a barrel, the plummet in oil prices to $50 levels can threaten the cost-competitiveness of alternative fuels. However, many developers have planned
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
The Commercialization of Renewable Fuels, Chemicals and Biobased Product: 4 New Views, in Depth
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New targets, new markets, new tech, new methods, new outcomes.LanzaTech, Genomatica, Amyris and Brazil’s CTBE share in-depth presentations from the 37th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 100 of the most fascinating slides you’ll
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Leaders Call for Biochemical Tax Credits for Ethanol, Biodiesel
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Durham (Debi Durham, the state's economic development director), a former Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president, is championing legislation that would set aside up to $15 million in tax credits per year to encourage ethanol and biodiesel
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
E4tech Releases Evidence-Base Report on European Bioeconomy
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Europe, E4tech has just completed a new study, ‘From the Sugar Platform to biofuels and biochemicals’ for the European Commission (DG ENER), a comprehensive evidence base for policymakers and industry. The report found that the
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Taurus Energy and Partners in Tough Competition Awarded EU Financing for 2nd Generation Ethanol Project
(Taurus Energy) The EU-Commission has awarded 20 million EURO in financing for the development of a strategically important 2nd generation ethanol demo plant in France. The award is shared with French production companies CIMV (group leader) and ROLKEM, US enzyme
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Another Biofuels Production Technology Heads to the Fracking Hills for Development: KmX Chemical Corp Looks to Fracking Industry for Business
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Another in our series of stories about promising technologies applicable to the development of a robust advanced biofuel economy diverting to fossil fuel use for research, development and deployment. [caption id="attachment_61583" align="alignleft" width="270"] KmX membrane
May 08, 2015 Read Full Article
The DOE’s 12 Top Biobased Molecules – What Became of Them?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with recorded music, “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” would be a multi-platinum chart-busting monster. This 2004 survey, completed by staff
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Cargill Acquires OPX Biotechnologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Moguls of Minneapolis pick up an advantaged route to key renewable chemicals. News has filtered out from Cargill that the agricultural giant has acquired OPX Biotechnologies’ proprietary fermentation-based processes and systems. Bottom line, excepting the
April 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Remembering a True Visionary: Novozymes Honors Guido Ghisolfi
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The renewable energy industry was saddened on March 3 by the news of the death of Guido Ghisolfi, Vice Chairman of the Mossi & Ghisolfi group and CEO of Beta Renewables. Mossi & Ghisolfi is
April 28, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Neil Burns, CEO, P2 Science
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... P2 makes renewable specialty chemicals from vegetable feedstocks, using a proprietary form of ozonolysis, a chemical process. We are operating on the Kg scale using a continuous reactor system developed jointly with our engineering partners,
April 28, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Research Project on Underutilised Oil Crops Kicks off: COSMOS – Camelina & Crambe Oil crops as Sources for Medium-chain Oils for Specialty Oleochemicals
(Bio-Based News) On 24-26 March 2015, the eighteen partners involved in the EU funded research project COSMOS held their kick-off meeting in Wageningen, The Netherlands. Led by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, this 4.5-year project aims at reducing the
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Surfing into a Greener Future
(University of California -- San Diego) World’s first algae-based, sustainable surfboard produced by UC San Diego biology and chemistry students -- UC San Diego’s efforts to produce innovative and sustainable solutions to the world’s environmental problems have resulted in a
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Thought Leadership: The Toxic Substances Control Act and the Bioeconomy: Part 1, The Impact of Nomenclature on the Commercialization of Biobased Chemicals; Part 2, Reportable Substances across the Manufacturing Process; Part 3, Call to Action
by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group) When I meet people from bioeconomy companies, I ask them about their products’ status under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The most common answers I receive are:
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
The Catalyst That Refused To Die
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Battelle-led group succeeds in US Department of Energy challenge — 1,000 hours of continuous biomass hydrotreating on a single catalyst charge. The undefeated champ hits 1200 hours before being retired from the ring. Next stop,
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae Industry Moves Beyond Research to Commercialization
(SustainableBusiness.com) ... This crucial industry has the potential to address many of the challenges facing the world today - it can fuel vehicles and airplanes, recycle carbon, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans. Substituting algae for palm oil would go a long
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
How Scientists Are Engineering Algae To Fuel Your Car And Cure Cancer
By Jessica Dineen (Forbes) ... Once (UC San Diego’s California Center for Algae Biotechnology Director Steve) Mayfield’s lab created cancer-fighting human antibodies, there was no looking back. “We said, what other products can algae make? Fuel? Plastics? Nutraceuticals? Animal feed? Cosmetics?
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
Sweetwater Energy Raises $10M; Begins Ramp-Up to First Commercial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweetwater Energy announced it has closed on a $10 million bridge loan. The loan closed as Sweetwater said that it is now opening its Series B investor round to begin construction of a first commercial facility. Sweetwater
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies Develops Bio-Renewable Rubber to Reduce Carbon Footprint
(AZOCleanTech.com) With the ever-increasing emissions standards and push for sustainability solutions, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compound from a polymer produced from sugarcane-based feedstock. The bio-renewable rubber, for which development began in 2012, is made
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Scientists a Step Closer to Developing Renewable Propane
(EurekAlert!/University of Manchester) Researchers at The University of Manchester have made a significant breakthrough in the development of synthetic pathways that will enable renewable biosynthesis of the gas propane. This research is part of a programme of work aimed at
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Total La Mede Crude Refining to Cease: Update 3
(Argus) Total will cease crude refining at its loss-making 160,000 b/d La Mede refinery and convert it into a 500,000 t/yr biofuels facility, the company confirmed today in its French refinery strategy plan. La Mede will cease crude refinery operations by the
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
TSCA Nomenclature May Be Barrier for Advanced Biofuels
(The Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group/The Oil Price Information Network) (The Oil Price Information Network (OPIS) spoke with BRAG's Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor with B&C, regarding the application of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to
April 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Cascades Announces Major Investments in Biorefinery Project at Cabano Plant
(Cascades/PRNewswire) Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS), a leader in the recovery of recyclable materials and manufacturing green packaging products and tissue paper, is pleased to announce the company's investment in a new technology at its Norampac – Cabano facility. This innovative
April 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Engineers Develop New Yeast Strain to Enhance Biofuel and Biochemical Production
(University of Texas at Austin) Researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin have used a combination of metabolic engineering and directed evolution to develop a new, mutant yeast strain that could lead to
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
UH Researchers Discover N-Type Polymer for Fast Organic Battery
by Jeannie Kever (University of Houston) New Material Opens the Door to Low-Cost, Environmentally Friendly Energy Use -- Researchers at the University of Houston have reported developing an efficient conductive electron-transporting polymer, a long-missing puzzle piece that will allow ultrafast battery applications. The discovery
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodegradable Plastics from Potato Waste for High-Tech Applications
(Bio-on) Bio-on S.p.A., the leader in eco-sustainable chemical technologies, and Pizzoli S.p.A., Italy's largest operator in the potato sector, will collaborate to build Italy's first PHAs bioplastic production plant using waste product from the potato agro-industrial process. The collaboration, signed by
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
AG Ventures Alliance, Cellulose Sciences Int'l form New JV Stover Ventures
(Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative and Cellulose Sciences International/AgriMarketing.com) Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative (AgVA) of Mason City, Iowa, and Cellulose Sciences International (CSI) of Madison, Wis., completed a financing agreement resulting in the formation of a new joint venture, Stover Ventures,
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
US Poised for Biobased Chemicals Breakout, Says National Research Council
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though challenges remain, particularly in affordable feedstock, the US National Research Council says “Despite impressive recent and projected growth, the manufacturing of chemicals using biological synthesis and engineering could expand even faster.” ... In Washington, the National
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
New Bill Could Add Value To Iowa Biofuel
(WHOTV.com) ... At the Iowa Biotech Association’s Partnering for Growth event on April 1st, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham was a keynote speaker. She talked about using Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel production, and incentivizing, “bolt on” facilities to
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies Heads for Demo Scale: A Magic Path to Isobutane in Sight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In France, Global Bioenergies announced that it has completed the financing of its demo plant, and is commencing construction immediately. The 5,000L demonstration-scale facility will be completed in spring 2015, and will be located at
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
More Gevolution
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The results from Gevo’s 4th quarter are in, and a worth a look-see, not only for fans of isobutanol and its prospects. Also for a look at how this member of the 2010-12 IPO group of
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Industry, Water Advocates Come Together on Bioenergy Bills
by Frank Jossi (Midwest Energy News) Environmentalists and bioeconomy advocates reached an agreement last week to modify a bill moving through the Minnesota legislature that they hope will create a new clean energy and green chemical industry in Minnesota. The BioEconomy
March 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Rubber Security
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though we usually think of diversifying away from petroleum via the fuels for our cars — what about the petroleum in the tires? Rubber security, as it turns out, offers some of the same chills
March 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Croda to Manufacture Surfactant from Ethanol, Opening New Market
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Specialty chemical manufacturer Croda Inc. is planning to break ground in April on a $170 million upgrade to its Atlas Point manufacturing site in Delaware. When completed in about two years, the company
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae.Tec to Expand Georgia Algae Production Facility
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, following successful algae growth trials, Algae.Tec has commenced the expansion of its development and manufacturing facilities in Cumming, Georgia and the building of an initial small scale plant for the production of algae
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Revolutionary Road (Materials)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The cost of replacing crumbling roads will tumble, with the introduction of an Arizona Chemical additive that enables more low-cost recycled asphalt to be used. Could a biobased $100 billion dollar savings be in the
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Whitespace Opportunities in Bio-Based Chemicals
(Nextant) The bio-based chemicals sector is increasingly moving towards higher value, lower volume applications. As pursuit of these molecules continues, Nexant believes that bio-based investment and technology development will begin to target markets that no longer resemble those in conventional
March 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Diversifying Products Creates New Opportunities
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The “Waste to Biogas and Clean Fuels Finance and Investment” summit provided a myriad of opportunities to get the latest intelligence on biogas and the clean fuel industry as well as on the financing
March 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Community Leaders Meet: Persistent and Dogged in the Throes of a Tough Slog
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Every year, the annual Washington, DC gathering of leaders in the advanced biofuels world at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference sports a different "vibe." In the early days of the late 2000's, the atmosphere
March 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Neste Oil Claims World Leadership in Biofuels from Waste, Residue
(Neste Oil/Biodiesel Magazine) Over the past few years, Neste Oil has become the world’s largest producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues. In 2014, Neste Oil produced nearly 1.3 million tons (more than 420 million gallons) of renewable fuel
March 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Australian Biomass Plant To Improve Soil, Sequester Carbon, & Produce Biofuel
by Ronald Brakels (CleanTechnica) A $10 million dollar pilot biomass plant will be constructed in the Western Australian Capital of Perth. ... The specific type of plants will be mallee crops. This somewhat broad category includes agricultural waste and crops that
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy Group, Total, Makes Investment & Initiates Joint Development Agreement with Renmatix
(Renmatix/Total/PR Newswire) - Total invests in Renmatix – Takes equity and Board seat in Philadelphia based licensor of supercritical hydrolysis technology for conversion of biomass into economical cellulosic sugar -- Companies complete Joint Development Agreement to initiate distinct R&D