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New ASTM standard for plastic marine biodegradability
ASTM International will soon release its new standard, ASTM D7991, on test methods for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastics in marine environments. The tests will provide ways to simulate how plastics degrade in seawater-soaked sand. It will provide specific test methods that determine biodegradation rates in different marine habitats simulated in laboratories. Such tests will … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEVantage expands jojoba oil biz
I used to cover the very small jojoba oil market when I was writing for Chemical Market Reporter magazine. I got some flashbacks when I saw this news from Vantage Specialty Ingredients that it has recently acquired a majority share in Agrinsa, one of the largest jojoba farms located in Argentina. The Agrinsa farm is … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACESolvay bags award for bio-ECH
The green blogger is in the middle of the Bio-Materials newsletter deadline so posting will be scarce or very brief. This one is from Solvay who won this year’s JEC Asia 2015 Innovation Award for its bio-based ECH in producing sustainable epoxy resins. JEC is the largest composites industry organization in Europe. Both Solvay, owner … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEAmyris achieves $1.75/liter farnesene cost
I am currently in Dubrovnik, Croatia, covering the ICIS Oleochemicals conference, which is about to end soon. If anybody is interested in learning more about oleochemicals and pine chemicals market, I suggest attending the incoming INFOCAST Bio-based Chemicals Summit in January in San Diego where I will be moderating a panel composed of experts in … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEOxo degradable plastics under fire in Europe
The blog has been reporting about oxo biodegradable plastics for years, and according to this recent press release from the European Bioplastics (EUBP) organization, it is noticing an increasing malpractice by producers for the use of EN 13432, a European standard for industrial composting, when marketing their products. According to EUBP, such products do not … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACERivertop starts commercial glucarates production
Montana, US-based Rivertop Renewables recently announced the start-up of commercial manufacturing of the company’s glucarate-based products through its partnership with DTI, a custom manufacturer of fine and specialty chemical products based in Danville, Virginia. Rivertop said this will be the first of several planned production facilities for its patented technology. With successful commissioning and initial … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEClariant opens biotech R&D center
Swiss specialty chemicals producer, Clariant, officially opened its new Group Biotechnology Research Center in Planegg near Munich, Germany. Clariant also has an Innovation Center located in Frankfurt. The company noted that industrial biotechnology is one of the key industries of the 21st century. Since 2006, the Group Biotechnology has successfully implemented projects in the field … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEDell partners with SABIC for recycled carbon fibers
It’s great to hear consumer products companies openly acknowledging their sustainability partners across the supply chain, in this case, with computer giant, Dell, announcing its partnership with SABIC for the use of reclaimed carbon fiber source materials in their Latitude and Alienware products. Dell estimates that it will prevent around 820,000 pounds of carbon fiber … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEKraton Performance Polymers acquires Arizona Chemical
Another recent oleochemical-related news is the acquisition of pine chemicals producer, Arizona Chemical, by Kraton Performance Polymers, a global producer of highly-engineered polymers. Kraton has acquired all of the capital stock of privately-held Arizona Chemical for a cash purchase price of $1.37 billion. Both companies end-use market exposures are reportedly highly complementary particularly in markets … Continue reading
FOLLOW ME ON THESE SPACEEmery opens green polyols facility
I will try to blog as much as I can this week before I leave for the ICIS World Oleochemicals Conference in Croatia next week. Speaking of oleochemicals, Emery Oleochemicals finally opened its new $50 million green polyols facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company claims it to be the world’s first industrial-scale facility capable of … Continue reading
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