The marine biotechnology is high on the political agenda. Around 70 experts, company representatives and policy makers met at the European Parliament on March 21 to discuss what is needed for a successful European blue bioeconomy. The debate at the fully booked event revealed: the potential of the oceans is uncontested among experts, but its exploration requires close cooperation and knowledge sharing, a strong focus on sustainability, political commitment and finally, investor and consumer enthusiasm.
Poland, Portugal and Romania: BIC’s reports show a great potential to develop the bioeconomy
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), the private partner in the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), has published three new Country Reports mapping the potential and identifying opportunities for expanding the bio-based industry in Poland, Portugal and Romania.
Croda acquired Canadian marine biotech company Nautilus
British multinational company Croda International Plc, specialized in the field of speciality chemicals for some of the biggest, most successful brands in the world, acquired Nautilus Biosciences Canada Inc, a technology-rich marine biotechnology company based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Bio-on launches a new use for its 100% natural and biodegradable PHAs bioplastic
Bio-on launches a new use for its 100% natural and biodegradable PHAs bioplastic. The researchers of the Italian company have developed a solution for the controlled release of Urea fertilisers, an enormous market with global annual production of 180 million tons and 4% annual growth. The advantage is more effective dosage and lower fertiliser consumption. This means less pollution and a positive impact on people and the planet. Continue reading
Audi brings to Global Bioenergies’ technology development a clear path to market perspective
French industrial biotech company Global Bioenergies and German carmaker Audi reached a key milestone in their multi-year agreement: renewable gasoline components were produced and shipped to Audi. Using its Leuna Demo plant, Global Bioenergies has produced high-purity renewable isobutene, which was further converted by the Fraunhofer Institute into high-performance gasoline additives including isooctane, ETBE and isododecane. These e-fuels will be used in engine testing by Audi, in complement to those already performed by Global Bioenergies.
International Women’s day: a tribute to all women who are making the bioeconomy happen
This 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.
Ylwa Alwarsdotter, Senior VP Sekab (Sweden)
Catia Bastioli, CEO at Novamont (Italy)
Louise Batchelor, VP Strategy at BioAmber Inc. (Canada)
Joanna Dupont at EuropaBio (UE)
Carina Håkansson, DG at The Swedish Forest Industries Federation (Sweden)
Jennifer Holmgren, CEO at Lanzatech (New Zealand/USA)
Virginia Klausmeier, CEO at Sylvatex (USA)
Chistine Lang, chairwoman at German Bioeconomy Council (Germany)
Theodora Retsina, CEO at American Process (USA)
Margaret Smallwood, CEO at BioVale (UK)
Mari Walls, President and CEO at Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
Marie Wheat, Industry Economist at USDA BioPreferred Program (USA)
The project of an advanced waste-to-chemistry facility in Rotterdam moves forward
Air Liquide, AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, Enerkem and the Port of Rotterdam signed a project development agreement covering initial investments in an advanced waste-to-chemistry facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The facility will be the first of its kind in Europe to provide a sustainable alternative solution for non-recyclable wastes, converting waste plastics and other mixed wastes into new raw materials.
The first LEGO elements made from sustainably sourced plastic will be on the market this year
Danish toys giant LEGO goes green. The botanical elements such as leaves, bushes and trees will be made from plant-based plastic sourced from sugarcane in the future and will appear in LEGO boxes already in 2018.
An interview with Philippe Mengal, executive director BBI JU: “We need to reinvent our economy to face the challenges of climate change and resource constraints”
“Europe is becoming a very attractive area to invest in bio-based Industries: where BIC members were announcing a portfolio of 2bn euros investment in 2014 the same survey announced 5 bn euros investments in 2017”. To say it – in this long, exclusive interview with Il Bioeconomista – is Philippe Mengal, executive director of the BBI JU. The Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking is a €3.7 billion Public-Private Partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium. Operating under Horizon 2020, it is driven by the Vision and Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda (SIRA) developed by the industry
According to Mengal, “The next decade is a critical period for the EU. We need to reinvent our economy to face the challenges of climate change and resource constraints. Europe is committed to excelling in smart, sustainable growth and mobilizing investment to create new products and new markets is key”.
Interview by Mario Bonaccorso
Barilla Group launched a new venture capital fund and innovation hub called Blu1877
The Italian food company Barilla Group launched a new venture capital fund and innovation hub, called Blu1877, to support innovators in creating the future of sustainable food. “We decided to set-up Blu1877 to interact and support the effort of those that are creating the future of food. We are inspired by the joy of eating good food. Good food that support people live healthy lifestyles and leave a healthy planet to our children,” states the Blu1877 website.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 