(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program) to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and Retrofitting of
bioproducts
Back TO HOMECollegiate Biobased Network
(Soybiobased.org) Collegiate Biobased Network, a no-cost professional development organization. See what schools and universities are doing with biobased. The CBN’s mission is to inform college and university students about opportunities with biobased products and to connect students with biobased industry leaders
July 22, 2016 Read Full Article
American Refining Group Invests in Novvi to Accelerate Renewable Base Oils, Lubricants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Two options, generally. One is a mandate-led transition, like light bulbs, power and road fuels. The other is a brand-led transition, as happens with plastics, jet fuels and clothing. Amyris’ No Compromise branding encourage
July 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $15 Million to Advance Algae-based Biofuels and Bioproducts
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $15 million for three projects aimed at reducing the production costs of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts through improvements in algal biomass yields. These projects will develop highly productive algal
July 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Moving beyond Automotive towards Earth & Resources: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Toyota Tsusho
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we report that Toyota Tsusho has been identified as a major strategic investor in Anellotech, which is developing a pyrolysis-based technology for making bio-based BTX molecules as an alternative to petroleum-based supplies. Here’s the
July 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Toyota: Let’s Go Places with Anellotech, Bio-Places That Is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Toyota Tsusho was identified this week as a multinational strategic equity investor in Anellotech and corporate partner in the renewable aromatic chemicals supply chain. Toyota Tsusho is a member of the Toyota
July 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Awards $18 Million to Develop Valuable Bioproducts and Biofuels from Algae
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced six projects that will receive up to $18 million in funding to reduce the modeled price of algae-based biofuels to less than $5 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) by 2019. This
July 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Who’ll Stop the Rain?: The Road to a Biobased Fix for Carcinogenic PFCs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Last year, news arrived that Patagonia’s venture arm, charmingly named $20 Million & Change, had invested $1 million in Beyond Surface Technologies, in search of a bio-based durable water-repellent. READ MORE
July 11, 2016 Read Full Article
New Lignin Operation in US in Final Phase of Approval
(Biofuels International) Borregaard, a Norway-based biorefinery specialist, and Rayonier Advanced Materials (Ryam) have concluded a market, technical and engineering analysis regarding a new lignin operation at Ryam’s Fernandina Beach site in Florida to serve the growing demand for natural lignin-based
July 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Advance Australia Air: Byogy Steps up in Australia in Drive for Low-Carbon Jet Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Australia comes the news that the country’s former Federal Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson, is now the chairman of the advisory board for Byogy Renewables, the California-based alcohol-to-jet fuel pioneer that has been
July 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Expanding the Bioeconomy: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Using the Billion Ton Report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This analysis was presented by Jonny Rogers at ABLC Feedstocks 2016, and is the result of is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), National Laboratories, and various Agency
June 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Alliance BioEnergy Receives Independent Verification of Sugars Through CTS Processing of DDG, From Large Ethanol Producer
(Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc./Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:ALLM) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce that with the senior science officers of a large U.S. ethanol producer present, the CTS process produced fermentable sugars from Distillers Grain (DDG) as
June 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Urgent ‘Shift’ Needed in Media Approach to Bioenergy
(Bioenergy Insight) Bioenergy academia and industry representatives, who attended the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE), are calling on European policy makers and the media to reconsider their approach to bioenergy. ... A press release issued by EUBCE organisers said: “The attention
June 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Miniature but Mighty: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Nanocellulose
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last year, we reported that Research & Markets projected the “Nanocellulose Market by Type (Cellulose nanocrystals, Cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose nanocomposites, and others) to reach $250 Million by 2019, signifying annualized CAGR of 19% between 2014 and 2019. Heft growth
June 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Big Buckaroos in Tiny Town: The Gold Rush Ahead in Nanocellulose
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s that way for nanocellulose, too — a material made from the largest organisms imaginable — our friends, the trees — which display astonishing Marvel-like properties when processed into nanofibrils and nanocrystals, with gigantic implications
June 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Renewable Industries Canada Becomes New Face of Canada's Biofuels and Bio-Based Sectors
(Renewable Industries Canada/MarketWired) Canada's foremost biofuels organization has re-launched under the name Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada). The change -- from the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association -- reinforces the 32 year-old non-profit association's mission to promote the use of value-added products
June 02, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow and Harvest Biomass for Energy and Biobased Products
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds
May 28, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Announces More Than $8 Million in Payments to Support the Production of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
May 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Ford’s Green CO2 Materials Will Reduce Carbon Emissions
(The Green Optimistic) Ford, after working with other companies and universities, is taking the next environmentally-friendly leap to include biomaterials in vehicles. By using excess CO2 to create high-quality plastics and foam, the company will use such materials in vehicle seats
May 26, 2016 Read Full Article
AkzoNobel Teams up with Royal Cosun to Develop Sustainable Cellulose Products from Sugar Beet Processing
(Biofuels International) Dutch chemicals giant AkzoNobel and agro-industrial cooperative Royal Cosun have formed a new partnership to develop novel products from cellulose side streams resulting from sugar beet processing. The partnership will combine Royal Cosun's specialist knowledge in separating and purifying
May 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Wassup, EU? The Top 10 Trends in Europe’s Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in a report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium. If we had any doubt
May 16, 2016 Read Full Article
Farmers Do More than Feed the World
by Katie Heger (Farm & Ranch Guide) ... It is just so cliché and doesn’t nearly cover all that agriculture is about. On our family farm, we do so much more than feed the world. Now, let me explain. Yes, my farm
May 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels, Plastics and Drugs: Is This the Future of Our Farms?
by John Vidal (The Guardian) Climate change and poor returns on wheat and dairy drive rural revolution in ‘future-proof’ agriculture -- ... In Essex, David Eagle is growing acres of sea buckthorn, a salt-tolerant plant that grows wild in Siberiacorrect and
April 18, 2016 Read Full Article
DG-Based Resins Spring into Plastics
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nebraska’s Laurel Biocomposite produces biomaterials for thermoset applications. -- Laurel Biocomposite LLC is using distillers grains to create biomaterials that will be used in lawn and gardening products across the United States this spring. The
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Student Startup Turning Heads by Utilizing Biofuel Waste for Good
(Tennessee Today) ... Enter Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle, a pair of doctoral candidates in the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, which is run jointly by UT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The pair has developed a process to
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Supporting the Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Biomass Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This month, we held a well-attended webinar on USDA Biomass programs. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, by the USDA’s Mark Brodziski. The recorded version of the USDA Biomass Programs webinar can
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Pivot to Play: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Cellulosic Sugars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers of cellulosic sugars, from pilot to player. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from industry consultant Vonnie Estes — whose latest
April 12, 2016 Read Full Article
REG’s Rolling Thunder: What Did Not Kill Them (Falling Oil Prices), Made Them Stronger
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s been a couple of years since we visited REG and the difference is palpable. The company has become a little ADM, rather than a big Amyris or TerraVia. You see the trading desks at
April 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Sugar Producers Cooperative Collaborating with Comet Biorefining to Develop Agricultural Biomass Supply Chain
(Comet Biorefining) Cellulosic Sugar Producers Cooperative, an Ontario-based farmer's cooperative, confirms that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Comet Biorefining to collaborate on the development of a sustainable agricultural biomass supply chain in southwestern Ontario. Comet Biorefining
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Better Use of Entire Biomass of Willow
(Phys.Org/VTT Technical Research Center of Finland) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Aalto University investigated how willow biomass can be utilised more efficiently. When processed correctly, willow is eminently suitable as a source of sugar in the production of
March 31, 2016 Read Full Article
Biobased Plastics and Resins, What’s New, and Who’s Top Cat?: The Digest’s 2016 Visual Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yesterday, we held a well-attended webinar on “Biobased Plastics and resins?” Here below are the slides presented on the day. The recorded version can be accessed here. READ MORE
March 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Doing More with Less: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Stora Enso
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We knew that Stora Enso has become awesomely serious about the advanced bioeconomy when news emerged in 2014 that the company had acquired Virdia for $33 million with additional potential payouts totaling approximately $29 million following
March 25, 2016 Read Full Article
A Conversation with US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
(Industrial Biotechnology) ... My current assessment is that there exists an unlimited sense of opportunity in the biobased products and bioenergy sector. I look at the work being done at the USDA, which is extensive and has been helpful in getting
March 08, 2016 Read Full Article
€2.1 Trillion and Counting: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Europe’s Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium just now released. You can download
March 04, 2016 Read Full Article
€2.1 Trillion Revenues and 18.3M Jobs: The European Bioeconomy, Demystified
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium just now released. What is the
March 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Stimulating Investment To Grow the Biobased Economy
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) ... The challenge our industry faces right now is to continue building investment in the biobased economy. That can be accomplished with both policy and non-policy activities. ... On the policy front a new coordinated federal
February 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Zeitgeist at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference
[caption id="attachment_70483" align="alignright" width="260"] LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren visits with Advanced Biofuels USA's Bill Brandon at a pre-conference get-together.[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) You might think that annual conferences feel the same year after year. Not true. One of
February 25, 2016 Read Full Article
7 Megatrends for the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where is the bioeconomy headed? In the annual State of the Industry briefing at the 2016 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, the Digest presented a survey on that topic. Here are the trends we spotted in the
February 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Second-Generation Biofuel Markets: State of Play, Trade and Developing Country Perspectives
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) UNCTAD's first report on the state of biofuel technologies in 2007 highlighted a sector with great potential, but at the time that was a long way off from markets. In 2015, countries made commitments
February 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Comet Biorefining to Build Biomass Sugar Plant in Ontario
(Comet Biorefining/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Comet Biorefining Inc. has announced the location of its commercial-scale biomass-derived sugar facility in the TransAlta Energy Park in Sarnia, Ontario. The 60 million pounds per year plant will come online in 2018 producing dextrose sugar from
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
American Chemical Society Launches Biochemical Technology Leadership Roundtable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the American Chemical Society in cooperation with LanzaTech, Intrexon and other leading bio-based chemical companies, announced at ABLC the formation of a Biochemical Technology Leadership Roundtable. This collaboration will identify and address key
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
The Revolution in Biobased Materials: The Digest’s 8-Slide Guide to the USDA BioPreferred Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The BioPreferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Protein and Perfume: At ABLC, Even Less of a Focus on Fuels
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James/Biofuels Digest) This week, we attended the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, a major annual gathering of firms in the bioindustrial space. As we noted in our conference recap from March 2015, the industry’s focus had been pivoting
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
US Aims at 30% Penetration of Biomass Carbon in US Transport by 2030: New Federal Report Debut at ABLC 2016
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee has recommended “targeting a potential 30% penetration of biomass carbon into the U.S. transportation market by 2030 in a sustainable and cost-effective manner to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas impacts,
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Requests Information on Biofuels & Bioproducts Process Pilot Verification Capabilities
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking input from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other biofuels and bioproducts stakeholders to identify existing pilot- or process development-scale facilities with the capability to perform process verifications for biomass
February 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Nigeria: Investing in an Ethanol Plant for Export
by Uba Godwin (This Day/AllAfrica.com/Global Trust Consulting Group) Uba Godwin writes on how cassava and other raw materials could be processed into ethanol for export -- It is disheartened that Nigerians at this level of technological development worldwide are still
February 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $11.3 Million Available for Mega-Bio: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $11.3 million in funding to develop flexible biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can be modified to produce advanced fuels and/or products based on external factors, such as market demand.
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0001434: Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels (NO. DE-FOA-0001433)
(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 “MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels”. This FOA supports BETO’s goal of
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
29 New Industrial Products Open New Markets for Soy
(United Soybean Board) Farmer-funded projects drive innovations in soy chemistry -- Last year, the soy checkoff partnered with researchers to develop 29 new soy-based products that replace petrochemicals and help manufacturers meet sustainability objectives. These products, and hundreds of others
February 01, 2016 Read Full Article
BETO Announces Notice of Intent (NOI) to Develop Pathways to Biofuels and Bioproducts
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department announces its intent to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels.” This FOA supports BETO’s goal of meeting its 2022
December 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Consumers Go ‘Green.’ Are We Leveraging This Trend Enough?
by Sebastian Søderberg (Novozymes/Biofuels Digest) ... I believe consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the damage their consumption can cause to the planet. With this awareness, comes a growing focus on products that reduce GHG emissions and maximize resource efficiency.
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Ramp up Them thar Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Berkeley Lab and ABPDU
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, established by the United States Department of Energy, is the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit, designed to help ramp up the bioeconomy. ABPDU enables early stage advanced biofuels, biomaterials, and
December 16, 2015 Read Full Article
C5 Is the New C6
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Goodbye glucose, hello xylose. The X-Factor in the advanced bioeconomy might just be a sugar that starts with an X. ... When we think about C5s — that are liberated by new technologies from the cellulosic
December 16, 2015 Read Full Article
New Catalyst Paves Way for Bio-Based Plastics, Chemicals
by Tina Hilding (Washington State University News) Washington State University researchers have developed a catalyst that easily converts bio-based ethanol to a widely used industrial chemical, paving the way for more environmentally friendly, bio-based plastics and products. The researchers have published
December 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Bioproducts from Waste Streams: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to TerraVerdae BioWorks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) TerraVerdae BioWorks’ novel bioprocess converts waste-derived methanol and/or methane into bioplastics and industrial metabolites. Bioconversion through this route allows “waste” to be used as an alternative starting material to petroleum. These biomaterials are then processed and
December 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Blends in Lithuania Will No Longer Enjoy Tax Exemptions
(Delfi by the Lithuania Tribune) The Lithuanian Seimas has voted to waive the duty exemptions for EU-approved biofuel mixtures sold in Lithuanian gas stations. The amendments are expected to help the state save around 66 million Euros. These EU-compliant biofuel and
December 11, 2015 Read Full Article
DOE Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Workshop Summary Report Now Available Online
(U.S. Department of Energy) On July 16, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office hosted the Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Workshop in Westminster, Colorado. The purpose of the workshop was to get stakeholder input about the potential role of
December 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Partnerships that Speed Tech to Market: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Effective Agricultural Research Services Partnerships
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This year at ABLC Next, Bill Orts, a Research Leader for Bioproducts at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, gave us an overview of partnership opportunities at USDA and through ARS. One of the vehicles is known as a
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
The European Bioeconomy, visualized: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Champagne Ardenne and the EU’s bioclusters
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of the EU’s set of globally-oriented clusters is to bring together players in research, higher-education, and industry. Here’s the substantial research, development and deployment options on offer in France’s Champagne Ardenne region. READ
December 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Report: Biofuels Contribution to GHG Emissions Offsets Significant
(Global Renewable Fuels Association) Today, at the World Climate Summit under way in Paris, France, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) in cooperation with (S&T)2 Consultants Inc., an internationally renowned energy and environmental consulting firm, released a new report “Green
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Innovation to Tackle Climate Change and Feed a Growing Population: Commercializing Synthetic Biology
by Vonnie Estes (Biofuels Digest) ... But as the land, water, and fossil fuel resources those systems rely on become scarcer, biology is offering new ways to engineer solutions. Synthetic biology redesigns existing organisms for specific purposes to produce safe products
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Commercializing Biobased Products: Opportunities, Challenges, Benefits, and Risks (RSC Green Chemistry)
by Seth W Snyder (Editor, Contributor), James H Clark (Editor), George Kraus (Series Editor), Gene Peterson (Contributor), Beth Calabotta (Contributor), Stephen Hughes (Contributor), Robert E. Kozak (Contributor) & 14 more (Royal Society of Chemistry) Biobased products offer substantial economic and
November 24, 2015 Read Full Article
In Search of Renewable Butadiene: Genomatica, Braskem Hit Key Milestone
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Butadiene is beginning to emerge from the Braskem Genomatica collaboration. But could it be that the real significance lies not in progress with butadiene, but in Big Data itself, the harnessing of complex mathematics to make products
November 24, 2015 Read Full Article
Biorefinery Assistance Program Changes Now in Effect
by John Kirkwood (Faegre Baker Daniels LLP/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few changes have been implemented in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, writes John Kirkwood. ... In June, an interim final rule was published in the
November 11, 2015 Read Full Article
New Program Will Grow Agri-Based Industrial Bioproduct Development in Ontario
(Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)/CNW) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) are fostering innovation in the province's growing agri-based industrial bioproducts sector. Through the $3 million Agri-Based Industrial Bioproducts (ABIB)
November 10, 2015 Read Full Article
General Relativity, and the Remaking of Sweetwater Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Minnesota Awards $26 Million to Fund Sweetwater’s Biochemical Facility --- In Minnesota, Sweetwater Energy has received commitment for $26 million in long-term loans from the state of Minnesota to construct a biochemical production facility near
November 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Open-Bio: Creation of a Bio-Based Products Database for Public Procurement
Present your bio-based products on a new, public information platform -- The EU is currently seeking ways to promote the market uptake of bio-based products through standards, labels and public procurement. nova-Institute – together with the German Agency for Renewable
November 04, 2015 Read Full Article
The Biobased Option: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Biobased Products
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Includes Ohio State University's "Advanced Bioeconomy" flowchart and BioPreferred Program map; results of surveys regarding awareness of bio-based products, etc. READ MORE
November 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Blog: Colonel Korn, Andy, Sandy Impress in Videos about Ethanol
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Late last week, I received a press release from the Nebraska Ethanol Board about two new biofuel education videos starring cartoon characters Colonel Korn, Andy and Sandy. I watched the videos, and I have
October 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Biomaterials May Be Next Growth Engine for Paper Industry
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg Business) As the digital age curtails use of newsprint and stationary, European paper makers are retooling their factories to produce more profitable materials that go into everything from fuels to sweeteners and even hair dye. That’s because
September 23, 2015 Read Full Article
100% Renewable: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to the Coca-Cola Plant Bottle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Since introducing PlantBottle packaging – the first-ever fully recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants – Coca-Cola has distributed more than 25 billion of the bottles to thirsty consumers in 37 countries. The breakthrough
September 16, 2015 Read Full Article
A New Maine Manufacturing Strategy Could Turn Plants into Products
By Charlotte Mace (Bangor Daily News/Sustainable Economy Program at Environmental Health Strategy Center) ... Yes, several Maine mills have closed and pulp and paper production statewide has declined. But the global market for advanced biobased products is skyrocketing. Maine is in
September 04, 2015 Read Full Article
New €106 Million Released by BBI JU to Research Innovative Ways of Using Renewable Resources
(Bio-Based Industries) Second call for proposals for the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) published today (August 25, 2015) --- New €106 million for research and development are unveiled today for bio-based initiatives to turn renewable resources into useful
September 04, 2015 Read Full Article
DOE Funds 2 Algae Biomass Projects under Carbon Capture Program
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory recently announced it has selected 16 projects to receive funding through its Carbon Capture Program, including two focused on algae. According to the DOE, the program funds development
August 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Meet the Companies Trying to Break our Plastic Addiction
by Phil McKenna (Green Biz) The fate of the world’s oceans may rest inside a stainless steel tank not quite the size of a small beer keg. Inside, genetically modified bacteria turn corn syrup into a churning mass of polymers that
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
WSU: New Course Offers Hands-On Training in Bioproducts
by Maegan Murray (WSU Tri-Cities/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Doctoral student Baran Arslan experienced bioproducts production processes this summer that he formerly had only seen in the lab on the nano scale. He participated in a new summer course through Washington State University
August 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Yep, There’s a Biomass Crop Planning App for That, Says Genera Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Tennessee, Genera Energy has launched its first mobile agriculture app, Biomass, developed to serve as a tool for planning, selecting and calculating biofuel crop needs, for use with Android and Apple smart devices. The
August 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Chemical Firms Seek Better Grasp of Biomanufacturing
by Andy Extance (Chemistry World) Hope and expectation surround the chemical industry’s increasing adoption of biotechnological manufacturing – but today, their lengthy development times and complex processes mean frustration is a major by-product. ‘The process of developing industrial biomanufacturing [IB] processes
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Gert-Jan (G-J) Gruter, CTO, Avantium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Avantium developed a novel process for the production of PEF (brandname YXY), a 100% biobased polyester with enhanced barrier, thermal and mechanical properties. Together with Coca-Cola, Danone and ALPLA we target PEF bottles. The process
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Prioritizing the Bioeconomy: Observations on USDA's 9003 Loan Guarantee Program
by Osaretin Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biobased products are a new innovation that are gradually contributing more to the U.S. economy in the forms of alternative fuels, packaging, plastic substitutes and more. An Economic Impact Analysis report was recently submitted
July 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Research and Markets: Pine-Derived Chemicals (TOFA, TOR, Gum Turpentine, Gum Rosin, Pitch, Sterols) Market 2015 - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020
(Research and Markets/BusinessWire) Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hjlj3s/pinederived) has announced the addition of the "Pine-Derived Chemicals Market by Type (TOFA, TOR, Gum Turpentine, Gum Rosin, Pitch, Sterols), Application (Paints & Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants, Surfactants, Printing Inks), Source, & by Region -
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Genomatica: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Genomatica is a widely-recognized technology leader for the chemical industry, and for four years running has been the #1-ranked company in the Hot 30. It delivers new manufacturing processes that enable its partners to produce the
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: White House Directs EPA, FDA, and USDA to Update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) With little fanfare or advanced notice to the general public, on July 2, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Trade Representative, and
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Approves Funding for Circular Bioeconomy Projects
(Bio-based Industries Consortium/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium, has approved the funding of 10 projects totaling €120 million ($132.66 million) to boost the EU capacity to stimulate
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Rule for Revamped Biorefinery Assistance Program
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service has published an interim final rule for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program.
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Leather without the Cow: Flokser Launches Artificial Leather Based on DuPont Tate & Lyle, BioAmber Ingredients
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Unique synthetic leather fabric has 70% bio-content, based on BioAmber’s Bio-SA and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products’ PDO ... Flokser has launched this new synthetic leather fabric under its SERTEX brand. The novel fabric comprises a
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final Rules on Biobased Products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 15, the USDA’s Office of Procurement and Property Management published two final rules in the Federal Register related to biobased products. One rule amends regulations concerning the voluntary labeling program for biobased products,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy: $369B and 4 Million Jobs Strong, says USDA; Changes to the BioPreferred program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry in 2013 contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to the US economy. He also announced changes under
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) 2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Virent, Coca-Cola Hit Key Production Milestone with the 100% Biobased Plant Bottle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Production goes from pilot to demonstration scale as Coca-Cola “makes it happy,” showcasing its newest Plant Bottles at Expo Milan News has arrived from Europe that Coca-Cola is displaying 100% bio-based content Plant Bottles produced using
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
8 Hot Targets in Advanced Bioeconomy R&D
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fuels, chemicals, pathways, and microbes that could shake it all up ... (H)ere are 8 Hot Targets that we can point to that could be game-changers in the world of making fuels, chemicals and biomaterials from
May 30, 2015 Read Full Article
The Materials Superhighway
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New physical materials — stronger than steel, stiffer than Kevlar, lightweight, conductive, non-toxic, and highly absorbent. New liquid fuels and chemicals — strong on performance, price, and emissions. New edible materials — lighter in unhealthy
May 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Dyadic Receives Funding for New Advanced Biofuels Program
(Dyadic/PR Newswire) Dyadic International, Inc. ("Dyadic") (OTCQX: DYAI), a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of enzymes and other proteins for the bioenergy, bio-based chemicals, biopharmaceutical, food and feed industries, announced today details regarding 2G
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
The Commercialization of Renewable Fuels, Chemicals and Biobased Product: 4 New Views, in Depth
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New targets, new markets, new tech, new methods, new outcomes.LanzaTech, Genomatica, Amyris and Brazil’s CTBE share in-depth presentations from the 37th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 100 of the most fascinating slides you’ll
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Surfing into a Greener Future
(University of California -- San Diego) World’s first algae-based, sustainable surfboard produced by UC San Diego biology and chemistry students -- UC San Diego’s efforts to produce innovative and sustainable solutions to the world’s environmental problems have resulted in a
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies Develops Bio-Renewable Rubber to Reduce Carbon Footprint
(AZOCleanTech.com) With the ever-increasing emissions standards and push for sustainability solutions, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compound from a polymer produced from sugarcane-based feedstock. The bio-renewable rubber, for which development began in 2012, is made
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Diversifying Products Creates New Opportunities
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The “Waste to Biogas and Clean Fuels Finance and Investment” summit provided a myriad of opportunities to get the latest intelligence on biogas and the clean fuel industry as well as on the financing
March 20, 2015 Read Full Article
REG Reports Progress with Renewable Diesel, Chemical Operations
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... "This past year we delivered solid results despite a rapidly declining energy market and market uncertainty," said Daniel J. Oh, president and CEO of REG. "Our business model has enabled us to grow consistently, invest in
March 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy Group, Total, Makes Investment & Initiates Joint Development Agreement with Renmatix
(Renmatix/Total/PR Newswire) - Total invests in Renmatix – Takes equity and Board seat in Philadelphia based licensor of supercritical hydrolysis technology for conversion of biomass into economical cellulosic sugar -- Companies complete Joint Development Agreement to initiate distinct R&D
March 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Report Provides Overview of European Biobased Economy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent report published by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network provides an overview of the EU biobased economy and estimated biomass requirements for the production of biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals. According
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE Farm and Fuels Funding Updates
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) USDA and DOE announced a raft of grant and loan opportunities and funded projects, many of them funded through the 2014 Farm Bill. On February 20, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO),
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Anellotech, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens to Develop Aromatics Technology from Non-Food Biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pyromania! Anellotech lands key European partners to commercialize its pyrolysis-based pathway to high-value renewable BTX chemicals. In New York, Anellotech, IFP Energies nouvelles and its subsidiary Axens have announced a strategic alliance to develop and commercialize
January 20, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Kathleen M. Roberts, Executive Director, Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BRAG tackles regulatory hindrances related to commercialization of biobased products and works to improve public awareness of the benefits of these products. ... ... BRAG will engage with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding our petitions
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
China's New Plastics Ban in Jilin Province Boosts Bioplastics Sector
By Nina Ying Sun (Plastics News) A new ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and food service items is creating an unprecedented surge for bioplastics manufacturing in China. Unlike China’s nationwide plastic bag ban, which has been widely recognized as ineffectively
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Sam Burkett, President, BioBlend Renewable Resources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... BioBlend makes and sells high performance industrial lubricants that are biobased, biodegradable and ultra-low toxicity. ... While we do not have the answer to every application today, in many cases the Bio alternative performs as well or
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Biggest Bioeconomy Blockbuster Stories of 2014 (EU, Middle East and Africa)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
UPDATED: Finland Provides Money to Build Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Finland announced Dec.17 that it granted $36.8 million (€30 million) to help build a cellulosic ethanol plant. A separate project to produce biogasoline, biodiesel and smaller amounts of other renewable products
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Bioasphalt Made with Lignin under Development in the Netherlands
(Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research/Biomass Magazine) Bioasphalt for roads in Zeeland, a Dutch province, is being developed by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, the Asfalt Kennis Centrum (Asphalt Knowledge Centre, AKC) and the company H4A from Sluiskil (NL).
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
4 minutes with…Basil Karampelas, President, American Process
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve developed 2 proprietary biorefinery technologies producing low-cost cellulosic sugars from non-food based biomass. Our Green Power+ technology produces low-cost cellulosic sugars from the hemicelluloses. AVAP technology produces cellulosic sugars from cellulose and hemicelluloses. Our
December 03, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Support for Producers of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional
December 03, 2014 Read Full Article
2 Airlines Are Already Using Biofuels, So Why Aren't We All Flying Green?
By Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) In July, Brazilian airline GOL became the first airline to use a new type of biofuel to power a commercial flight. The fuel in question was farnesene, which is made from sugar cane. And
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
‘Welcome to the Future’
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction on Abengoa’s self-powered cellulosic ethanol facility is complete. But that doesn’t mean efforts to innovate are over. Javier Garoz Neira, CEO of Abengoa Bioenergy, told attendees at the company’s grand opening celebration they were
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Righteous Heat: 10 Hot Slides from ABLCNext Do the Show-and-Tell on Who's Got the Magic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 hot companies, The Young Fresh Faces, the Later-Stagers, the Out-of-the-Box Thinkers - who is challenging the status quo and how and why? Here are new slides from the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference – ABLC Next
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Can Biofuels Make A Comeback?
by Michael Kanellos (Forbes) ... But give biofuel execs credit: they learn from the past. Much of the activity centers around developing fuels and chemicals out of waste products and virtually everyone is adopting strategies to minimize the capital requirements
November 12, 2014 Read Full Article
‘Five Years’ Are up for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) There’s a running joke that when a researcher is asked when cellulosic ethanol will be viable, their answer is always “five years away.” That timeframe has officially expired with cellulosic ethanol now being commercially produced at
November 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Genomatica, Solazyme, Amyris, BASF Take Top Slots in The 30 Hottest Companies in Biobased Chemicals & Materials for 2014-15
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable chemicals developer Genomatica took the #1 spot in the 2014-15 “30 Hottest Companies in Biobased Chemicals and Materials” rankings, published today in The Digest, the world’s most widely-read advanced bioeconomy daily. It is Genomatica’s fourth
November 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Building Blocks: LanzaTech, IOC, NatureWorks, Calysta make strides on Omega-3s, lactic acid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, LanzaTech and a research team from the IOC-DBT Center for Advanced Bio-Energy Research (an entity co-funded by India’s Department of Biotechnology and Indian Oil Corporation Limited) announced the development of a new process
November 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Carbon Correctness, or Alice in Carbonland
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let me get this straight. The EPA says that emissions from petroleum are bad. Landfilling carbon is really bad. Climate change is really, really bad. Recycling is good. So far, understood. But now the
November 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Dynamics of Venture Capital Funding in the Bio-based Chemicals Industry
(Lux Research, Inc.) Following a drop in investment caused by the financial crisis, venture capital (VC) investment in bio-based materials and chemicals (BBMC) came back with a boom. VC investment rose steadily and reached a peak of $1.3 billion in 2011.
October 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Virent and the PlantPET Technology Collaborative (PTC) Sign Expression of Interest to Access Commercial Quantities of Virent’s BioFormPX® Paraxylene
(Virent) Virent’s Bio-based Paraxylene, BioFormPX®, Will Allow PTC Members to Offer Customers 100% Renewable and Recyclable PET Resin and Polyester October 30, 2014 – Virent and the PlantPET Technology Collaborative (PTC) today announced that the parties have signed an Expression of
October 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Creating a Strong Economy through Biobased Products
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/The Hill) In a recently released report entitled “Why Biobased?” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) answers the question of why America should invest in a biobased economy. The report explores the economic impacts of
October 29, 2014 Read Full Article
National Algae Association Encourages US Algae Producers to Label Algae-based Products “Made in the USA”.
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to see commercial algae production taking place in the US, and is encouraging all US-based algae producers to label their algae products made in America “Made in the USA.” Those that qualify should
October 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Abengoa Celebrates Grand Opening of Its First Commercial-Scale Next Generation Biofuels Plant
(Abengoa/GlobeNewswire) U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Senator Pat Roberts offer remarks during on-site event commemorating landmark occasion for advanced biofuels industry. Abengoa's proprietary enzymatic hydrolysis technology turns crop residue (stalks, stems and leaves)
October 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Brighter Brights and More Sustainable Whites
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Broadening the sources and uses for cellulosic ethanol. As we reported yesterday (October 6, 2014) in the Digest, DuPont and Procter & Gamble, announced a collaboration to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide laundry detergent,
October 14, 2014 Read Full Article
BIO Welcomes Release of USDA Report on the Economic Benefits of the Bioeconomy
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) USDA’s new report “Why Biobased?” is the first comprehensive federal quantification of the job opportunities and other economic benefits of the growing biobased products and renewable chemical industry. The Biotechnology Industry Organization today thanked Agriculture Secretary Tom
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Novozymes Looks beyond the 'Fantasy Fuel' It Helped to Turn into Reality
by Sabina Zawadzki (Reuters) * Three of four advanced biofuel plants use Novozymes enzymes * Biomass conversion could transform Novozymes in future * Biofuel sector in continuing U.S. regulatory battle When Denmark's Novozymes first wondered in 2000 how its mass-produced enzymes could be used
October 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Teknor Apex Company Named Commercial Bioproduct Innovation of the Year award winner and Cenergy USA, Inc. Names Consumer Bioproduct Innovation of the Year
(OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center) Bioproduct Innovation of the Year Awards Announced at Bioproducts World Showcase and Conference The inaugural Bioproducts Innovation of the Year awards were announced today (October 6, 2014) at the Bioproducts World 2014 Showcase and Conference, being held today through Wednesday
October 07, 2014 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0001162: Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)
(US Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks alternative
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Mike Knauf, CEO, Rivertop Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A couple of years ago, the combination of a great lifestyle and a highly promising technology lured Mike Knauf to the Bitterroot Mountains and to Rivertop Renewables. You probably know him from his many years at
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Braskem Joins Amyris and Michelin to Accelerate the Industrialization and Commercialization of Renewable Isoprene
(Amyris) Partnership aims to develop and produce renewable isoprene for production of tire and other rubber applications Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced today that Braskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Loan Guarantee to Help Innovative Company Turn Waste Into Renewable Jet Fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Virent to Expand Demo Plant Capabilities to Scale Plant-Based Paraxylene
(Virent) Virent announced today that The Coca-Cola Company is making an additional investment in the company’s development and commercialization of its bio-based paraxylene, BioFormPX™. This investment will enable Virent to scale up separation and purification of BioFormPX™ material at their
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Forest Fuels Management and Biomass Utilization Bibliography: Knowledge Available for Management of North American Forest Fuels With Consideration of the Potential Uses of the Woody Biomass Generated by the Fuel Treatments
by David Patterson (Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development) A nearly 900 page literature review regarding forest fuel reduction, isolation or modification treatments that can be used to reduce the risk of wildfire spread; including opportunities to use the biomass generated
August 30, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Marc Verbruggen, CEO, NatureWorks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NatureWorks manufactures Ingeo, a bio-plastic (PLA) made from plants, in a large plant in Nebraska. We sell Ingeo worldwide in a large variety of applications based on the 3P-value principle: Performance + Price competitive +
August 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Innovations in PLA Technology: Review of OBIC Webinar
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a polyester derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, cassava (tapioca) and other plants. Compared to other bio-based polymers (such as PET, PE) PLA is considered a greener alternative
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Students Present Research at Ethanol Conference
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Several University of Minnesota students are giving the ethanol industry a preview of their cutting-edge research in biofuels, biochemicals and bioproducts during the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference in Minneapolis. One such student is Sahana Ramanna who is a
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
$5 Million Waste Biomass Processing Plant Planned in Michigan
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) BioCycle plans to make use of agricultural scrap and waste materials and other biomass sources as manufacturing precursors, via a $5 million bioprocessing facility that is currently in final financing stages. According to President and
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Cobalt, Andritz Sign Exclusive Partnership to Integrate Biobutanol, Pre-Treatment Processes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cobalt Technologies signed an exclusive global cooperation and supply agreement with Andritz to integrate Cobalt’s proprietary lignocellulosic process for the production of n-butanol with Andritz’s customized pre-treatment systems. The primary alcohol, n-butanol is a widely used
July 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Report: Jobs Added, Investments Made in County’s Industrial Base
by Christopher Edmunds (The Selma Times-Journal) Dallas County gained 246 new jobs in 2013, according to a recent report released by the governor’s office. In addition to the new jobs, the 2013 New & Expanding Industries Report showed that seven companies invested
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
OBN West Coast Partners- California Bioproduct Innovation and Commercialization
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Developments of OBN west coast partners was the focus of the latest presentation by OBIC Bioproducts Network. The presentation is a part of the bioproducts commercialization webinar series. The webinar was conducted on May
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Japanese Cars Soda Drinks Show Future for Abengoa Biofuel
by Rodrigo Orihuela (Bloomberg) Abengoa SA (ABG/P), the Spanish renewable energy company investing in biofuels, is in talks with Japanese car manufacturers and soft-drink makers to help them develop products ranging from bottles to chemicals. “All types of companies -- automotive,
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuel-Obsessed U.S. Seen Blowing 'Historic Opportunity' in Nascent Green Chemical Market
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
All-Renewable Plastic Bottles Creep Closer: Gevo Shipping Renewable PX to Toray
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Major step towards stable commercial supply chain for 100% renewable plastic bottling; big step forward for Gevo’s Silsbee operations in paraxylene, jet fuel and iso-octane. From Colorado, news has arrived that Gevo is now selling paraxyleme
June 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
June 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Fargo Conference Highlights Future for Biotechnology
(Forum News Service/SC Times) Opportunities to provide bio-based industrial products exist, but they probably will need to provide price, utility and environmental benefits, especially if they want to compete at a premium to petrochemical substitutes, according to a recent industry
May 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Making Money from Lignin: Roadmap Shows How to Improve Lignocellulosic Biofuel Biorefining
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
May 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Lignin Valorization: Improving Lignin Processing in the Biorefinery
by Arthur J. Ragauskas, Gregg T. Beckham, Mary J. Biddy, Richard Chandra, Fang Chen, Mark F. Davis, Brian H. Davison, Richard A. Dixon, Paul Gilna, Martin Keller, Paul Langan, Amit K. Naskar, Jack N. Saddler, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan,
May 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Unilever Protects Wildlife Habitat through RSB Certification
(National Wildlife Federation) Last week, Unilever announced that any product certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will be considered to be “sustainably sourced” according to their corporate standards. This step helps to simplify the assessment of sustainability of Unilever’s supply chain and reduces the
May 15, 2014 Read Full Article
$2M Supports Soybean Research
(Lab Canada) A University of Guelph scientist using genetics to improve Ontario’s most valuable crop has received nearly $2 million in government and industry support. Prof. Istvan Rajcan, Department of Plant Agriculture, was recently awarded a Collaborative Research and Development Grant
May 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Opportunities and Synergies of the 2014 Bioproducts World Showcase and Conference (BWSC)
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) OBIC hosted a webinar on Bioproducts World Showcase & Conference on April 25th 2014. OBIC at Ohio State University integrates academia and industry and creates bioproduct clusters. OBIC’s mission is to accelerate commercialization of