In Nebraska, Laurel BioComposite plans to break ground on its $17 million commercial scale bio-resin facility this spring, scaling up from the small batches it has been producing from DDGS and sending off to potential customers for testing. The new facility will produce 48 million pounds of bio-resin pellets annually. Funding for the investment came […]
In the Netherlands, Avantium announced a Joint Development Agreement for the development of PEF bottles with Danone Research. Based on the YXY technology, the Avantium and Danone Research joint objective is to contribute to the emergence of a new renewable material generation which will not be in direct competition with food. YXY is used as […]
In Canada, EcoSynthetix announced that after a significant product qualification process it has received a commercial order for EcoSphere biolatex binders from one of the top 5 insulation manufacturers in the United States for use in a line of formaldehyde-free insulation products. This industry-specific grade of EcoSphere binds together the individual fibres of fibreglass insulation […]
In Japan, Bridgestone Corporation announced their plans for a U.S. based research project to develop guayule as a commercially viable, renewable source of high-quality natural rubber and as an alternative to the Hevea tree. Bridgestone Americas will be responsible for finding a suitable location and operating both the pilot farm, and the research facility. The […]
In Massachusetts, Metabolix announced that it has granted a non-exclusive license to NatureWorks LLC for the U.S. patent No. 5,883,199, titled “Polylactic Acid-based Blends,” to make, use and sell blends of polylactic acid (PLA) with certain other polymers including polybutylene succinic polymers (PBS). The University of Massachusetts Lowell is the owner of the ‘199 patent, […]
In Montana, Rivertop Renewables announced it has successfully scaled its patented process technology from the lab to pilot manufacturing. Rivertop has contracted with DTI, a custom manufacturer of fine and specialty chemical products based in Danville, Virginia, to pilot the manufacture of Rivertop’s sustainable, high performing, cost-competitive, glucarate-based products. Commencing in February 2012, Rivertop’s pilot manufacturing […]
In Illinois, Molex reports that they have received UL Environment ECV certification, confirming that their Stac64-e connector for automotive applications contains percent bio-based content in accordance with ASTM D6866-11. The resin used in the Stac64-e is derived from plant-based castor oil.
In California, BASF Venture Capital GmbH has invested $13.5 million in Allylix Inc., a U.S.-based renewable chemicals company. The BASF subsidiary led a $18.2 million financing round, joined by existing investors Tate & Lyle Ventures, Avrio Ventures and Cultivian Ventures. Allylix is developing Epivone (epi-beta-vetivone), a terpene that will initially be commercialized for use in […]
In Michigan, TRW Automotive has developed a bio-plastic range of automotive airbags modules. TRW expects to be ready for production by the middle of 2012. The company specifically named both the airbag cover and the retainer plate as two of the components that are bio-based.
In Thailand, Vinythai has commissioned its bio-sourced epichlorohydrin plant in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. The plant uses Solvay’s Epicerol technology, transforming biofuel byproduct glycerin into epichlorohydron, an esential feedstock for epoxy resins, and it’s increasingly used in corrosion protection coatings. The plant has a production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year, and required EUR 120 […]
