For International Women’s Day, we dedicate a tribute to the eight women who have distinguished themselves in the bioeconomy in the last year. With their huge capacity and their infinite passion, they are the stars of the world bioeconomy. Of course, best wishes to all women.
Finnish bioeconomy takes another step forward
The Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy is implementing the Government’s bioeconomy, cleantech, and digitalisation strategy for accelerating new areas for growth. In June 2014 an international competition was launched as part of the bioeconomy strategy to expedite the commercialisation of bioeconomy innovations and the emergence of new biorefineries in Finland.
Spinnova Ltd. has won the international biorefinery competition with its new textile fibre production technology. Two other proposals to receive awards in the competition are Biovakka Suomi’s concept for combining the production of biogas, nutrients, and transport fuel, and a proposal by the that incorporates novel Finnish technology for the production of new biomaterials and biochemicals.
In memory of Guido Ghisolfi: The green technologies are the drivers of the modern economy
In memory of Guido Ghisolfi we publish the interview he released to us in 2013.
The green technologies are the drivers of the modern economy
“The green technologies are some of the driving forces of the modern economy, this is not only my view, but also other important national and international groups have begun to invest and diversify their production in a green vision. The objectives that arises in such investments are long term but the results arrive, if one knows how to wait”. To say it, in this long interview, is Guido Ghisolfi, the vice president of MG Group headquartered in Tortona, and president and Ceo of Biochemtex, the architect of the conversion of the second Italian chemical group in one of the world major players in the bioeconomy, with the largest plant in the world for the production of second generation bioethanol inaugurated in Crescentino, in the province of Vercelli (Italy). With engineer Ghisolfi we talk about bioeconomy, research and industrial innovation, because “the industrial policy of the future can’t be separated from the concept of environmental sustainability”. “The raw materials alternatives to oil can be obtained through the use of biomass grown on marginal land without competing with food through innovative technologies. We must, however, continue to invest in industrial research to ensure the development of technological excellence in Italy, these are the variables of an equation that leads as a result of the competition system of the country”.
Interview by Mario Bonaccorso
Guido Ghisolfi died tragically today
Guido Ghisolfi, VP of Mossi Ghisolfi Group, died tragically today. We lose a great person and a great protagonist of world bioeconomy.
I was lucky enough to know him and to interview him for the blog. He was a gentleman with great vision. A true leader, as there are only a few in Italy.
MB
GFBiochemicals is starting commercialization of its biobased levulinic acid
Despite the lack of a National strategy, the Italian bioeconomy is a reality. Italian biobased chemicals company GFBiochemicals is starting commercialization of its levulinic acid thanks to its proprietary breakthrough technology. Commercial-scale production will start in Summer 2015 in Caserta, Italy plant, close to Naples.
The bioeconomy speaks Dutch: today starts in Amsterdam the World Bio Markets
Today starts in Amsterdam the 10th annual World Bio Markets, an event which will focus on three bioeconomy core topics: biofuels, bio-based chemicals and feedstock supply, security and selection.
Walmart goes green with its Sustainability Leaders shop
Walmart announced last Tuesday the debut of its Sustainability Leaders shop, an online shopping portal on Walmart.com that helps customers identify and purchase products from suppliers that are leading in sustainability.
The Environment Committee of the EU Parliament backs switchover to advanced biofuels
A draft law to cap the production of traditional biofuels and accelerate the shift to alternative sources, such as seaweed and waste, was approved by the Environment Committee on Tuesday. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that result from the growing use of agricultural land to produce biofuel crops.
EFIB 2015 returns to Brussels. The organisers announce call for papers
EFIB returns to Brussels. From 27 to 29 October the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Biobased Economy (EFIB) returns to Europe’s capital, where it was first launched 7 years ago, taking place at the Square, Brussels meeting center. Since then, the event has grown tenfold in size but remains true to its goal of providing the premier meeting place for business and policy throughout the biobased value chain.
Biotec and Kaneka together to create new bio-based compounds
There is a new partnership in the world bioeconomy. German Biotec GmbH and Japanese Kaneka Corporation signed a broad Joint Development Agreement for the application of biopolymers. Biotec develops and manufactures bio-based, biodegradable and compostable compounds under the trade name Bioplast. Kaneka is the producer of a 100% bio based and innovative PHBH polymer with the brand name Aonilex, which is new to the market. Both companies agreed to combine development resources to create new bio-based compounds for the application fields of pharmaceutical capsules, extrusion coated paper and cardboard, various other flexible and rigid films and packaging solutions.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 