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”.
Economy
A dedicated bioeconomy development agency to promote the sector in Europe
After the Bioeconomy Investment Summit, the confrontation continues on Il Bioeconomista.
A proposal by James Cogan* to creating dedicated bioeconomy development agency to energetically promote the sector
Bioeconomy Investment Summit: adelante con juicio
The European bioeconomy seeks a compass. Yesterday ended the Bioeconomy Investment Summit organised by the European Commission in Brussels, which has had starring the main players of the bioeconomy made in Europe. The event, which had as its clever director John Bell – director of Bioeconomy Directorate – leaves many open questions, but mainly provides the framework of a Europe divided between countries, between sectors, between large and small companies, including those who require a system of public procurement as the Biopreferred Programme in the US (with standards and labels) and those who say it is up to the market, those who say the bioeconomy is integral part of circular economy and those who say that it is better to run on two parallel planes. In short, adelante con juicio.
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.
Bioeconomy is integral part of circular economy
Without biotechnology there is no bioeconomy. And the bioeconomy is integral part of circular economy. This is the strong message that comes from EFIB, the European Forum on industrial biotechnology and the bioeconomy which was held in Brussels on October 27 to 29, organized by EuropaBio and Smithers Rapra.
Four European bioeconomy clusters join forces as the 3BI intercluster
Biobased Delta, BioEconomy, BioVale and Industries & Agro Ressources, the leading bioeconomy clusters in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and France have joined forces as the 3BI intercluster – Brokering Bio-Biobased Innovation. Their goal is to support European companies to access important new bioeconomy markets successfully. The ceremony for a formal signing of an agreement between the 4 clusters took place today at the EFIB forum in Brussels.
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.
Claudio De Scalzi, Ceo of Eni, said to look for a partner for chemical division Versalis
“We’re looking for a joint venture that will allow us to join forces to promote the business.” After days of rumors about the sale of its chemical division Versalis, yesterday the Ceo of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, gave this short answer to the reporters who urged him on the issue. It is at the same time a confirmation of the will of the Italian oil giant to back away from chemistry.
The advisor Barclays would then be at work not to look for buyers but partners and – if according to the agency Bloomberg would be affected several private equity firms – rumors in Italy say it has already started a negotiations with a private fund.
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.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 