The following are presentations from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office's (BETO) Transitioning to a Sustainable, Circular Economy
biodegradable
Back TO HOMEExpander Energy to Construct Its 1st Bio-SynDiesel® Project
(Expander Energy/Biobased Diesel Daily) Calgary, Alberta-based Expander Energy Inc. announced May 4 that it has signed an agreement with Rocky Mountain
May 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Microplastics: The What, Where, Why And Impact
by Craig Coker (BioCycle Magazine) Among the organics recycling challenges du jour is the potential presence of microplastics in compost
April 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Processing of Bioplastics in Biogas Production: a Forward-Looking Waste Management Solution
(European Biogas Association) Biogas and biomethane are generated from different types of organic residues, turning waste into a valuable resource. A
February 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Plastic Packaging Might Be Biodegradable after All, Say German Scientists
(Deutsche Welle) Leipzig researchers have found an enzyme that rapidly breaks down PET, the most widely produced plastic in the
June 03, 2022 Read Full Article
If Plastic Comes from Oil and Gas, Which Come Originally from Plants, Why Isn’t It Biodegradable?
by Yael Vodovotz (The Conversation/Curious Kids) To better understand why plastics don’t biodegrade, let’s start with how plastics are made
May 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Clariant Joins the Renewable Carbon Initiative
(Clariant) Clariant joins the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) to promote the use of renewable raw materials; RCI aims to promote
March 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Bioplastics: Re-shaping the Future of Our Planet
by Pramod Kumbhar (Praj Industries/Biofuels Digest) ... Bioplastics are a sustainable solution to the impending plastic pollution crisis. They are produced
January 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Bioheat Fuel: The Key to Gaining and Maintaining Market Share
by Charlie Uglietto (Cubby Oil & Energy/Mechanical Hub) ... There are better alternatives than electrification, and the best option we
December 17, 2021 Read Full Article
The Problem with Plastics and Fuel Decarbonization Policies: Could Nonbiodegradable Plastics Be Better for the Environment in the Short Term than Biodegradable Plastics?
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers) ... The latter material eventually emits carbon — contributing to higher levels of greenhouse gases (or
December 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Degradation of Biobased Plastics in the Soil
(Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research) The idea of biodegradable plastics sounds good at first. However, very little is known about how
October 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Blue Biofuels Files Two New Patents on the Production of Lignin and Nanocellulose from its CTS Technology
(Blue Biofuels/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it filed two more patents that follow on
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
A Once Defunct Sarnia Bioplastics Plant Has Risen from the Ashes
by Troy Shantz (The Sarnia Journal) A failed Sarnia bioplastics plant has been resurrected and is once again turning Ontario corn
September 02, 2021 Read Full Article
LCA Model for Biofuels: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to GREET
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies Model – aka GREET –
July 02, 2021 Read Full Article
‘Plugging in’ to Produce Environmentally Friendly Bioplastics
(AgriLife Today) Agriculture byproducts can help produce eco-friendly, biodegradable plastics -- Bioplastics — biodegradable plastics made from biological substances rather
June 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Bioconversion Improvements: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Biorefinery Waste for Bioplastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Being in a big state, Texas A&M University has some big goals like overcoming the
June 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Maire Tecnimont Group’s Nextchem Awarded by TotalEnergies an Engineering Contract for a Biojet Plant in France
(Maire Tecnimont) The Front-End Engineering Design contract is a first step towards implementing a plant for processing up to 400,000
June 08, 2021 Read Full Article
More Meat without Meat, Fermentation-Based Silk, Bioplastic Water Bottles, Adidas and Allbirds Unlikely Solemates and More: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of May 21st
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Competitors coming together – Adidas and Allbirds – both shoe manufacturers are working together on
May 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Enzymatic Depolymerization, Catalysts, Reactive Extrusion: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Circular Plastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Enymatic hydrolysis, thermomechanical pretreatment, bioconversion and other ways to recycle plastic waste can change the
April 30, 2021 Read Full Article
The Extraordinary ReMaking of Ordinary Things, Pt 3: J&J Green Paper Reinvents the Paper Coffee Cup with an Alternative to Plastic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Derived from widely available plant material, JANUS coated paper can be custom-shaped and when
April 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Earth Day 2021 Series Day 4: Biobased Products and Bioplastics
by Nathália Fernandes Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) When we think about green transitioning, the most popular images we idealize are
April 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Deere Bullish on Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel
by Ryan Ghem (SAE International) ... Biodiesel and renewable diesel will lead the way for alternative-fuel integration into the heavy
March 31, 2021 Read Full Article
The First ‘Cash Cover Crop’ Edges Closer to Commercialization
(CoverCress Inc./PR Web) CoverCress Inc. announces $8 million in partner funding for new low carbon oilseed. -- Midwestern farmers are one
March 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Managing On-Farm Plastic Waste and Growing the Bioeconomy
(Government of Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) ... Today (March 22, 2021) the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable
March 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Biodegradable Computer, Cow Intestine Lamps, Soy-based Turf, Air-to-Meat: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of January 22nd
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We all know the huge toll that electronics have on our planet, from the rare-earth
January 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Cultured Human Steaks, Lab-Grown Lobster, Edible Bugs, Biodegradable Mannequins and More: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of November 27th
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) As if 2020 wasn’t crazy enough, this week’s innovations include lab-grown lobster, renewable and biodegradable
November 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Coaxing Crops to Create Animal Proteins, Cucumber Peels for Food Packaging Polymers, and More: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of November 20th
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Cucumber peels converted into cellulose nanocrystals with potential to be used in food packaging, bamboo
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Biobased COVID-19 Tests, Masks, Fun with Fungus, Crustacean Shells to Bioplastic, and More: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of October 16th
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) COVID-19 has seen an explosion in disposable items, but now innovators in India came up
October 16, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $27 Million in Plastics Recycling Research and Development
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced over $27 million in funding for 12 projects that
October 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Selects New Projects to Accelerate Innovation and Growth in the Biomanufacturing Sector
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of eight projects totaling over $5 million
July 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Rethink Plastic Alliance et al Launch Policy Brief on Plastic-to-Fuels ahead of EC Meeting on Revised Renewable Energy Directive
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarkets Insights) “The current crisis is creating an opportunity for real change. Yet, plastic-to-fuel is encouraging reliance on
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Methanol as a “Future-Proof” Fuel
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuels Strategies) ... Recently, I wrote a primer for the Methanol Institute entitled, Methanol: A Future-Proof Fuel.
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Plastics Industry Oversold Recycling to Americans, Now What?
by Zoey Shipley and Miro Korenha (Our Daily Planet) NPR and PBS Frontline recently announced a new joint investigation which has revealed that since the 1980s,
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Plastic-Eating Bacteria Could Be Small Step toward Tackling World's Pollution Crisis
by Scottie Andrew (CNN) ... Now scientists discovered a strain of bacteria, the first of its kind, that can degrade the
March 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Middle East’s 1st Plant-Based Water Bottle, Biofoams Made from Seafood Waste, Mushrooms, Bamboo Diapers, Biobowls, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 12th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Abu Dhabi, food and beverage company Agthia Group PJSC is set to launch the Middle
March 13, 2020 Read Full Article
How Plastic Can Fit in a Circular Carbon Economy: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Recycling and Upcycling Plastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve seen the staggering numbers, 78 million tons of annual plastics production, 98% virgin feedstock,
January 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Emissions from Production of Plastics Deserves Same Scrutiny as End-of-Life Debate, Says Expert.
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) ... Biome Bioplastics CEO Paul Mines said that the discussion around plastics isn’t solely about its
December 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Compostable Coffee Capsules, Banana Waste Bioplastic, Cocoa Husk Chocolate Wrappers, Cactus Leather, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 4th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The holiday season is in full gear for some and this means coming up with gifts
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
New PHA Pathway, Stroodles Noodle Straws, Bamboo Poutine, Seaweed Bioplastic, Rice Husk Travel Mugs and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 28th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. today and many are gathering around the table, chatting
November 29, 2019 Read Full Article
17 Trillion Pounds of Plastic – How Much Is Biodegradable?: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Algenesis’ Algae Polymers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Science by Nature and Nature by Science is what it’s all about for Algenesis. Their goal
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Shoots: After a Sluggish Decade, Is the Bioenergy Tide Turning?
by Gerard J. Ostheimer, Ph.D. (below50) and Douglas L. Faulkner (“the Clean Tech Conservative” / Leatherstocking LLC) (Biofuels Digest) ... On
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Chemical Catalysis Pioneer James Dumesic Wins International Energy Prize
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Prolific biofuels researcher James Dumesic has been named the winner of the 2019 Eni Energy Transition Award. The internationally
October 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Fungus Fashion, BMW i Hydrogen NEXT Unveiled, Spider Silk and Cellulose Composite, Nestlé Opens Packaging Research Center, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of September 25th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With Climate Week on many minds this week, it’s good to see innovations being developed to
September 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Corn, Soybean Farmers Celebrate Ethanol, Biodiesel Choices at New Brownstown Fueling Station
( Indiana Corn and Soybean Checkoffs/WOWO) Without access to consumers, biofuels cannot grow. The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Circular Economy Package, European Commission, July 2018
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) The European Union (EU)’s landmark ‘Circular Economy Package’ came into force last year. By July 2020, the bloc’s
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Improves Air Quality: Nations around the Globe Need to Follow Brazil, U.S.'s Lead in Ethanol Adoption to Lower GHG Emissions.
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) We celebrated World Environment Day on June 5 and, although the date has passed, I
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Blazing Pathways through the Clean-Tech and Governmental Wilderness
by Douglas L. Faulkner (The Cleantech Conservative/Leatherstocking LLC/ Biofuels Digest) ... (W)e first addressed bio-based plastic research needs; second, we reviewed government regulations
August 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Food and Drink Packaging from Seaweed and Animal Hides, Beer Six-Pack Rings, Mouse Ears for Humans, Vehicle Pigments, Carbon Fiber for Building Materials, Hempcrete, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of April 8th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. ... In today’s Digest, food
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Students' Soybean Straws Win Award
(The Exponent) Three Purdue students brought home top honors and a $20,000 prize at this year's Student Soybean Product Innovation Competition for
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Scion Welcomes Climate Policy Report
(Scion Research) Crown research institute Scion congratulates the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on his report Farms, forests and fossil fuels:
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Super Corn Microbe, Self-Healing Concrete, Jute Gene Tweak, Mushroom Root Styrofoam Replacement, Biodegradable Food Packaging and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of March 6th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top
March 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Grow Your Own Bioplastic Home, Avocado-Pit Bioplastic, Arla and UPM’s Wood-Based Dairy Packaging, PHA Bioplastic Water Bottle and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 20th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Consumer Values Drive Demand for the Bioeconomy Specialty Chemicals
by Bogdan Comanita (Lee Enterprises/MarketChemica Inc./Biofuels Digest) VIRIDISOL®, ecoXTRACT® and GreenFlame® are examples of B2B brands launched in 2018 that support the
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Mushrooms Could Solve the War on Plastic, Says Kew Gardens
by Jamie Johnson (Telegraph) Fungi could be the key to winning the war on plastic, leading scientists at Kew Gardens has said. The first ever
September 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Plastics Proliferation Transitioning to Bioplastics Boost
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) IHS Markit published a plastics report saying that the market value for biodegradable polymers exceeds $1 billion and
August 06, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of August 2nd: Waste Plastics for Fuels and Sneakers, Eggs without the Chicken, 3D Printing, Algae-Based Ketchup Packaging, Green Funerals, Biodegradable Grills
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of invention and change is just too strong, we’ve realized, to highlight annual or
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Scania and Line 132 Will Use Pure Biodiesel
by Emiliano Huergo (Clarin Rural) Claudio Molina, Executive Director of the Argentine Association of Biofuels and Hydrogen (AABH), announced that the line
June 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Bioproducts, USDA and You: The Digest 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Agricutural Research Service Partnership
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Michigan State University Scientists Work to Make Biodegradable Plastic from Sunlight
(Fox47News/MSU Today) Michigan State University scientists are proposing a new way to economically produce biodegradable plastics with sunlight and help from
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioeconomy under the Radar
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders Tout Potential Growth, Challenges for Renewable Refinery Products -- ... Whether it is
March 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Tick-tick-tick…This Plastic Will Self-Destruct
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They called it Mission Impossible. Create a means to biodegrade any plastic out there that
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Should Sustainability Include Using Farmlands for Plastics, Textiles and Dyes, or Food?
by Clare Goldsberry (Plastics Today) A presenter at the recent ANTEC conference posed a provocative question: Are biobased materials really sustainable?
June 16, 2016 Read Full Article
European Bioplastics Welcomes Revised EU Waste Legislation
(Plastics and Rubber Weekly) European Bioplastics (EUBP) has backed a new European Parliament report on revised waste legislation which has
June 16, 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
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana University Scientists Create 'Nano-Reactor' for the Production of Hydrogen Biofuel
(Indiana University Bloomington) Combining bacterial genes and virus shell creates a highly efficient, renewable material used in generating power from
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodegradable Chemicals, Renewable, Abundant, Low Cost: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Rivertop Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rivertop has developed a way to make glucaric acid, glucarates and other biodegradable chemicals from
December 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Ecofriendly Bioplastic from Inexpensive Sources of Methane: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Mango Materials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mango Materials utilizes a patent-protected process to manufacture bioplastic from inexpensive sources of methane gas.