MetGen’s MetZyme enzymatic solutions cover the entire bio-based value chain from feedstock to high-value chemicals and enable the use of cellulosic feedstocks as well as the creation of entirely new bio-based materials. Alex Michine and the MetGen team developed this illuminating, presentation-based explanation of their breakthoughs in “dramatically increasing the efficiency and economics of renewable chemicals […]
In California, Sandia National Laboratories scientists have demonstrated a new technology based on bioengineered bacteria that could make it economically feasible to produce things like jet fuel, pantyhose, and plastic bottles from renewable plant sources. Economically and efficiently converting tough plant matter, or lignin, has long been a stumbling block for wider use of the […]
In Washington, the Algae Biomass Organization said that supporters of algae are putting their imprint on policy with several big moves in the first few months of 2018. The February spending deal came together as one of the winners with the algae industry’s long-time interests in carbon capture and use. The agreement included a provision to […]
In Washington, D.C., the Environmental Protection Agency said that the U.S. generated similar numbers of renewable fuel blending credits in April compared with March. Some 1.24 billion ethanol (D6) blending credits were generated in April, little changed from March, and 314 million biodiesel (D4) blending credits were generated in April, compared with 310 million a […]
In India, a team of 14 scientists from Korea, Spain, and India found a way to increase biofuel from algae by 30% by unearthing a “gatekeeper” that regulates biofuel yields in algae. “This metabolic gatekeeper in algae is akin to what Heimdall does in the Avengers, regulating who enters Asgard,” said Rishiram Ramanan, the lead […]
In Germany, UFOP reports that the current USDA report on global rapeseed supply projects hardly any changes for the running season. However, production and consumption are predicted to reach new record levels in 2018/19. In its May forecast, the USDA sees global 2017/18 rapeseed production unchanged from the previous month’s estimate at 74.3 million tonnes, […]
In Washington, DC, the Renewable Fuels Association said that ethanol production averaged 1.058 million barrels per day (b/d)—or 44.44 million gallons daily, according to data they analyzed from the EIA. The 18,000 b/d gain elevated output to a 12-week high, with plants producing 3% more than this week last year and 12% more than in […]
In Austria, a dissolving pulp manufacturer, Austrocel, is investing about €60 million ($70 million) to expand and diversify production at its Hallein plant in Austria. Austrocel will install equipment for bioethanol production from wood sugars. The biofuel facility is reportedly designed for the production of some 30 million litres per year and is scheduled to […]
In Germany, Suedzucker, Europe’s largest sugar refiner, said it is suffering from the steep fall in sugar prices in recent months and plans to step up exports to try and compensate. According to Reuters, white sugar prices have fallen by about 40 percent since early 2017, with white sugar futures hitting more than nine-year lows […]
In Michigan, Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a developer of spider silk based fibers, provided an update on progress towards the commercialization of spider silk technology following last week’s announcement of the formation of its Vietnamese subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles Co,. Ltd., its main production arm for spider silk technologies. Kraig Biocraft is gearing up production of […]
