An exclusive interview with John Bell, EU Commission: ”The bioeconomy can support the European Green Deal on all its objectives”

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John Bell in Helsinki

John Bell is the Healthy Planet Director in DG Research and Innovation (R&I). He leads R&I transitions on climate change, bioeconomy, food systems, environment, biodiversity, oceans, Arctic, circular economy, water and bio-based innovations. This includes harnessing investments for Horizon Europe, the Circular Bioeconomy and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. In this exclusive interview with Il Bioeconomista, he talks about the bioeconomy strategy 10 years after its first launch and the ecological transition at EU level.

Interview by Mario Bonaccorso

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International Women’s Day. We celebrate all the women who are making the bioeconomy happen

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According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), around the world finding a job is much tougher for women than it is for men. When women are employed, they tend to work in low-quality jobs in vulnerable conditions and there is little improvement forecast in the near future. The current global labour force participation rate for women is close to 46% (for men it is 71%, according to the International Labour Organization). The freedom to work – by choice, in conditions of dignity, safety and fairness – is integral to human welfare. 

The Bioeconomy is led by women. This year, as every year, for the International Women’s Day, we dedicate a tribute to all women who are making the bioeconomy happen all around the world. With their huge competences and their infinite passion, they are the stars of the world bioeconomy. Our best and warmest wishes to all women.

This is just a partial list:

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Circa Group takes a step forward in France

 

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Tony Duncan, CEO of Circa Group, at IFIB 2018 in Turin


Circa Group AS takes a step forward. The ReSolute™ project in France – the Australian company claims – has continued to progress well, with significant work undertaken to ensure plant costs are kept within updated estimates. In early Q1 2022 Circa announced €8.2 million in funding from the French government for the development of the ReSolute™ plant in Eastern France as part of the ‘France Relance’ programme.

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Chevron will acquire the outstanding shares of REG in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.15 billion

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Mike Wirth

Chevron Corporation and Renewable Energy Group, Inc. announced yesterday a definitive agreement under which Chevron will acquire the outstanding shares of REG in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.15 billion, or $61.50 per share. The acquisition combines REG’s growing renewable fuels production and leading feedstock capabilities with Chevron’s large manufacturing, distribution and commercial marketing position.

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Stora Enso and Picadeli joined forces to reduce SUP in salad packaging

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Stora Enso and Picadeli, Europe’s leading take-away salad bar company, are introducing renewable formed fiber lids to replace single-use plastics in take-away packaging. The lids are made of PureFiber™ by Stora Enso, and they are plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable. The innovation will help Picadeli reduce approximately 120 tonnes of plastic waste annually.  

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The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund is oversubscribed with a total of €300 million

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Michael Brandkamp, Head of ECBF at IFIB 2020 in Rome

The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is oversubscribed with a total of approximately €300 million (targeted initially 250). With the final closing of the subscription, the international team of the ECBF was able to gain the trust of further investors for the implementation of its mission.

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Versalis has begun the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass in North-western Italy

Versalis, Eni’s chemical company, has begun the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass at Crescentino (Vercelli, North-western Italy). The plant, which was acquired in 2018, has been overhauled thanks to major investments and has started the production of advanced bioethanol, in compliance with the European legislation for the development of renewable energy RED II, as it is derived from raw materials that do not interfere with the food chain.

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Global Bioenergies developed a process for converting plant resources into isobutene

Marc Delcourt
Marc Delcourt, co-founder and CEO of Global Bioenergies

French company Global Bioenergies has developed a process for converting plant resources into isobutene, one of the main building blocks of chemistry, whose derivatives are used in cosmetics, fine chemicals, commodities and fuels. A production unit is currently under construction in Pomacle to serve high value-added markets.

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Lanxess and Matrìca joined forces to produce sustainable biocide preservatives from renewable raw materials

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Matrìca plant in Porto Torres, Italy

German specialty chemicals company Lanxess, and Matrìca, Italian JV between Versalis (Eni) and Novamont, have partnered to produce sustainable biocide preservatives from renewable raw materials. The Matrìca plant at Porto Torres (Sardinia) will supply Lanxess with bio-based raw materials from vegetable oils, which Lanxess will use to manufacture a new series of industrial preservatives broadening its Preventol range.

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DMS acquires Vestkorn Milling for an enterprise value of €65 million

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Headquarter of Royal DSM in Heerlen (The Netherlands)

DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, completed its acquisition of Vestkorn Milling for an enterprise value of €65 million. This acquisition of one of Europe’s leading producers of pea- and bean-derived ingredients for plant-based protein products was first announced on 29 November 2021.

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