by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are several federal R&D programs out there supporting biofuels, biopower, biochemcials and biobased products. If you don’t know what they are, check out this slide guide from Bill Hagy at Lee Enterprises Consulting and
bioeconomy
Back TO HOMECoronavirus Responses & Impacts Bioeconomy Survey Results – March 2020
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During the week of March 16-20, 2020, The Digest surveyed its readers on how they were impacted by the Coronavirus health & economic crisis, and how they were responding. The bioeconomy’s pioneers are an optimistic bunch, and
March 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Where Are We? March 2020 Digest Data Dashboard, The Bioeconomy, By the Numbers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride and here are the numbers to visualize what is going on. In today's Digest, a graphic look at Dow Jones Industrials, biodiesel operating margins, ethanol operating margins,
March 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Securing U.S. Leadership in the Bioeconomy
(U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather) The hearing examined the bioeconomy, the federal government’s role in the bioeconomy, and the potential risks from such research. Witnesses will also discuss the necessary
March 17, 2020 Read Full Article
DSM Announces Partnership With SABIC And UPM Biofuels To Create Bio-Based Dyneema®
(Textile World) ... UPM Biofuels produces bio-based feedstock UPM BioVerno from the residue of the pulping process. This is then processed by SABIC to make renewable ethylene under their TRUCIRCLE™ umbrella of solutions. TRUCIRCLE™ includes certified renewable products, specifically resins
March 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Middle East’s 1st Plant-Based Water Bottle, Biofoams Made from Seafood Waste, Mushrooms, Bamboo Diapers, Biobowls, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 12th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Abu Dhabi, food and beverage company Agthia Group PJSC is set to launch the Middle East’s first plant-based water bottle made from corn sugar with caps made from sugarcane, and can biodegrade within 80 days.
March 13, 2020 Read Full Article
From Tree to Money Faster and More Efficiently than Ever: Futurity to License MetGen’s Award-Winning METNIN™ Technology for Lignin Valorization
(MetGen) Futurity, whose mission is to outperform oil with trees through the production of advanced chemicals and materials from plantation forestry in New Zealand has finalized a licensing agreement with the Finnish company MetGen Oy. Cooperation will allow the development of
March 11, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Rural Development, BioPreferred Program and More: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA’s Bioproducts to Market Efforts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA made a big announcement recently on targeting 30% biofuels by 2050, but did you know there are many ways they have been adding value to agricultural products to help the rural economy? Did you
March 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Seaweed-Lined To-Go Containers, Pepsi’s Molded Pulp 6-Pack Rings, Hydrogen-Powered Arctic Station, “Infinite” Toothbrush, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 5th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sit back and just imagine, hanging out at the new International Arctic Station that runs on solar, wind, and hydrogen power, sipping on a Pepsi 6-pack that came in molded pulp rings, eating lunch from a
March 06, 2020 Read Full Article
MIND THE GAP: Letter from Europe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you have not followed the Alternative and Renewable Fuels Forum, bookmark this, and today I’ll give you some of the flavor of this group with 110 members — project owners and developers, policy experts, technologists,
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
GUEST ARTICLE: Lessons that Novel Proteins Should Learn from Biofuels
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Food Navigator) Can 60% of current meat consumption be replaced by novel vegan meat replacements and cultured meat in the next 20 years? That is what AT Kearney has recently projected, but the analysis does
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
The Competitive Edge: AmericaBio
(AmericaBio/Biofuels Digest) ... Our company develops technologies for the deconstruction of forest and also agricultural biomass for sugars that are used for production of renewable fuels, typically ethanol, and higher value products such as Omega-3, SCP, xylo oligosaccharides (XOS), acetic
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Beans Grown with Urine and Martian Soil, New Cosmetic Ingredient Produced by Fermentation, Plant-Based Superglue, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 27th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What a weird week – yummy string beans fertilized with human urine in the form of struvite and cultivated using artificial Martian and lunar soil, making Marvin the Martian hungry for some beans. If that’s too
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Carolina Opportunity Funds Chooses BioEconomy Solutions
(Carolina Opportunity Funds/PR Newswire) Inaugural Investment for IMPACT Carolina QOZ Fund -- Carolina Opportunity Funds is pleased to announce that BioEconomy Solutions, a technology leader in sustainable agricultural crops for biofuels, animal feed, and food products such as Tiger Nut flour,
February 21, 2020 Read Full Article
1st Commercial-Scale Production of 5-HMF, 1st Hydrogen-Based Residential Area, Largest Fuel Cell System Ever on Major Ship, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 20th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s fun to be 1st and this week is full of them…from the first hydrogen-based residential area in the Netherlands to the world’s first commercial-scale production plant of 5-HMF via AVA Biochem and Michelin Group’s new
February 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Innovation and Strategic Orientations for the Development of Advanced Biorefineries
by Giuliano Dragone, Abraham A.J.Kerssemakers, Jasper L.S.P.Driessen, Celina K.Yamakawa, Larissa P.Brumano, Solange I.Mussatto (Bioresource Technology) Advanced biorefineries are seen as key to implement a sustainable biobased economy. • Total valorization of biomass can boost the industrial implementation of biorefineries. •
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Versalis: Biomass Power Plant Restarted at Crescentino and Bioethanol Production Onstream within the First Half of the Year
(Eni) Versalis, Eni’s chemical company, has announced that all the plants at Crescentino (Vercelli, Piedmont) will be up and running by the first half of 2020. The plant, acquired in November 2018, is designed for industrial-scale production of bioethanol and has
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
7 New Changes in USDA Biorefinery Funding Opportunities – Now is the Time to Take Advantage
by Cynthia Thyfault (Global Biofuture Solutions) The USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, also known as the “9003” program, provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial scale
February 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Death Shrouds for Mars Burial (No Joke), Algae Skis, Bacteria-Built House, Biobased Food packaging, Coca-Cola, Absolut Go Paper, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 12th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We all will die eventually, but one burial-garment designer and one bioengineer are thinking of future human burials on Mars with a new death garment made of four 100% biodegradable layers from silk and they plan
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag-Chemicals, Ag-biologicals, Ag-seeds: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Multi-Slide Guide to Evogene’s Artificial Intelligence and Biological Big Data
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Revolutionizing the product development process in life-science based markets through the use of Computational Predictive Biology platform – sounds like a big mission, but for Evogene, it’s just what they do. They utilize artificial intelligence
February 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Circular Solution for Bioplastics, McDonald’s Fryer Oil to 3D Printing Resin, Human Hair to Fertilizer, Crab Shells and Seaweed to Yarn, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 6th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The infinity symbol…a figure 8 on its side, a lemniscate…no matter what you call it, it signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity which is what the bioeconomy has been doing lately in its limitless innovations.
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
2020 Bioeconomy M&A Deal Review & Outlook
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest published today a 2020 Deal Review and Outlook Bioeconomy M&A visual guide that looks at the slurry of recent mergers and acquisitions in the bioeconomy like Lygos and Librede, NuSeed and Agrisoma, FinCo Fuels
February 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Could Bacteria Help Recycle Greenhouse Gases in the Future?
by Florence Schulz, translated by Daniel Eck (EURACTIV.de) Could bacteria assist in the recycling of greenhouse gases in the future instead of releasing them into the atmosphere? European researchers are working to reverse the metabolism of intestinal bacteria that feed
February 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Methanogenic Microorganisms as Workhorses of the Industrial Bioeconomy
(Technische Universitat Dresden/EurekAlert!) The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the research consortium with a grant of more than two million euros. The Science Year 2020 has its focus on Bioeconomy with the aim of communicating state-of-the-art research
February 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Mattel’s Biobased Building Blocks, World’s 1st Fuel-Cell Powered Train, Self-Healing “Frankenstein” Concrete, Potato Starch Produce Packaging, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 30th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From big companies like Mattel and their first building block sets made from bioplastics, to smaller innovators and entrepreneurs, the bioeconomy had a busy week with innovations. A new plant-based faux fur that incorporates SORONA, a
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Panel Discusses Benefits of Biofuels over Petroleum
by Rachel Clark (Badger Herald) Biofuels used in industry have shown promising signs of advancement in bioproducts --The Wisconsin Energy Institute held a panel to discuss the viability of biofuels and bioproducts as replacements to other, more harmful types of
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Interfacing with R&D and Industry: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to BETO’s Advanced Development & Optimization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing?
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
#1 Biggest Barrier to Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioeconomy Bottlenecks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the bottlenecks that prevent technologies from fueling the bioeconomy? Is it government? Is it lack of public acceptance or perception? Is it lack of access to capital? How about lack of market pull?
January 28, 2020 Read Full Article
EERE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable E : Department of Energy Announces nearly $100 Million for Bioenergy Research and Development DEADLINE Concept PaperMarch 5, 2020
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to over $96 million in funding for bioenergy research and development. This funding supports the U.S. bioeconomy, as well as DOE's goal of providing consumers and businesses
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
The Democratic Party’s Choice for President: The Digest’s Endorsement--Amy Klobuchar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We need “idealism without illusion”, as President John F. Kennedy once defined it. ... For that task, there is no better leader we’ve seen on the Democratic side this season than Senator Amy Klobuchar
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Living Robots, Fungus Homes, Biobased Aquaculture Ropes, Biopolymer Food Films, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 23rd
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It was a week of lots of deal-making, like edible straw startup Loliware’s raising of $5.9 million to scale production, and deal-breaking, like Itaconix and Nouryon’s break-up over biobased chelating agents for detergent applications. But it was
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Sustainable Intensification of Arable Production for Food Security and Climate Protection
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)) The “Green Deal” starts in the field -- Berlin, 16 January 2020. The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) would like to take the publication of the
January 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Cannabinoid, Meet Biochem – Lygos Acquires Librede to Scale up and Commercialize Cannabinoid Production
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In California comes the hot news that Lygos, who you may know for their sugar converting advanced biotech platform, has acquired Librede, Inc., an emerging synthetic biology company focused on cannabinoid products for the consumer
January 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Taco Bell and Perdue Biopackaging, iPhone Plant-Based Case, Castor Straws, Cabbage Lamps, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 17th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Kermit the Frog said “It’s not easy being green,” but these innovations might just change that and make it easier than ever to support a biobased economy. From a 100% compostable plant-based iPhone case, to Taco
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
UPM Celebrates Five Years of Operations at Advanced Biofuels Facility in Finland
(Biofuels International) Finnish company UPM has marked the five-year anniversary of the start of operations of the first biorefinery in the world to produce wood-based advanced biofuels, the Lappeenranta Biorefinery. The facility uses wood-based residual raw material crude tall oil to
January 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Digest Data Dashboard: A 2020 Snapshot Guide to Bioeconomy Fuel, Carbon, Equity Prices, Demand, Margins
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Exclusively created for Digest Readers, here is a Digest 2020 Visual Guide to the Bioeconomy based on the latest data out there. From biodiesel and ethanol operating margins to liquid energy commodity prices, RIN prices
January 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Packing Peanuts from Sunflower Stem Pith, Biobased Packaging Tape, Wheat-Based ‘Turtle Straws’, Bioluminescent Glow Sticks, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 9th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As you clean up the post-holiday mess, you might find those annoying packaging peanuts all over your home or office…but three teens have developed an alternative to packing peanuts made from sunflower stem pith! And while
January 09, 2020 Read Full Article
10 Reasons Why Algae Are Interesting: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes for Carbon Capture Reuse and Sequestration
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae is a wondrous thing…and here are 10 reasons why. But that’s not all! What about polyurethanes? Fully renewable polyurethanes from unsaturated lipids and protein-derived amine cross linkers? Check out this Slide-Guide from NREL’s Philip Pienkos
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Top Industrial Biotechnology Trends in the U.S. – The View from Europe
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) ... Housed in a region with significant historic chemical operations, including the home of where buna rubber was first commercialized, Eastern Germany is similar to parts of the industrial midwestern United States. The area
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Corn and Ethanol Markets: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Farmer Efforts to Drive the Renewable Economy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Corn Growers Association is working hard to increase demand, improve productivity and environmental sustainability and more, but how are they doing this? How do their programs help drive the bioeconomy? What misinformation are
January 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Microbes to Materials: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Lygos’ Sugar Conversion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) By taking a low pH yeast platform and adding in some BioFab and software, machine learning and artificial intelligence, you get new materials development, said Eric Steen from Lygos during his presentation at ABLC NEXT
January 03, 2020 Read Full Article
World’s 1st Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Powered Yacht, Hemp Airplane, Rock Snot to Biomaterials, Sisal-Based Thermal Insulation, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 3rd
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The bioeconomy is kickstarting 2020 with a flurry of innovations, like a millennial entrepreneur who developed a method to convert invasive toxic algae commonly called “rock snot” into various materials including paper, fabric and bioplastic. Another
January 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Debt and Equity Financing Mechanisms for Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 10 Top Advanced Bioeconomy Markets & Predictions for 2020
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2020? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2019 gives
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
50 Hottest Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2020
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the 2020 “50 Hottest Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy” was published today, as voted by invited international Selectors and subscribers of The Digest, the world’s most widely-read bioeconomy daily. The full list can be found
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Custom Chem: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Kiverdi’s CO2 and Syngas Chemicals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Kiverdi is taking carbon-rich waste and converting it to sustainable chemicals with their carbon engineering. With CO2 and syngas fed into their reactor, they are creating targeted chemicals like hydrocarbon monomers, esters, terpenes and more. Jason Husk
December 30, 2019 Read Full Article
A Review of LCA Assessments of Forest-Based Bioeconomy Products and Processes under an Ecosystem Services Perspective.
(Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science/National Center for Biotechnology Information) The emergence of politically driven bioeconomy strategies worldwide calls for considering the ecological issues associated with bio-based products. Traditionally, life cycle analysis (LCA) approaches are key tools used to assess
December 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Biobased Barbies, Pineapple Waste Paper, 3D Printed Fruit, Super Bowl’s Fiber Food Packaging, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 25th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s Christmas morning for many and biobased Barbies are on the horizon with Mattel’s promise to use only recycled, recyclable, or renewable plastics in all products by 2030, starting with the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack made from sugarcane
December 26, 2019 Read Full Article
New BioHub for Europe’s Forestry Capital
(EFI) EFI, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) and University of Eastern Finland (UEF) are joining forces to create an International Bioeconomy Knowledge Hub (BioHub) in Joensuu. The three organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this month. “We need to significantly increase
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
LEGO Bioplastic Bricks, Castor Bean Coats, World’s First Hydrogen Powered Ferry and Carrier Ship, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 20th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some, it’s holiday shopping season and now LEGO’s first bioplastic block set is an option! The kit—appropriately designed to make a treehouse—uses sugarcane-based polyethylene. Another great gift Top 10 Innovation from this week is French
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
We Three Kings of the Bioeconomy Are: Novozymes & Green Plains, Arzeda & BP, and Inscripta & What Appears to Be the Entire Investing Universe Announce Massive Deals to Anchor a Big Bioeconomy Christmas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novozymes & Green Plains, Arzeda & BP, and Inscripta & a bunch of investors new and returning — three transformative market shifts this week of epic proportion. Grabbing the dollar headlines has to be Inscripta’s eye-watering $125
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Starting with the End in Mind: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Codexis’s Enzymes and Scalable Proteins
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Codexis has reimagined the degree, and speed, of transformation of protein performance possible through protein engineering – Better libraries, better (bigger) data and a highly integrated workflow that leads to rapid, and very large, performance improvements.
December 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Water-Based Tech Converts Biomass into Food Ingredients – Renmatix and Cargill Sign Joint Development Agreement
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Functional food ingredients from unused plant materials is just what Renmatix and Cargill are aiming to explore with their new joint development agreement, but what makes this breaking news even more fascinating is that Renmatix
December 16, 2019 Read Full Article
America’s Bioeconomy Plays Critical Role in Feeding, Fueling, and Healing the World
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has submitted comments to the Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) on the bioeconomy, explaining the critical role America’s biotechnology industry plays in feeding, fueling, and healing the world. The comments were recently highlighted
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Request for Expression of Interest for the Canadian Bioeconomy Cooperative R&D Partnering Mission to Germany – March 2-6, 2020 DEADLINE: December 20, 2019
(Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service) The bioeconomy sector is a key priority in both Canada and Germany. This mission will focus on introducing Canadian companies that have strong R&D expertise and capacity in this sector to potential leading German
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Britain, Brexit and the Bioeconomy: It’s Going to Be about Scoxit, Too
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... For sure, Britain has historic opportunities in the bioecononmy to take a leadership position by jettisoning the worst of the EU restrictions and adopting new measures to add value to British agriculture, increase British
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
The European Green Deal Sets out How to Make Europe the First Climate-Neutral Continent by 2050, Boosting the Economy, Improving People's Health and Quality of Life, Caring for Nature, and Leaving No One Behind
(European Commission) The European Commission today presented The European Green Deal – a roadmap for making the EU's economy sustainableby turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all. President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘The European
December 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Corpse to Compost, Jose Cuervo’s Agave to Straws, Ford’s Coffee Waste Parts, Reebok Biokicks, Cellulose Optical Fibers, Catalysts Algorithms, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 12th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Jose Cuervo’s new project to convert agave byproduct into biodegradable straws to death (corpse to compost), this week’s Top 10 Innovations are a hoot to boot. Car maker Ford is using McDonald’s coffee waste in
December 12, 2019 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0002202: Notice of Intent: FY20 Bioenergy Technologies Office Multi-Topic Funding Opportunity Announcement
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “FY20 Bioenergy Technologies Multi-Topic FOA”. BETO develops technologies that convert domestic biomass
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Global Biogas Industry Leaders Call on Governments around the World to Unlock the Full Potential of Biogas in Addressing the Climate Emergency
(World Biogas Association) -If all barriers were removed, the biogas industry could abate up to 4bn tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, representing at least 12% of today’s global emissions, by 2030. -Today only 2% of the feedstock available globally to
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Thermochemical Technology to Turn Trash to Treasure: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Enerkem’s Waste to Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking non-reyclable waste to sustainable chemicals and biofuels is Enerkem’s world. Current products from ‘trash’ include syngas, methanol and ethanol with alternative pathways currently under development. Andrea Redford, Chief Business Development Officer from Enerkem gave this
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
A Plastics Dichotomy – Durables versus Single Use
by Ronald Cascone (Nexant, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... Durable items are those that are in use for a long time, even years, mostly are rigid, have substantial weight per item, generally are not littered, are typically of more expensive performance polymers
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Launches Plastics Innovation Challenge
(U.S. Department of Energy) On November 21, 2019, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced the launch of the Plastics Innovation Challenge, a comprehensive U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program to accelerate innovations in energy-efficient plastics recycling technologies. Plastics are
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
9 Hot New CO2 Applications
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics/Biofuels Digest) ... Food and beverage applications often account for 70% of all tonnage consumed in the merchant sector. There are also demands of a captive and sequestration nature, which in my view, are generally categorized
December 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Five Major Trends in Biobased Renewables
(Biorenewable Deployment Consortium) The Biorenewable Deployment Consortium tracks global developments in the biobased Industries. Several key trends have emerged over the last decade: 1. The development of biobased products will vary widely by region on a worldwide basis, and national policy
December 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Emissions from Production of Plastics Deserves Same Scrutiny as End-of-Life Debate, Says Expert.
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) ... Biome Bioplastics CEO Paul Mines said that the discussion around plastics isn’t solely about its end of life but its start of life. He also said that the production of oil-based plastics was hugely carbon
December 05, 2019 Read Full Article
A European Fund to Support the Circular Bioeconomy
(European Investment Bank) The European Commission and the European Investment Bank announce the selection of an Investment Advisor for the upcoming European Circular Bioeconomy Fund -- The fund aims to provide financing for innovative circular bioeconomy companies and projects in
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Compostable Coffee Capsules, Banana Waste Bioplastic, Cocoa Husk Chocolate Wrappers, Cactus Leather, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 4th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The holiday season is in full gear for some and this means coming up with gifts for family and friends. For The Digest readers this week, there is no dearth of biobased alternatives to consider like
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Nothing Is Made out of Thin Air…until Now. Air Protein Introduces World’s First Air-Based Food
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Air Protein created the first air-based meat created from elements found in the air we breathe. The new air-based meat substance can be used to make burgers, chicken, turkey or virtually any meat product you
November 30, 2019 Read Full Article
New PHA Pathway, Stroodles Noodle Straws, Bamboo Poutine, Seaweed Bioplastic, Rice Husk Travel Mugs and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 28th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. today and many are gathering around the table, chatting about the latest news, like the new Air Protein – air-based food – and whether it will be served alongside…or
November 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive Expert Insights from Day One and Day Two of SynBio Markets 2019.
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) ... Another era has started today with the launch of Bio Market Insight’s first SynBio Markets conference, which has kicked off with a bang. Set in the quirky ewerk location in Berlin, Germany, industry heavyweights have taken part in keynotes,
November 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Edible Wood? Bringing Biomass into the Food Chain: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Arbiom’s Wood to Food
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s all about the evolution of food production, according to Arbiom’s Ricardo Ekmay, VP Nutrition & Product Development. During his presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco, Ekmay noted that their technology can bring wood into
November 27, 2019 Read Full Article
The Values Chain: An Inquiry into How We Create and Capture Value When We Innovate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A note to my readers: a few weeks back, I was asked to give some remarks at a private meeting of venture capitalists and technology pioneers on the future of wellness, nutrition, agriculture, biotechnology and innovation.
November 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Biotech Breakthrough Turns Waste Biomass into High Value Chemicals
(University of Manchester) A move towards a more sustainable bio-based economy has been given a new boost by researchers who have been able to simplify a process to transform waste materials into high value chemicals. A collaboration between the UK and
November 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Functional Fungus, Amyris’s Secret New Nutritional Ingredient, Bioplastics for Auto Applications, First-ever Hydrogen Powered Train and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 22nd
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Christmas decorations are showing up in all the stores already so The Digest figures it’s not too early to talk about the holidays…so forget about the coal powered Polar Express this winter, as the first-ever contract
November 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Hollywood Sends Materials to Anaerobic Digester, Poop to Paper, Hydrogen from Seawater, Kanye’s algae foam kicks, Hellman’s seaweedSsachets, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 15th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Even Hollywood is going green these days with the latest Bond movie sending 30 tons of food and biodegradable materials to anaerobic digester to generate electricity! And elephant poop is getting turned into upscale stationary paper.
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Leading Companies Endorse WBCSD’s Call for a Stronger Circular Bioeconomy
(World Business Council for Sustainable Development) -WBCSD launches today the CEO Guide the Circular Bioeconomy. -The Guide gives business leaders a clear understanding of the circular bioeconomy and associated business opportunities. -The Guide was endorsed by 15 CEOs from companies
November 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Cellulose Car, Fermentation for Fragrances, World’s 1st Solar Hydrogen Electrolysis Facility, Green Tea Leather Alternative, Hydrogen from CO2 and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 7th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nature is an amazing thing. But add human brains and technology and you can get some pretty amazing things too – like a renewable insulating foam wetsuit to make your ocean outings even more in tune
November 07, 2019 Read Full Article
BioMonitor Expert Workshop --- November 14, 2019 --- Köln, Germany
About the BioMonitor project BioMonitor is an EU Horizon 2020 project which plans to establish a sustainable statistics and modelling framework for the bioeconomy. This will be achieved by developing and implementing a data and modelling framework that is effective (supported by a stakeholders'
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Light for BEACON Project Boosts Wales’ Bio Economy
(Welsh Government) The Counsel General and Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles, visited Aberystwyth University today to open the new Bio-refining Centre and Seed Biobank buildings at the University’s Innovation and Enterprise Campus. Mr Miles, who is responsible for EU funding in Wales,
November 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Natural Gas Start-up Company Completes Key Milestone Converting Alberta Forest Residues into Pipeline-Quality Gas
(Canadian Gas Association) An innovative clean energy start-up company, G4 Insights Inc., has successfully demonstrated in a field trial that forestry industry residues can be turned into renewable natural gas (RNG). Their RNG technology demonstration project has been supported by
November 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at ABLC Next
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA releases Report on the Bioeconomy: The USDA released its Report on the Bioeconomy Imiplementation Framework. The Bioeconomy Initiative: Implementation Framework will serve as a guiding document for the BR&D Board member agencies to increase government accountability
November 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Biobased Polycarbonate Breakthrough, Seaweed Diapers, Bamboo Toothbrushes, One Cow’s Manure Can Power Toyota’s New Mirai Hydrogen Car and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of October 31st
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s Halloween and things are getting pretty scary out there with stinky, petroleum based, disposable, plastic diapers and plastic toothbrushes being discarded all over the world but have no fear, for a new seaweed-based reusable diaper
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Biosynthetic® Technologies Commercializes Its First in Class High-Performing Biobased Synthetic Motor Oil Using High-Oleic Soybean Oil from Soybeans Grown by U.S. Farmers.
(Biosynthetic® Technologies/PR Newswire) Biosynthetic® Technologies today announced the commercial availability of a high-performing biobased synthetic motor oil using high-oleic soybean oil from soybeans grown by U.S. farmers. The Department of Defense and Washington, D.C. area fleet demonstrations found the product meets or exceeds their
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
The White House Summit on America’s Bioeconomy: The Inside Story
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the White House hosted the Summit on America’s Bioeconomy earlier this month, and the summary of the remarks is now available. The White House opined, “the Summit marked the first gathering at The White
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
As the Lab-Grown Meat Industry Grows, Scientists Debate if It Could Exacerbate Climate Change
by Emma Newberger (CNBC) Companies are moving quickly to bring to market meat products that are grown from animal cells in a lab. Similar to companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, cultured meat will replicate the taste and consistency
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Artificial Leaf, Renewable Fabric, Hydrogen Truck, Edible Tray, Plant Bags, Mushroom Textiles: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of October 24th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week we lead with an artificial leaf, which kinda sorta goes with plant-based shopping bags — seems as if we’re going one way, then the other, as The Pretenders once sang. Also in the news
October 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Shoots: After a Sluggish Decade, Is the Bioenergy Tide Turning?
by Gerard J. Ostheimer, Ph.D. (below50) and Douglas L. Faulkner (“the Clean Tech Conservative” / Leatherstocking LLC) (Biofuels Digest) ... On the left there is a surging sense of climate action urgency. On the right is growing concern over energy security.
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Breakthroughs at the Bioenergy Research Centers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Paper Beer Bottles, 3D Printed Boats, Hydrogen-Powered Rescues; the New Mirai, Plastics from Potato, Hallowe’en Biobased Coffins, The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of October 18th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week there’s Hallowe’en around the corner and we’ll point to the very latest in biobased DIY coffins, but leading this week is the unexpected ways to make the ordinary stuff we know — like,
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels That Could Be Made from Seawater
(University of Manchester/Phys.org) Researchers from the University of Manchester are using synthetic biology to explore a more efficient way to produce the next generation of biobased jet fuels—partly made from seawater. -- The Manchester research group, led by Professor Nigel Scrutton,
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
4 Carbontech Companies Making Products from Thin Air
by Jim Giles (Green Biz Group) ... Each of these examples has developed a process that uses carbon dioxide to create valuable products — turning waste into revenue, the essence of circularity. In different ways, these circular technologies also lessen
October 17, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Beyond Meat and Alternatives to Traditional Meat Products
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Beyond Burger recently arrived as the world’s first plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies like beef, without GMOs, soy, or gluten, and has become a global sensation. Overall the company aims to “create
October 16, 2019 Read Full Article
About Those Biobased Amines We Might One Day Dream up at Ptixar Amination
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Lately the amines, which in the simplest description are compounds with a bunch of nitrogen stuffed inside, have improved their reputation. For one, a number of Direct Air Capture technologies have been receiving big
October 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Investing in Australian Biomanufacturing
(Office of the Department of Education; the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education; the Hon Karen Andrews MP Minister for Industry, Science and Technology; John Alexander OAM, MP, Member for Bennelong ) The Morrison Government is investing in the development of
October 09, 2019 Read Full Article
High-Impact Bio-Based Initiative for a Circular Europe
(Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking/Politico) The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking delivers substantial socio-economic and environmental benefits to Europe, actively contributing to the European Green Deal -- Did you know that renewable biological resources such as waste, agricultural and forestry residues, and aquatic
October 09, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Technical, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biorefineries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) First comes the techno-economic assessment, then comes the deployment, as perhaps someone once said, or should have. For the road to bioeconomy passes through the graces of a successful evalutation of the inputs anf the
October 09, 2019 Read Full Article
The 10 Most Overlooked Stories in the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is such Top Secret stuff that every announcement was, we surmise, buried in the hardest-to-find hole, on the loneliest street, of the most out-of-the-way town on Planet Neptune. Just shows what you might find down a
October 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Face Fungus, Sustainable Camping Gear, Stationery Made from Stone, Renewable Naphtha, Hydrogen-Powered Tugboat: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of October 4th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) October has arrived with fall fashion, and amongst our offerings this week, the latest in face fungus, sustainable camping gear and apparel. For those looking for a sustainable statement, why not stationery made from stone.
October 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Call for Partners: Use or Invest in (Biobased) Polymerization Shared Facility
by Jim Lane and Marcel van Berkel (Biofuels Digest/Polymerization Shared Facility) Green Chemistry Campus, REWIN and Wageningen University are planning the development of the first multipurpose Polymerization Shared Facility Pilot Plant in Bergen op Zoom. In this facility new and redesigned
October 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Bio-Sourced Materials: A New Milestone!
(Michelin) The BioButterfly project launched by Michelin in 2012 has just achieved another milestone: the construction of France's first industrial demonstrator capable of producing butadiene from ethanol. The goal is to replace the oil-based raw materials used in the company's
September 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Fungus Fashion, BMW i Hydrogen NEXT Unveiled, Spider Silk and Cellulose Composite, Nestlé Opens Packaging Research Center, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of September 25th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With Climate Week on many minds this week, it’s good to see innovations being developed to take a step in a better direction. Take CPI Card Group which is launching credit cards made from waste plastic
September 25, 2019 Read Full Article
The NEXT 50 Companies to Disrupt the World
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, The Digest recognized the NEXT 50, “the 50 Next Companies to Disrupt the World”, bioeconomy companies that are just now reaching commercial scale with an emerging technology, or earlier in their journey to commercial
September 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Your Vegan Diet and Paper Straws Aren’t Going to Save the Planet, But These Three Policies Can
by John Cumbers (Forbes) When it comes to action on climate change, what’s good for the planet must also benefit the economy and the livelihoods of people, which are more often than not at the forefront of the minds of voters
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Biorefinery: ‘The Potential for Farmers to Diversify Their Business in the Future’
by Emma Gilsenan (AgriLand) Biorefinery – which converts biomass to energy and other beneficial by-products – could potentially add more value to an outside block of land, according to UCD lecturer, Bridget Lynch. Speaking to AgriLand at the National Ploughing Championships this week, James
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
A Juicer that Turns Peels into Bioplastic Cups, Shellfish Plastic, White Dog Labs’ Feed Supplement, Eucalyptus Fiber and Wool Sneakers, Plant Starch Dog Toys, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of September 19th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It seems that plastic is in the news daily between bag bans, straw bans and even Ray-Bans. But there are companies out there tackling the plastic problem with alternatives like the new “Feel the Peel” juicer
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Science and Technology Policy Office Request for Information on the Bioeconomy DEADLINE: October 22, 2019
(Federal Register) The Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) requests input from all interested parties on the U.S. Bioeconomy. The Bioeconomy represents the infrastructure, innovation, products, technology, and data derived from biologically-related processes and science that drive economic growth,
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Warding off Armyworm, Wiping without Worry, Banana Fiber Sanitary Napkins, Mango Bioplastics, Wearable Fermentation-Based Protein Jacket and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of September 13th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Not only is it Friday the 13th, it’s also a full moon tonight. But don’t worry, this week’s Top 10 innovations will scare all the boogies away, starting with Provivi’s new fall armyworm pheromone now produced
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Betting on Waste
(EurekAlert!/University of California - Santa Barbara) Most of the materials that maintain our modern lives -- fuels, pharmaceuticals and other commodity chemicals -- come from non-renewable sources. Over time the acquisition of these materials becomes more costly as their supplies diminish.
September 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Lube It up with Sugar: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Lubricants from Cellulosic Sugar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Petroleum based lubricants are everywhere, but Cargill is working on producing lubricants from cellulosic sugars instead. Utilizing a novel bioprocess that converts lignocellulosic hydrolysate sugars to caprylatemethyl ester, they are laying the foundation for this product
September 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Domtar Honored with Biorenewable Deployment Consortium’s Forest Products Innovation Award
(Biorenewable Deployment Consortium) The Biorenewable Deployment Consortium (BDC) honored Domtar with the organization’s inaugural 2019 Forest Products Innovation Award for their culture of innovation in the deployment of new biorenewable processes directed toward achieving the highest value from the tree. “BDC
September 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Biobased Battery, Starch-Based Gift Cards, Future Fashion, Plant-Based Flame Retardants, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of September 5th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week is a merry mix of biobased innovations around the world. From the creation of artificial reefs made from PLA in Israel and Spain’s starch-based gift cards to the U.S. where biobased battery materials are
September 05, 2019 Read Full Article
India’s Rising Prowess in Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Praj’s Perpective from India
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Product, processes and partnerships are what it’s all about in India right now with the country’s latest bioenergy policies and growing activity in the bioeconomy. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman at Praj Industries gave this illuminating presentation at
September 04, 2019 Read Full Article
The Advanced Bioeconomy Report Q2 2019 Earnings: The Year of Living Endangeredly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In hand we now have the latest earnings reports from what you might call the 8 Pathfinders – eight publicly traded stocks whose second quarter results offer insights into the health and performance of the advanced
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Finland Makes Batteries from Trees. Can Maine?
(Biobased Maine) ... Stora Enso just announced an investment of $11.2 million to build a pilot facility to produce lignin-based battery materials at their Sunila Mill in Finland. The facility, anticipated for completion in early 2021, will process lignin (one of the
August 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Zero-Emission Hydrogen Beer Trucks, Algae to Generate Clean Water, Cheesy Biogas, Algae Backpacks, Bamboo Toothbrushes, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 30th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pumpkin spice everything is already appearing in stores across the U.S. and so is beer for Oktoberfest, but Anheuser-Busch’s beer will be delivered using zero-emission hydrogen beer trucks! Have some cheese with that beer as cheese
August 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces $64 Million for Research on Plants and Microbes: Genomics-Based Research Will Help Develop Crops for Bioenergy
(U.S. Department of Energy) oday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $64 million in funding for 25 university-led genomics research projects on plants and microbes for bioenergy and bioproducts. The plant research—12 projects totaling $29 million over three years—focuses on expanding knowledge of
August 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Canada Investing in First-in-Canada Forest Industry Technologies in Sarnia
(Government of Canada) Canada’s forest sector remains a vital source of wealth for Canadians, providing economic, social and environmental benefits. By investing in Canada’s forest sector, the Government of Canada is growing the economy while protecting our environment. Kate Young, Parliamentary
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
The Big Six: Trump, Biden, Warren, Klobuchar, Yang, Buttigieg Score in the Digest’s Bioeconomy 2020 US Presidential Poll
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, US President Donald Trump led 19 other candidates in the first Digest Bioeconomy 2020 US Presidential Poll, gaining 31.7 percent support in the bipartisan poll which featured 18 leading Democratic candidates along with
August 27, 2019 Read Full Article
How’s the Bioeconomy Doing?: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to 9 Bellwether Stocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here’s The Digest’s very own condensed look at 9 bioeconomy companies –Amyris, Aemetis, Codexis, Gevo, Green Plains, Neste, Novozymes, Pacific Ethanol and Renewable Energy Group, in their own words and images. From their latest projects, expansions, accomplishments,
August 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Seaweed Underpants, Trump Straws, BASF Renewable Chelating Agents, CBD Extraction, Biometric IDs for Airlines, Upcycling Coffee Waste, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 9th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SpongeBob SquarePants must be pretty darn excited today with Lidl’s announcement that they will soon sell seaweed-based underpants produced by Florida-based Nanonic. But that’s not all – with politics ramped up in the news comes “Trump
August 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Sustainability for Cutting Edge Tech: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sustainability is such a vague term that some throw around to make them sound good in a consumer environment that is asking for greener and more socially conscious products. The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is tackling
August 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Governors Ask EPA to Clarify Biogenic CO2 Not Regulated under CCA
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Governors representing Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska and North Dakota recently sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging the agency to clarify biogenic CO2 is not a pollutant subject to regulation under the Clean
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
All About Algae: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to DOE’s Advanced Algal Systems
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has a lot of recent federal support, and this presentation takes us there. The Advanced Algal Systems is working on a host of strategies to focus on enhacing productivity, feedstock, quality and robust yields
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Cellulose Microbeads, Sequins and Eyeware, 3D Printed Sandals and Menswear, Biobased adhesives, and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 21st
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, it’s all about cellulose and 3D printing and these Top 10 Innovations are so cutting edge you can literally dress yourself from head to toe in it. From cellulose sequins and cellulose eyeware to
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Audio Available from 2019 American Coalition for Ethanol Conference
(Ag News Wire) The 32nd annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) conference is taking place August 14-16, 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska. The event includes a welcome from Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, followed by industry updates and a keynote presentation by new U.S. Grains
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Robocar’s Biobased Seat Cushions, Miscanthus Bedding, Churro Waste Fat Based Diesel, Edible Spoons, Cellulose-Based Fabric, Sausage without the Sausage, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 15th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the end of summer approaches, county fairs are popping up around the U.S. and with it, churros and other waste. But innovators are turning churro waste fats into renewable diesel, using edible flavored spoons to
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
DOE Seeks Information on Opportunities to Leverage Bioethanol Production Facilities, Food Waste Streams, High-Impact Data, and Algal Biomass to Advance the Domestic Bioeconomy --DE-FOA-0002150: FY 2019 BETO-WIDE RFI DEADLINE: September 6, 2019
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is requesting information on the following research opportunities to help inform its priorities and funding strategies: advanced processes and
August 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomass Risk Ratings: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Ecostrat
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ecostrat supplies millions of tons of wood fiber and organic feedstock in North America and globally with a proprietary Biomass Supply Chain Analytics suite that looks into feedstock availability, competition, future cost, supply risks and mitigation. Jordan
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
“I Am Not Charcoal.” – Sincerely, Biochar: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On a recent Digest webinar, we heard all about biochar. The science. The markets. The technology. The results. The needs. And much more. If you missed The Digest’s webinar then check out the slides that cover
August 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Batteries from Trees, 3D Printing Developments, Canola Straw Cling Wrap, Biochar, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 2nd
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can you really produce anode materials from trees? Stora Enso says absolutely yes! And they are investing a nice chunk of change to build a pilot plant for lignin-based battery materials. Ok, sounds great, but come
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Blazing Pathways through the Clean-Tech and Governmental Wilderness
by Douglas L. Faulkner (The Cleantech Conservative/Leatherstocking LLC/ Biofuels Digest) ... (W)e first addressed bio-based plastic research needs; second, we reviewed government regulations preventing the growth of advanced biofuels, a controversial action; then we launched an effort for 2019 for an intensive look
August 01, 2019 Read Full Article
An Answer to “Hard to Find” Equity – Opportunity Zone Funds
by Mark Riedy and Eddie Wang (Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP/Biofuels Digest) The recently-established Opportunity Zone Program offers developers, including start-up technology companies attempting to develop and commercialize new technologies in the energy, chemical, and infrastructure industries, an exciting, new opportunity to
July 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Sayings and Images from 12 Years Traveling on the Bioeconomy Road
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the Digest turns 12. Since the Digest was launched in July 2007, we’ve had the privilege of telling the amazing success story of the bioeconomy— new applications, companies, and platform technologies have been pouring out of
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Rules and Regulations: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Regulatory Landscapes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How chemical products and novel substances are regulated in the U.S. has a huge impact on the bioeconomy and the companies that are producing bioproducts today. Bergeson & Campbell shares their thoughts on the Toxic Substances
July 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Genera Repositions Itself, Gets $118M Investment – Movin’ on up to Get a Piece of the Pie
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... A $118 million pie in new investment money for this Tennessee-based biomass company. The financing was anchored by an equity investment from WindSail Capital Group, which partnered with investors Coppermine Capital and Stairway Capital
July 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Gin from Peas, Infinite Hoodie, Plant Shoe, Light and Heat Stabilizers for Agricultural Plastics, Slimy Sea Lettuce for biofuels, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of July 24th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gin being made from pea fermentation instead of wheat fermentation, slimy sea lettuce as a feedstock for biofuels, Icelandair is one of the first airlines to start using biodegradable single-use items, adidas and stella mccartney created
July 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Biobased Briefing: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to BIO
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If you want to get a quick overview of what BIO does, some fascinating statistics they have on the U.S. renewable chemicals market, both current and predicted, and more, check out today’s Multi-Slide Guide. Jim Greenwood,President
July 22, 2019 Read Full Article
These Candidates See Farming as a Climate Solution. Here’s What They're Proposing.
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate Change) ... Sen. Michael Bennet, like Biden, writes about voluntary markets to support better soil carbon practices. South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg talked at the first debate about climate change and farming's role, and how "the right kind of soil management and
July 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Designer Proteins: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Arzeda
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Proteins are molecular machines that carry out the vast majority of functions within living things and Arzeda’s unique combination of computational protein design and state-of-the-art high-throughput screening is a radical change over what’s possible with traditional
July 19, 2019 Read Full Article
UFOP: Biodiesel Quotas Take Pressure off the Market - Non-EU Countries Show How Bioeconomics Work
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/LifePR) ...The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) has noted that the price situation in the vegetable oil markets would be even more dramatic, if countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the
July 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Surf’s up with Bioboards, Panasonic’s Biobased Appliances, CO2 Textile Fibers, Nestlé’s Biodegradable Snack Bar Wrapper, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of July 17th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Keep cool this summer with CO2 based textile fibers, biobased appliances, and surf the ocean waves on a biobased surfboard. But that’s not all because bioeconomy innovations are ripping and roaring! Here are the Top 10
July 17, 2019 Read Full Article
11 Fatal No-No’s and 15 Yay-Yay’s: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Lobbying for Your Cause
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s tough to win the public policy debate and the government agency funding battles, so American Diversified Energy offered this super helpful presentation at the ABLC this past April on how to make sure you are
July 15, 2019 Read Full Article
NovoNutrients Gets $300K from DOE Program for CO2 to Feed Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $600,000 in federal funding for two projects that fall under the High Performance Computing for Materials (HPC4Mtls) program. One of the projects caught The Digest’s eye in particular – California-based NovoNutrients‘ fermentation
July 12, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Conference Discusses Ethical Dimensions of Transition into Bio-Economy
(Xinhua) Social sustainability and justice in bio-economy were the leading themes as 350 bio-economy experts gathered in Helsinki on Tuesday. The Bio-economy Scene 2019 conference was organized by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the European Commission. Matti Hayry, Professor
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Paper Pen, Bioasphalt, Water Activated Bio Shampoo, Lignin Self-Healing Elastomer, Bio Crop Coating, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of July 10th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While many are on vacation this time of year, the bioeconomy is not even close to taking a break. In fact, bioeconomy innovations, are like a beach goer in Florida this time of year – hot!
July 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at the 2019 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he bioeconomy’s biggest and grandest show, the BIO World Congress, takes us on an accustomed journey through the present and future in a sector that has more twists and turns than the rides at
July 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa State University Is Home to a New Bioenergy Crops Research Farm
(Iowa State University Extension and Outreach) Iowa and Midwest agriculture has started to change in recent years. One visible change is the interest to grow crops for biofuel and bioproducts (referred to as “energy crops”). Fossil fuel usage contributes to the
July 05, 2019 Read Full Article
ABLC Wolves Devour 6 Technologies: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to The Wolfpack
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (W)e have the satisfying slides that will satiate your hunger for thoughts from renowned due diligence experts on the latest and hottest technologies. You won’t want to miss these slides, esp. if you missed
July 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Raised & Rooted Alt Protein, African Iron Superfood, Biological Biocide, Digital Agronomic Tools, CO2 Munching Microbe, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of July 4th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the U.S., it’s Independence Day and many folks are celebrating across the country, but it doesn’t mean the bioeconomy is taking a break. In fact, bioeconomy innovations, much like hamburgers and hot dogs across America,