Global Climate News

Japan-based Green Science Alliance has developed a sustainable method to produce Metal Organic Framework (MOF) from waste PET bottles. The company used terephthalic acid from recycled PET and a solid-state synthesis procedure to reduce production costs. This sustainable MOF will be used in rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and CO2 capture.

Finland-based Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG) partnered with C.Q. Massó to increase the availability of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) for European cosmetics manufacturers. This collaboration aims to enhance supply chain reliability, promote sustainable beauty formulations, and offer safer alternatives to harmful ingredients like talc and titanium dioxide. NBG's Lappeenranta facility produces up to 10,000 tons of MCC annually with a focus on environmental sustainability.

Researchers are developing various bio-based methods to degrade PFAS, including silk-based membranes (MIT), fungi (Texas A&M), and PFAS-eating microbes (Northern University, Princeton). These methods aim for sustainable and low-cost solutions to remediate PFAS contamination in soil and water, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical treatments.

Norwegian Verdane, a private equity manager, established the Idun fund in 2021, focusing on sustainable investments aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Nordea provided an NOK 800 million credit facility. One portfolio company, Topro, manufactures mobility products sustainably, using hydropower and renewable energy sources. Verdane's investment supports Topro’s sustainability efforts.

The Panasonic Group showcased innovations at CES 2025, focusing on technologies to improve social sustainability. They introduced Panasonic Go, an AI-based business model initiative, and highlighted solutions contributing to carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Specific examples include the OASYS residential central air conditioning system (reducing energy consumption by over 50%), use of natural refrigerants, and hydrogen energy solutions. Panasonic also emphasized its commitment to a circular economy through product design and recycling initiatives.

Canada and US-based Ionomr Innovations Inc. opened a new development and low volume manufacturing facility in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The company develops and produces PFAS-free ion-exchange materials to enable decarbonization solutions. The expansion aims to scale up production capacity and access skilled engineering talent.

Taiwan-based Qualipoly Chemical Corp. (QPC) invested over NT$2 billion to expand its Tainan plant, creating over 100 jobs and increasing annual output value by NT$5 billion. The expansion aims to boost Taiwan's high-value electronic synthetic resin technology and further drive the development of related industries. QPC actively pursues ESG initiatives, collaborating with academic institutions on net-zero emission and high-value product R&D.

US-based researchers at MIT have been awarded the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for their work in various fields, including developing novel materials for solar cells and batteries, researching anesthesia's effects on the brain, creating thin films for drug delivery, and developing CRISPR genome-editing technology. Their innovations have significant implications for energy, medicine, and healthcare.

Spain-based CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project, coordinated by Urbaser and Zaragoza City Council, inaugurated a biorefinery in Zaragoza to transform sewage sludge and organic waste into biopolymers, biofertilizers, and green graphene. The biorefinery aims to reduce waste sent to landfills and boost sustainable waste treatment processes, creating economic and environmental benefits for Zaragoza and the region. A second biorefinery line is being set up in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, to test the model’s replicability across Europe.

\"Bulgarian startup LAM’ON, supported by Eleven Ventures, has developed bio-based and compostable thermal laminating films. These films aim to replace traditional laminating films, reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The global biodegradable plastics market is valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 20.9 billion by 2028.\"

US and South Korean companies, Gevo and LG Chem, extended their joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of Gevo’s Ethanol-to-Olefins (ETO) technology for producing bio-propylene. This technology aims to create renewable replacements for petroleum-based products, contributing to decarbonization efforts. The partnership focuses on assessing existing assets for deploying the ETO technology and expanding into various end-product markets.

US-based Gevo Inc. and South Korea-based LG Chem have extended their joint development agreement for bio-propylene. This collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of Gevo's ethanol-to-olefins technology, contributing to the development of renewable materials and chemicals.

The European Bioplastics Conference (EBC24) concluded successfully, with around 350 attendees. Positive changes in the European bioplastics industry were highlighted, including new regulations mandating compostable packaging and boosting biodegradable agricultural applications. The conference showcased advancements in bioplastics, assessed their environmental impacts, and provided an overview of the global industry landscape.

Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with Baumer hhs GmbH, PTS – Institute for Fibers & Paper gGmbH, and Fraunhofer Institute for Coating and Surface Technology IST, developed bio-based adhesives for industrial applications. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through the Agency for Renewable Resources e.V. (FNR), these adhesives replace synthetic polymers in folding box production, offering a more sustainable packaging solution. The project successfully tested the bio-based adhesives on high-speed machines, demonstrating high initial adhesion and stability.

German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with industrial and academic partners, have developed bio-based adhesives for the industrial production of folding cartons. These adhesives, made from renewable resources like modified starch, aim to replace synthetic polymer-based adhesives, thus contributing to more sustainable packaging. Successful high-speed machine tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of these bio-based alternatives.

German chemical company BASF has set a new strategy with the ambition to be the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation. BASF’s Global Strategic Bioeconomy Advocacy representative, Dr. Ivana Krkljus, discussed the company's commitment to carbon emission reduction.

German company Ecoplymer, founded by Martin Schwemmer, developed a bio-PLA from cellulose, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability in material production. The company found a suitable base material in a paper factory and conducted initial tests with the Schwemmer-PLA.

The UK government, through the Department for Business and Trade, Environment Agency, and Office for Product Safety and Standards, has updated its producer responsibility regulations covering packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles. These regulations aim to minimize waste, promote reuse and recycling, and improve the environmental impact of product lifecycles. The updates include new guidance on extended producer responsibility for packaging and updated guidance for WEEE, batteries, and ELVs.

The UK government has updated its guidance on packaging waste accreditation for reprocessors and exporters. The updated guidance details application processes, fees (£505 for small operators, £2,616 for large operators), and compliance requirements, including record-keeping and reporting. Changes to targets for 2021 and 2022 compliance years are also noted, with a focus on recycling obligations.

Malaysia is leveraging its position as a leading oleochemical producer to capitalize on the growing global demand for sustainable cosmetics and personal care products. Cidols Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian SME, has invested in advanced technology to produce high-purity specialty esters, expanding its market presence to over 30 countries. The Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030 aims to establish Malaysia as a leading hub for chemical solutions, particularly in care chemicals, promoting sustainability and supporting R&D.