In just a few years, the Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) has established itself as the international meeting place for innovators, companies and brands, investors and policymakers to develop and shape the future renewable carbon economy. As in previous years, the
by Jennifer Kaplan (LEC Partners/Biofuels Digest) Imagine a bioeconomy where sustainability is a fundamental prerequisite. While we have made much progress on bioeconomy technology, the challenges of developing verifiably “sustainable” feedstock remains a challenge. The fact remains that to achieve the promise
by Thomas Washington, Harry Clyne, Daniel Workman (S&P Global) Second-generation ethanol from waste has potential in aviation and shipping; Building 270 million liters nameplate capacity by 2025, mostly sold to Europe; Exploring new pathways like converting lignin residue into advanced biofuels Brazilian energy company
by Thomas Washington, Harry Clyne, and Daniel Workman (S&P Global) Second-generation ethanol from waste has potential in aviation and shipping; Building 270 million liters nameplate capacity by 2025, mostly sold to Europe; Exploring new pathways like converting lignin residue into advanced biofuels Brazilian energy
by Gayle Bentley (U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Agile BioFoundry (ABF) and Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), have successfully scaled up a bio-based process that converts ethanol into a valuable precursor for consumer products, such as
by Lexie Corner (AZO Materials) Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a glycerol derivative into bio-based propylene, supporting the production of sustainable chemicals. Efficiently utilizing biomass from renewable sources is essential for achieving carbon neutrality. Glycerol,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A handful of industrial biotechnology companies have the strength and purpose to make it as a public company — others remain private, are acquired, or wind down. What makes companies able to succeed with public investors?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A handful of industrial biotechnology companies have the strength and purpose to make it as a public company — others remain private, are acquired, or wind down. What makes companies able to succeed with public investors?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A handful of industrial biotechnology companies have the strength and purpose to make it as a public company — others remain private, are acquired, or wind down. What makes companies able to succeed with public investors?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A team of researchers partnered with Visolis to develop a hydrogenolysis catalyst that can operate at low-pressures (≤ 5 MPa) and demonstrate conversion of a fermentation-derived C6 intermediate to a high value chemical monomer. The rewards? Risk and cost
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How can a public biofoundry develop and demonstrate capabilities that enable commercially-relevant biomanufacturing of a wide range of bioproducts by both new and established industrial hosts? The ABF has operated as a BETO-supported project since 2016.
(Raízen) Joint Development Agreement focuses on using the lignin from 2nd Generation Ethanol’s potential to produce additional waste-based sustainable solutions -- Raízen, an integrated energy company with a broad portfolio of renewables, and Vertoro, a Dutch biotechnology accelerator, today announced the signing
(National Science Foundation/Federal Register) The U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) Biomaterials (BMAT) Program requests input from stakeholders on opportunities, challenges, emerging areas, and frontiers in biomaterials research. This RFI will help inform NSF as it considers future program directions, new initiatives,
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Canada/Newswire) Strengthening Canada's bioindustrial sector through research and innovation creates opportunities, increases competitiveness, and moves Canada towards a more sustainable future. Today, Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the challenges faced in the transition to biobased chemicals and materials. We look at the molecules getting traction, market prices, new process technologies, the policy environment, carbon prices or the lack
by Lauren Biron (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New funding will help Berkeley Lab and partners improve how the diverse agricultural waste in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley can be used to make sustainable bioproducts and biofuels -- Agricultural residues and wastes from
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced awards for the FY24 Phase I Release 2 of the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Across DOE, 229 projects in 39 states received $52 million to pursue
by Katy Christiansen (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) As a recent college graduate, Javier Santana was working in the petrochemical industry when he decided to make a career change. Seeking more opportunities for innovation, he turned to biomanufacturing — a growing industry
(World Bio Market Insights) Over the last several years, precision fermentation has attracted attention as a manufacturing methods that could drastically lower the environmental impacts of everyday products, from edible proteins to animal feed and cosmetics ingredients. Precision fermentation is a biomanufacturing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Well might you ask, why is there a BioDesign Challenge? For one thing, at such an event, you notice something about young people: how impressively organized and thoughtful they are. ... There’s no app for solving our bigger
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bioprocessing solutions for next gen biorefineries is what MetGen is about, and this illuminating slide guide from ABLC 2024 highlights how they maximize the value for biomass, de-bottleneck a biorefinery, all about the enzymatic lignin fractionation
(Growth Energy) Biofuels are leading a new wave of growth across the American industrial bioeconomy, and a new report proves it. New research commissioned by Growth Energy and other industry leaders – including ADM, POET, and Marquis Energy – shows that U.S. industrial bioeconomy
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Fuels & Products Shot™ Summit Questions & Answers (Q&A) are now available. Stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and non-profit organizations attended the two-day virtual event to learn about the Shot’s objectives, progress, priorities,
(Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking) CBE JU published its 2024 call for project proposals. A total of €213 million will be dedicated to advancing competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe across 18 topics. All stakeholders of the circular bio-based sector
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced the MACRO: Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity funding opportunity announcement (FOA). The FOA will award up to $18.8 million to address research and
by Sarah Glaven (White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) Biotechnology harnesses the power of biology to create new services and products, which provide opportunities to grow the U.S. economy and workforce and improve the quality of our lives and the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Latest Economic Impact Report Shows a Thriving and Resilient Bioeconomy Despite Impacts of the Global Pandemic -- USDA Rural Development (RD) released “An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2023 Update," which demonstrates how the biobased products
by Tom Popper (Bio.News) Innovative companies using biotechnology to make renewable raw materials can enable more sustainable, climate-friendly manufacturing while providing an additional source of income for farmers. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is seeking to support these companies with a proposal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the state of the industry — including the renewable diesel, DME, SAF, hydrogen, renewable chemicals, materials, advanced biorefinery, efuels and carbon capture sectors. We looked at processes, feedstocks, products, finance,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) New Report Shows Biobased Products Contribute $489 Billion to the U.S. Economy, Supporting Jobs in Every State -- Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is honoring the second annual National Biobased Products Day, a celebration to raise
by Treena Hein (Vertical Magazine) ... The eVTOL industry is often touted by its enthusiasts as sustainable. Electric (and increasingly, hydrogen) propulsion is presented as a primary benefit of eVTOLs in terms of environmental impact, and a critical reason for supporting the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the challenges faced by global renewable chemical and materials producers in shifting towards low carbon alternatives — new processes, novel molecules with enhanced properties for green hydrogen, Methanol, plant-based meats
(Biofuture Platform) The CEM14/MI-8 closed door Minister – The CEM14/MI-8 closed door Minister – CEO Roundtable on Biofuels was held on 21st July. The Roundtable was organized by the CEM Biofuture Platform Initiative and the Co-leads of the MI Integrated Biorefineries (India
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced new funding to small businesses for innovative clean energy technologies as part of its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. Eligible small businesses can apply to receive up to
(Genera) The investment will expand Genera’s manufacturing, production and distribution operations of its circular, compostable packaging solutions and biomaterials -- Sustainable molded fiber and biomaterials company Genera announced today it has broken ground on the nearly $350 million expansion of its Sustainable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve long been fans of the Finns, their smart forest management practices, their innovative products and the complete lack of hype and bluster coming out of Helsinki. It’s the Quiet Country, but really they are the
(Government of Ontario, Canada) The Ontario government is investing more than $1.5 million in 15 research, innovation and modernization initiatives that will develop the untapped economic potential and environmental benefit of new and emerging uses of underutilized wood and mill by-products,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Inflation Reduction Act provides nearly $40 billion for USDA over the next 10 years to improve life and livelihoods in rural communities. Specific investments include: $19.3 billion for climate-smart agriculture on farms, ranches, and forests;
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whitefox has been active over the past couple of months highlighting the opportunity for ethanol in the global bioeconomy via their “Ethanol as a Building Block” campaign, which was kicked off at the ABLC in San
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Which brings us to the forest, because once we have stopped by the commodity exchanges where oilseeds, grains, and waste fats and oils are priced and traded, we discover right away that commodity prices are
by Jim Lane (REenergize the Gulf Coast) In Ottawa, on the sidelines of the Jeff Passmore’s SCALING UP meeting, a coalition of the willing known as the Bold Goals Action Group refined and amended a series of 37 Bold Actions that must be
(Renewable Carbon News) Renewable Carbon Initiative Publishes New Insights into a Hotly Debated Topic and Urges for Careful and Evidence-based Debates -- 2023, the world faces a global hunger crisis. According to the World Food Programme“ a record 349 million people across
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) "Unlocking the Value of Algae" was the subject of a Sunday Symposium at the recent Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition’s 2023 Global Biobased Economy Conference and Exhibit. Presenters at the symposium followed the whole
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past week Shrijant Rathi, executive director for Praj Americas, returned to the Digest stage for this fascinating deep-dive into new technologies that open up opportunities for ethanol producers through retrofit, bolt-ons or add-on technologies that
by Robert A. Dagle, Austin D. Winkelman, Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy, Vanessa Lebarbier Dagle, and Robert S. Weber (Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research) Three factors, (i) the ethanol “blend wall”, which limits its market as a transportation fuel, (ii) advances in production efficiency,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Origin is the world’s leading carbon negative materials company. The Origin platform turns the carbon found in biomass into useful materials, while eliminating the need for fossil resources and capturing carbon in the process. Origin Co-CEO
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance the ability of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Products Assistance program to support the development of biofuels, renewable chemicals, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In San Francisco on the sidelines of the ABLC NEXT 2023 meeting, a coalition of the willing called the Bold Goals Action Group outlined a series of 31 Bold Actions that must be taken by industry
(Origin Materials/Canadian Biomass Magazine) Origin Materials, Inc. announced the commencement of commercial-scale production at Origin 1, located in Sarnia, Ont., the first commercial plant of its kind. The state-of-the-art plant scales up the company’s core technology platform for converting sustainable wood residues
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here’s the State of Renewable Chemicals and Materials presentation from the ABLC CONNECT series episode.The Value Stack, planned capacity, mandates, incentives, major players and their recent activities, pathways, mandates around the world, molecules, and markets. It’s a comprehensive
by Melich Seefeldt (Praj Industries/Biofuels Digest) Advanced bioethanol (also named 2G or cellulosic bioethanol from inedible biomass) and its co-products lignin, stillage, and biogenic CO2 are sustainable key tools to decarbonize the difficult-to-abate transport sector. In addition, they can be
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bioprocessing solutions for next gen biorefineries is what MetGen is about, and this illuminating slide guide from ABLC 2023 highlights how they maximize the value for biomass, de-bottleneck a biorefinery, all about the enzymatic lignin
(National Corn Growers Association) The National Corn Growers Association invites proposals for new uses of field corn as a feedstock for producing sustainable chemicals and products with quantifiable market demand. The Consider Corn Challenge IV is about finding game-changing new uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here NCGA’s Sarah McKay and friends look at the Consider Corn Open corn-to-chemicals challenge to catalyze innovation and investment in this illuminating slide guide from ABLC 2023. What’s the role of corn and starch in
(Ashton University) Aston University biofuel experts provide advice on Ukraine’s recovery; Professor Patricia Thornley and Dr Vesna Najdanovic were invited to Royal Society conference; Outcomes will be presented to policymakers at Ukraine Recovery Conference in June. Two Aston University scientists have
(World Bio Market Insights) ... Biofuels and biomaterials are keystone climate mitigation technologies. A 2023 study estimated that if all plastics today were replaced with biobased ones, greenhouse gas emissions savings could equal 369 megatonnes, or around 1% of global emissions. However, the carbon-reducing
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) As part of the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced in September 2022 an investment of $1.2 billion in bioindustrial domestic manufacturing infrastructure
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) I am proud to announce the release of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO) new Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP). The MYPP details our mission, goals, and strategies to enable the widespread adoption
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The opening session of ABLC features the State of the Bioeconomy presentation. Here are the slides from the presentation by Digest editor & publisher Jim Lane on the evening of March 22nd covering advanced ethanol.
(U.S. Department of Energy) Department Also Announces BioPreferred® Program “Excellence in Procurement” Award Winners for 2022 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today kicked off the inaugural National Biobased Products Day and highlighted the accomplishments of people and organizations working
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The timelines of the company’s development may have been pushed back here and there by pandemic, but the patience of LanzaTech’s worldwide cadre of fans was rewarded when news arrived from the Financial Temples of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All the developed and even now developing nations are working hard on Net Zero ambitions and timelines now — India has a goal to reduce 1 billion tons of carbon emissions by 2030 and drop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nearly half of all global emissions come from making products. But Origin Materials’ mission is to enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials to lower those GHG emissions. In these slides, we explore how the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been 18 years since the Werpy and Petersen paper, Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass —a screening for Potential Candidates from Sugars and Synthesis Gas that sent a lot of people in search of
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New sustainability standards no longer focus solely on bio-based carbon content. The focus has shifted to reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) and overall carbon footprint –in which biomaterials have a role to play. The transition towards
Siddhartha Pal (Praj Industries/Biofuels Digest) Various sources of lignocellulosic biomass, such as forestry waste and agricultural feedstocks, are available all over the world. The Lignocellulosic biomass consists of three major components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose form a network
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
by Maria Lameiras (UGA Today) Cutting-edge technologies will enable researchers to reengineer poplar trees to produce alternatives to petroleum-based products -- A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia and two partner institutions have been awarded a $15.8
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We have three new centers of excellence to focus upon today. The Center for Camelina In Spain, Camelina Company España, Europe’s largest camelina crop innovator and seed producer, opened their new Innovation Center in Daimiel, Spain. Camelina
(Cefic) Achieving more sustainable carbon cycles in Europe can only take place if the carbon accountancy is right, concludes Cefic in its latest position paper concerning the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). The European Commission plans to apply the PEF method as the guiding
(TrustBIX/newsfile) TrustBIX Inc. (TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a Biomass Traceability Pilot Project with members of the Biomass Quality Network of Canada (BQNC). BQNC is facilitating the commercialization of agricultural biomass through the development of quality
by Amanda Drane (Houston Chronicle) Preparations are underway at the site of Shell’s former Convent refinery in Louisiana, where the oil major plans to build a $1.48 billion low-carbon fuels facility. The project’s first phase would include a renewable fuels unit that would produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From MetGen in Finland comes not one story but three, a hat-trick. First, a commercial license for biorefineries with Futurity in New Zealand; second, a partnership with Ivy Farms to develop an industrial process for bioactive molecules they use in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Policymakers and energy security hawks love fuel, but consumers love renewable chemicals that power the everyday applications in their lives — resins, solvents, nutraceuticals, intermediates to make fabrics, nylons, plastics, and more. There’s a dizzying
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everything we have learned at The Digest about the State of Plastics and Biomaterials in 2022, we have digested down into these pages, as presented in our latest ABLC CONNECT episode this past week. Whether
(Transportation Energy Strategies) In this episode, we talk with three experts in the field of biofuels working on the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Campaign. We will learn what it is, what it can it do for governments and for private industry. Learn
(Plastics Industry Association) The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) today announced sustainable technology company, Anellotech, as the winner of PLASTICS’ 2022 Innovation in Bioplastics Award. The announcement came as part of PLASTICS’ annual, online #BioplasticsWeek awareness and education event. Anellotech won the award
(U.S. Department of Energy) 37 Projects Will Develop New Technologies That Engineer Plants and Microbes into Bioenergy and Improve Carbon Storage -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $178 million for bioenergy research to advance sustainable technology breakthroughs that
(Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition) This award is given to Origin in recognition for their stellar performance and achievements in advancing science and being the world’s largest carbon negative biobased materials company with a mission to enable the world’s transition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week on ABLC CONNECT, we looked at the world of Advanced ethanol – markets, players, technologies, policy. 2G ethanol, sugarcane, ethanol as an intermediate, and advanced yield opportunities. We were fortunate to be joined
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted its virtual 2021 Project Peer Review on March 8‒12, 15‒16, and 22‒26, 2021. During the event, 271 projects in BETO’s research portfolio were presented, representing a total
by Jessica Buckley (RTP Environmental Associates Inc/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Some facilities that were originally designed and operated as fuel-grade ethanol plants are diversifying to produce higher-grade alcohol. There are permitting and compliance hurdles that may be encountered when making these
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The company has moved past an ethanol and protein positioning to “a leading agri-tech company committed to transforming our platform to process annually renewable crops into more sustainable, high-value ingredients” High-value they are — but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... You can finance a bioenergy project making gases and solids, so long as your gas is a solid stream, and, solidly sold, and your market for solids is liquid, and your liquidity is solid.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s coming to the point where we have to consider the looming unemplopyment wave for farm animals. I mean, what are cows going to do. What about chickens, bees, lambs, pigs, fish. It’s back
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been more than 10 years since the celebrated IPOs of Amyris, Codexis and Gevo showed that the second wave of industrial biotechnology (after the first wave of ethanol companies) was producing mature companies of size
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week we reported that T2C Energy in partnership with the US Department of Energy had developed at pilot-scale a technology that makes drop-in transportation fuel for $2.91 a gallon, excluding any help from carbon prices
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in the bioeconomy, we see three trends advancing fast. First of all, sustainable materials, there are two hot stories this week involving sneakers, also there’s a carbon black deal between Origin and Intertex that
(Corn Refiners Association/News Direct) The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition brings together leading industry associations to advance federal policy initiatives that foster growth in the agriculture bioeconomy -- Today (July 19, 2022), leading industry associations launched the Ag Bioeconomy Coalition to advance
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A biodegradable debit card partially made of sea salt, a sea snail holding the key to biodegradable bullet-proof vests, Pirelli adding lignin as reinforcing filler in tires – some perfect summer time innovations. In today’s Digest,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s a great time to have a pet these days with Gucci’s new luxury line for pampered pooches using renewable raw materials and Manhatten fur babies can now frolic on soy-based artificial grass. For those
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new pilot program created under President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the development of biobased products that have lower carbon
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The “Eat a Swede” campaign certainly caught our eye, but thankfully it is a satirical piece to promote alternative earth-friendly proteins, not an actual promotion for creating or eating cultivated human meat. A more socially
(Amyris) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMRS), a leading synthetic biotechnology company accelerating the world's transition to sustainable consumption through its Lab-to-Market™ technology platform today announced that it has successfully started fermentation at its new precision fermentation plant in Barra Bonita, Brazil. The greenfield site at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Houston that Ara Partners, regularly seen around the halls of ABLC and known as a private equity firm specializing in industrial decarbonization investments, has acquired Genera Energy. Genera, in latter days, has
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Controversial palm oil is used in so many things today, but Unilever and Genomatica are looking at commercializing alternatives for palm oil and fossil fuel ingredients in cleaning and personal care products. Even the 2022
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The commercialization of emerging tech, the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products – these are some of the things the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service is working on. Find out about their Guaranteed
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 3D printed bioslides from adidas are set to launch soon as are a Grateful Dead themed collection of biosneakers and sandals. Absolut is trialing biobased bottle caps for more sustainable spirits and French Cognac brand
by Mark Laurenzo (Iowa Economic Development Authority/Biofuels Digest) Iowa has a well-documented history in the ethanol business. We’re the United States’ leader in renewable fuel production with 41 ethanol refineries (capable of producing more than 4.5 billion gallons per year) and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Navy is up to something fishy – hagfish that is. Researchers are evaluating the use of hagfish slime – a unique goo that can swell to 10,000 times its original size – to
by Scott Marion (Edwardsville Intelligencer) Nearly 20 years after it opened, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continues to make an impact on a national and worldwide level. The NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed ABLC in Washington, D.C. this spring, check out Dr. Pramod Chaudhari’s William C. Holmberg Award acceptance address here and now with this slide guide. Covering Praj’s partnerships to accelerate bioeconomy advancements, their
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) This week’s Top 8 Innovations are offering up real solutions to real problems. Biologists have been testing biopolymer blocks for coral reef restoration giving hope for ocean biodiversity, while a startup is turning invasive fish
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes you need a good laugh, especially these days, and now there’s a new comic book to help get kids excited about the bioeconomy. And speaking of comics, Marvel IronMan’s Robert Downey Jr. invested in
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Can you imagine running a computer chip on algae – yes, algae – for more than six months? Apparently, that’s now possible thanks to biochemists at the University of Cambridge who created the biobased battery
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Biomaterials company Nanollose is now working with California-based leather alternative company von Holzhausen on microbial cellulose as potential leather alternatives. A Dutch city opened up a pedestrian bridge made of flax fiber, biobased resin and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) President & CEO Annica Bresky shared this illuminating slide guide spotlighting Stora Enso’s efforts to replace non-renewable materials with renewable products. Find out how well they are meeting their long-term targets, what those targets are,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In France, the next City of Lights might just be illuminated by bioluminescent bacteria for an eco-friendly solution. And a new packaging alternative made from calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring material found in rocks, eggshells,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Imagine embedding a chip encapsulated in bioplastic in your hand that allows you to pay for things, open your door, and other daily tasks without fumbling for your phone, keys, or wallet anymore…that’s exactly what
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The bioeconomy is up and roaring with lion burgers and tiger tacos, but don’t worry, no animals are actually killed for the exotic meat. It’s Primeval Foods lab-grown, cultivated exotic meats that people would otherwise
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s quite a mish-mash in this week’s Top 8 Innovations starting with Frito-Lay’s biobased packaging that will also be quieter than the original packaging making it easier than ever to sneak those snacks in at
(Covestro) For more sustainable mattresses, upholstered furniture, shoes and automotive seats; Significant reduction of CO2 emissions from cradle-to-gate2; Rapidly implementable solution with consistently high quality -- Covestro is again expanding its range of more circular raw materials and now offers customers
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We’ve reported on beef without the cows, pork without the pig, dairy without the cow and now we have honey without the bee from California start-up MeliBio which raised $7.5 million to scale and commercialize
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Chitofoam – The transformation of the exoskeletons of plastic-eating mealworms into biodegradable polystyrene substitutes – by feeding that nasty Styrofoam to mealworms in order to make chitosan bioplastic foam is only one of the crazy
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Lately, we all seem to need a drink and world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch’s Brazilian arm is making it more green by tapping into Israel’s UBQ for integrating waste-based plastics into its packaging mix. Coors Light
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Nova Pangaea Technologies, the UK cleantech company at the heart of the drive to Net Zero, started the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for its first commercial plant in the UK. Aemetis, Gevo, USA BioEnergy,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Rebuilding in a more sustainable way is top of mind for this week’s Top 8 Innovations. From a composite reinforcing material made of hemp stalk and bioplastic to create a rebar as strong as steel
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Estonia – a NATO country that borders Russia. U.S. based Sweetwater Energy received final acceptance of its first commercial Sunburst unit at the Sweetwoods Project in Estonia, proving that Sunburst has met all criteria—including
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) This week reeks of fraternity parties with Mark Cuban and others giving a $1.7 million boost to a startup that aims to replace the iconic red Solo cup with a biobased polylactic acid version, a
by Elena Schmidt and Nicola Noponen (RSB/Biofuels Digest) The urgent move away from fossil resources means that biomass use will be heavily incentivised for the use in fuel, energy and material supply chains and this presents serious sustainability risks which must
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Stora Enso’s Annual Report 2021 runs at 198 pages full of financials, reflections on 2021, their business strategy, 5 key innovations they developed in 2021, and more. But don’t worry. READ MORE
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It was a big week for biobased fashion news with mushroom yoga bags made from Bolt Threads for high-end athleisure brand Lululemon, Hugo Boss investing in cellulosic fiber technology, and the creation of a new
(Honeywell UOP) Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ process produces bio-naphtha with reduced CO2 footprint compared to products using petroleum-based feedstocks for use as petrochemical feedstock -- ... Prior to the introduction of renewable naphtha solution, the UOP Ecofining technology has been used to
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We know smartphones and electronics are huge resource sucks that utilize rare minerals, fossil fuels, and precious resources, so cheers to a China-based smartphone maker that is now using a biobased polycarbonate copolymer produced by
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In what seems like a twisted, alternate universe, famous wiener maker and bologna bliss master, Oscar Mayer, launched a face mask that looks like bologna but is made out of seaweed, witch hazel and collagen
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The dream of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is closer than you may think with an entire village called Cacao Eco Village being planned in Ecuador using renewable construction materials including 3D printed cacao waste.
(Bio Market Insights) ... They source excess algal sludge from natural habitats all over the world, processing it into algae-based resin pellets trademarked under the brand name BLOOM. Manufacturers can blend BLOOM pellets with conventional petrochemical-based materials. Ryan Hunt encountered the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) That mornin’ cup of joe will taste even better knowing it was brewed in a biobased coffee maker. Yep, biobased appliances are going mainstream with Philips launching an entire line of home appliances – toaster,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Last week it was elephant dung and now this week it’s human feces being turned into diamonds. Yes, you read that correctly…provocative installation artist Christoph Büchel will convert his unsold work and DNA extracted from
by Annie Hammang (Slate) ... Amyris also isn’t alone in this shift; Solazyme, Lanzatech, Neste, LiveFuels, LS9, and Pacific Biodiesel are all biofuel companies that also got their start in the early aughts and have since expanded their business into cosmetics, fragrances, and household cleaners. From
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Here in Digestville, we’ve covered many ways that waste is useful with trash to treasure, trash to cash, poop to power, poop to plastic, poop pigments, dairy doodoo, and more (and now we realize just
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pyran also known as the 5-carbon company, net-zero SAF via wet-waste volatile fatty acids, and on-board electricity via renewable fuels – what does The Wolfpack think about these 3 hot technologies? Where do they think
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The fractionation of lignin – How MetGen does it, their process compared to others, collaboration partners, their commercial demo, their commercialization pathway to biobased materials, and more. READ MORE UD researchers report low-pressure method to convert
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 6 DOE National Labs and 6 Universities are partners with the Joint BioEnergy Institute to help transform the maximum amount of carbon available in bioenergy crops into biofuels and bioproducts. From the importance of jet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2022? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2021 gives
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In fact, in terms of news stories, there was more good news than bad in 2021 and a look at what you, the Digest readers, found most interesting and intriguing in 2021 shows just
(U.S. Department of Energy) In an effort to build a 100% clean energy economy, the United States is investing in research to develop innovative products made from biological material. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet these goals will require more than
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know Avantium’s two lead products are FDCA, the chemical building block for PEF, a novel, plant-based polyester targeting $200+ billion markets and PlantMEG, a plant-based alternative for fossil-MEG, a key ingredient for PET
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) France is claiming the world’s first carbon-negative building, thanks in large part to the carbon-sequestering power of hemp. The 4,000 square foot sports hall was constructed using Hempcrete, a construction alternative that incorporates fast-growing, water-efficient
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In this week’s Top 8 Innovations, there may be a rumbly in your tummy after hearing that Dokdo shrimp was cultivated in a lab for the first time ever, Singapore regulators okayed the second cultivated meat
by Tero Ikäheimonen (Neste) Pekka Tuovinen, retired Senior Advisor on Sustainability, saw firsthand Neste’s transformation from a regional oil refining company to a global leader in renewable fuels. Here Tuovinen lists three moments that he considers groundbreaking not only to his
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Zara clothing made from steel factory waste emissions thanks to LanzaTech, adidas and Allbirds scaling up their low-carbon footwear, Canadian brand launches apple leather handbags, new fruit-based glitter for your holiday festivities, and the largest
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Leatherstocking LLC/“Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ... It never ceases to amaze me that the media and politicians frequently belittle biofuels and biobased products as old-fashioned, hopelessly low-tech, of no import, and, yes, even damaging to the environment and
(LanzaTech) Today, LanzaTech has announced a collaboration with Inditex that led to the design of a capsule collection for the retail group’s largest brand Zara that incorporates fabric made with carbon emissions, avoiding their emission into the atmosphere (CarbonSmart™). “We are hugely
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Not a topic The Digest usually covers, but let’s talk about sex like Salt-N-Pepa with the latest news that robots reproduced for the first time, thanks in part by the tiny organisms’ Pac-Man-like shape. Not
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Can you hear Willie Nelson singing “On the road again, Just can’t wait to get on the road again” with the latest news from the Netherlands on their heavily used biobased asphalt road holding up
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) On a day when many are eating way too much turkey, clothing that moves and grows with you sounds like a good idea, but how about self-destructing clothing – a “living” concept dress called “Biomimicry”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biological applications could unlockan estimated $2 trillion to $4 trillion in annual direct global economic impact in 10-20 years, said Checkerspot’s CEO and Co-Founder Charles Dimmler at the ABLC in San Francisco. Check out his
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Using native methanotrophic bacteria and microbial cell factories, C1Pro is converting methanol into amino acid derivatives for biomaterials. The details behind the microbes, the proteins, the fermentation, methane utilization rates, how it all works, here
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