We can now drink our espresso and support the bioeconomy and circular economy, thanks to a wholly biodegradable and compostable coffee capsule for espresso machines. Once consumed, it can be collected with the organic waste and processed industrially to become compost. This is the circular economy principle of zero waste, according to which all used products can return to being a resource, with significant environmental benefits. The project – created and used by two of the most popular Italian companies, Novamont and Lavazza – won the Ecomondo Sustainable Development Award 2015 for the category “Waste and Resources”.
Business
French IAR Cluster publishes an International overview of biobased chemical building blocks
French IAR Cluster publishes an International overview of biobased chemical building blocks. In recent years, bio-based industries have gone through a rapid technological and economic development. Several studies were published on this topic but most of them were focusing on market analysis and projections. Only a few were dedicated to technological developments, production capacities or stakeholders mapping.
Fulgar launches a new bio-based fibre suitable for all textile applications
The bioeconomy increasingly concerns also the textile industry. Fulgar, an Italian company that operates worldwide in the synthetic yarns market and is a leader in the production and distribution of Polyamide 6.6 and covered spandex in the textile and technical sectors, has launched Evo, the latest generation hi-tech fibre combining high-performance personality and 100% biological heart. It is – the company says – a perfect synthesis of performance and environmental awareness.
Novozymes launches an enzyme that cuts chemical use at ethanol plants
Novozymes today announced the launch of Avantec® Amp, an advanced enzyme product that improves yield and throughput in corn ethanol production, while increasing corn oil extraction and significantly reducing the need for several harsh chemicals used in ethanol production. By switching from standard enzyme technology to Avantec Amp, a typical ethanol plant with a capacity of 110 million gallons can make up to $2.5 million a year in additional net profits.
SG Preston and IHI E&C build together advanced biofuels manufactoring plants in the U.S. Midwest and Canada
SG Preston, a Philadelphia-based bioenergy company, and IHI E&C, a Houston-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) subsidiary of IHI Corporation, announced a ground-breaking agreement for a Multi-Facility Program that will include the development and construction of a series of commercial volume, advanced biofuels manufacturing plants, initially in the U.S. Midwest and Canada.
DuPont and Quad County Corn Processors Sign Enzyme Supply Contract for Cellulosic Biofuel
DuPont Industrial Biosciences and Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) announced a new multi-year contract to supply the enzymes that enable QCCP’s Cellerate™ process in the production of cellulosic biofuel from corn kernel fiber.
Avery Dennison introduces bio-based PE film for label applications
Avery Dennison, a global leader in labeling and packaging materials and solutions headquartered in California,
launches two bio-based polyethylene label films. These new products are the first self-adhesive PE filmic labels with a face stock that includes more than 80 percent renewable content and offer brand owners the opportunity to meet their target on renewable resources in packaging, while continuing to benefit from the functionality and performance of a regular polyethylene label.
Rivertop begins commercial production of bio-based glucaric acid
Rivertop Renewables, a Montana-based specialty chemicals company, and DTI, a custom manufacturer of fine and specialty chemical products based in Danville, Virginia, celebrated the start-up of commercial manufacturing of “Rivertop’s sustainable, high performing, cost-competitive, glucarate-based products”.
Covestro and Reverdia develop and promote bio-based thermoplastic polyurethanes
Covestro, a Bayer Group company, and Reverdia – the joint venture between Royal DSM and Roquette Frères – have reached an agreement to jointly develop and promote thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) based on renewable raw materials. Covestro will employ Biosuccinium™ succinic acid from Reverdia for the production of its Desmopan® -brand TPU for use in a variety of applications, including in the footwear and consumer electronics industries.
The industrial enzymes market is projected to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2020
The industrial enzymes market is growing with increase in the applications of industrial enzymes. The industrial enzymes market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2014 and is projected to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2015 to 2020. To say this is a new report published by ReportLinker, a market research company headquartered in France.
