Investments
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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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UK calls for evidence on standards for bio-based and biodegradable plastics
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The UK Government is seeking evidence to identify gaps and to provide expert advice on: a) The overall sustainability of bio-based and biodegradable plastic products, particularly when in comparison with those made from other materials. This could include all aspects of a product’s life-cycle and will help in assessing whether technical standards or other related options…
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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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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…
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Total starts up La Mède Biorefinery
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Total announced last week that it has finally started up production of renewable diesel at its La Mède biorefinery in southeastern France, with the first batches of biofuel coming off the line. The biorefinery will produce 500,000 ton/year of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) both for biodiesel and biojet fuel. The La Mède site was formerly…
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Growing plastic waste problems lead to more chemical recycling tech commercialisation
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Announcements of investment and partnerships from several plastic producers, energy companies, major consumer brand owners and recycling technology companies have accelerated just within the past six months as media coverage of growing global plastic waste problems intensify at the same time that regulatory proposals to ban single-use plastic products have increased worldwide. Chemical recycling, which…
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Avantium to build 5 ktpa FDCA, PEF flagship plant
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Avantium held its first Technology & Markets Day titled “Path to a fossil-free world” yesterday at the company’s headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The management team provided an update on the strategy of Avantium and its technologies, including the strategy for Synvina and commercialization of PEF. Avantium announced that it intends to build a cash-flow…