Lux Research’s Senior Analyst launched a report on proposal of using cellulosic feedstock for production of bioplastics

Most of the companies engaged in production of bio-based plastics used food crops for the same but now economic forces and government pressure is there on producers to employ only non-food cellulosic material for this purpose. Currently, up to 2.4 billion tons cellulosic mass is available which can be used as raw material for bioplastics production. Lux Research, the leading market research company based in Boston states that cellulosic biomass can be used for manufacturing of bio-based fuels and materials. Definitely, the cost of converting cellulosic feedstock into bio-plastics can be comparatively high.  Andrew Soare, senior analyst in Lux Research states that the two most important metrics to influence the feasibility of cellulosic biomass as an option are cost and availability.

He also wrote a report with title, “Quantifying Cost and Availability of Cellulosic Feedstocks for Biofuels and Biochemicals.” Read more about the report here at - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150109Cellulosics-feedstocks.php

Andrew further says that cellulosic feedstock is highly potential for production of bio-based plastics still many business strategies are there to move around feedstock that can be low cost. Definitely, failure in discovering and adopting low cost feedstock options will be an expensive deal for manufacturers. 

Further in the report he mentioned that local availability of feedstock will be a plus for producers as they will not have to invest on transportation of biomass.

Increasing demand of production of bio-based plastics

Traditional plastic products are facing great competition in the modern time. Bio-based plastics can be degraded easily so that pollution level in the environment can be controlled up to much extent. Most of the bio-plastics are employed for packaging purpose which is directly related to the quality of the product and shelf life. In the modern age of traditional foods, packaging deals are really significant. The idea of developing bio-based products is good from the environment safety point of view. Most of the leading manufacturers in this direction begin the process with energy saving ideas so that their products can ensure conquering position in the market. Read more about this matter here at - http://www.lt-magazin.ch/lTech/artikel/index.php?id=1031258

Despite of having some flaws, bio-plastics are in trend, especially for packaging purpose in the food industry. Moreover, some of the bio-plastics are easier to develop with agricultural waste and feedstock which adds a favor in the production of eco friendly plastics as they need not any valuable raw material to be invested. But the other side of the scenario is that production of bioplastics is facing criticism time to time for one or another reason. There is no lack of researchers who find production of biofuels over the production of bioplastics as both the products are developed from the same kind of raw material.

Biochemicals, biofuels, biomass receive incentive in Minnesota

A pending Minnesota Bill, H.F. 2456, which was first introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives on the 27th of February, aims to initiate the commercial production of advances biofuels, biomass and renewable chemicals by providing incentives such as a capital equipment loan scheme. A companion Bill to the above, S.F. 2101, was also introduced in the House of Representatives in the state.

The Bill states that in order to be eligible for the program, renewable chemical facilities must produce a yield of 30m lb/year, biomass projects to must produce 7,500 mmbtu/year and advanced biofuel facilities must have a yield of 950,000 mmbtu/year.

Another eligibility criterion for the incentive program is that the renewable chemicals facility must use 80% of the raw materials from the state of Minnesota and this raw material must come from the forestry or agricultural sources or from the Municipal solid waste’s organic content. The facility also needs to be located within the state and should start operating after the 1st of January 2015. Eligible companies include some existing companies that are expanding in order to fulfill the criterion of production and some new and upcoming companies.

Payments for all the qualifying facilities will be made by the 30th of June, 2020. If a facility becomes ineligible within a period of 5 years then the payments must be refunded.  The source of this article is  http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/03/14/minnesota-bill-for-renewable-chems-incentives/

Eastman Business Park Bioscience Manufacturing Center $3 M funding by NY government

In order to convert non-food plant materials into biofuels and biochemicals, a $25 million property is being employed for manufacturing equipments beneficial for relevant deals. The New York Government committed to offer $3 million for the project; this excellent project is known as EBP Bioscience Manufacturing Center, Manchester that will introduce 1800 jobs during upcoming five years. The project has been proposed to have awesome transportation improvements and fermentation tanks; production and storage equipment which is important for production of C5 and C6 sugar out of feedstock.

These sugars are employed for the production of green chemicals, biofuels and biodegradable plastics. After beginning of operation, the plant will be able to manufacture 30K tons of sugars per year. All the industrial assets and facilities will be owned by the EBP EcoTech Park Operating Corp who will offer major investment on the project. Read full story about the matter here -http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/03/10/ny-funding-for-eastman-bioscience-manufacturing-center/

The project site is also proposed to have three biorefineries good production facilities and exclusive chemical pilot. Moreover, arrangements for waste water treatment services, water and transport access is there for better functioning. EBP was earlier a 1200 acre techno complex which was known as the Kodak Park; now it possesses 48 companies having over 6500 employees. Some adverse conditions arose, Kodak faced bankruptcy and emerged now; it is dedicated for maintenance of significant operations and jobs at the site.

Bio award function 2013 is taking place with the 9th Annual World Bio Market

Year 2013 will bring many more beneficial deals for companies working for the development of sustainable bio based fuels. In the fifth year of sustainable bio awards, it has been realized by them that many innovations are taking place in the progress of bio fuels. This year all the awards for finance, feedstocks, bio fuels and cosmetics etc. have celebrated advancement in the industry. The company running these awards is World Bio Markets which is nowadays accepting nominations. The award ceremony for the same will take place on 5^th March, 2014 in Amsterdam. For this purpose bio based industry will be represented on categories like collaboration of the year, best financier of the year and industry champion etc.

A panel of judges has been chosen for selection of winners and these judges belong to the cross section of biofuels industry only. The jury includes, Rob Vierhout, Hasso Von pogrell, Theirry de l’Escaillea and Jonathan Burbaum etc. The bio award function will be organized along with the 9^th annual world Bio Market in Amsterdam. One can find details in http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/chemistry_materials/jennifer_elks/awards_honoring_innovations_bio-based_fuels_product.

According to the founder of the Global Bio Market’s series, Nadim Chaundry, 2013 was an exciting year to bring advancements and innovations in bio based products. The industry of bio based products is going on stronger year by year and in the form of bio award function, they celebrate this success.