Company initiatives
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A Circular Google
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Google reported in June its goal to be part of a circular economy by operating every part of its business in an environmentally sustainable way and disrupting the waste economy. According to the Google report, transitioning to a circular economy could generate US$4.5 trillion in new economic output by 2030. The company said it has…
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DOE funds plant genomics and microbes projects
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $64 million in funding for 25 university-led genomics research projects on plants and microbes for bioenergy and bioproducts. The plant research—12 projects totaling $29 million over three years—focuses on expanding knowledge of gene function in plants to be grown for bioenergy and bioproducts. The aim is to…
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Growing bio-based solvent market
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While the bio-based solvent market might have a set-back with the closing of Green Biologics bio-based n-butanol facility in Little Falls, Minnesota (I wrote a more comprehensive report about this in Tecnon OrbiChem’s July Biomaterials issue), consumers for these specialty chemicals continue to look for safer and less carbon emitter alternatives. Braskem announced last month…
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Companies aim to lessen burped methane from cows
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DSM has developed a compound for feed additive formulation that can lessen methane emitted by cows by 30%. Trials reportedly demonstrate a 30%-plus reduction in methane emissions without any adverse effects on animal welfare, feed consumption or performance. The new feed supplement can be easily added to the cow’s regular daily diet, and DSM said…
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NRCan seeks Bio-Based Foam Insulation R&D
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Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is seeking the development of novel foam insulation products (spray foam and rigid foam board) that are bio-based (predominantly derived from domestic forest residue), and offer similar insulation values as petroleum-based products and are comparable in terms of cost. Sponsoring department: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Funding mechanism: Grant Opening date: June 27, 2019 Closing date: August 27,…
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Report: Strong job gains from the US Bioproducts Sector
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STRONG BIOPRODUCTS SECTOR GROWTH NATIONWIDE LEADS TO EQUALLY STRONG JOB GAINS The report–An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry (2018)—was prepared for the USDA’s BioPreferred® Program. The report is the fourth volume in a series of reports tracking the impact of the biobased product industry on the U.S. economy. The biobased products…
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Prada’s new collection uses recycled nylon
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The blog has been reporting the lag in sustainability initiatives within the textiles and fashion industries for years but that seems to be changing. Prada announced last month that it has launched a new line of its iconic Prada bags called Re-Nylon, with the bags made of Aquafil’s ECONYL® regenerated yarn. The ultimate goal is…