Global Climate News

The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) participated in a workshop on market access for bio-based products, providing feedback on barriers such as high costs and non-harmonised standards. RCI advocates for regulatory simplification, stronger use of domestic biomass, and innovative tracking tools. They also participated in the Cefic event “The Carbon Managers” and the European Bioplastics Conference, discussing the future of bioplastics and sustainable biomass availability. RCI members will host a session at Bio360 on renewable carbon strategies and bio-based solutions.

Global bio-based polymer capacity is projected to grow 13% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by investments in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating demand for industrial compostable plastics. Companies like NatureWorks, Futerro, and Emirates Biotech are expanding PLA production capacities. The European Union’s Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) is creating demand for soil-biodegradable products.

US-based MIT chemical engineer Zachary Smith is developing highly efficient filters to replace energy-intensive gas, liquid, and ion separation processes. His company, Osmoses, aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent in industrial processes by using room temperature membranes.

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.

Malaysia and Singapore signed an agreement to establish the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), focusing on sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and digital industries. Six memoranda of understanding were also announced, including one related to carbon capture and storage and cooperation on emissions under Article 6(2) of the Paris Agreement.

Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark have developed a new technology using microorganisms to convert CO2 from flue gases into usable products like methane or acetic acid. This bio-integrated carbon capture and utilisation (BICCU) method avoids high-heat separation processes, reducing costs and offering a more efficient way to recycle CO2 from industrial emissions.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology's Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting 1-2 project teachers with expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, energy, materials, environmental engineering, or artificial intelligence. The selected candidates will teach chemical engineering courses, support international exchange services, and assist with administrative/advisory tasks.

Researchers at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Malaysia synthesized six 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene-based ionic liquids for CO2 capture. The highest CO2 sorption was 0.96 mol CO2 mol−1 IL at 20 bar. The study investigated the effects of chain length in the cation and anion identity on CO2 absorption.

Finland-based Neste introduced co-processed renewable Neste RE feedstock for polymers and chemicals. This new feedstock, produced by co-processing renewable raw materials with fossil crude oil, has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional fossil feedstock. Neste aims to reduce fossil raw material use in the chemicals industry and transform its Porvoo refinery into a renewable and circular solutions hub.

"Finland-based Neste Corporation has introduced a new renewable feedstock, Neste RE, produced through co-processing of renewable raw materials with fossil oil in its Porvoo refinery. This expands Neste's range of sustainable raw materials for the polymers and chemicals industry, reducing CO2 footprint compared to traditional fossil solutions. Neste aims to reduce fossil resource use in the chemical industry and transform its Porvoo refinery into a hub for renewable and circular solutions."

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has announced €165 million in funding opportunities for 2025, advancing circular bio-based industries in Europe across 13 topics. The funding comes from Horizon Europe and will be complemented by private investments. The call for proposals will open on April 4, 2025, and close on September 17, 2025.

Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have developed a new technology using microorganisms to convert CO2 from flue gas into fuels or chemicals. This bio-integrated carbon capture and utilisation (BICCU) avoids high-heat separation processes, making carbon capture more cost-effective and transforming CO2 into reusable products.

"French-based CARBIOS has postponed the completion of its PET biorecycling plant in Longlaville by 6 to 9 months due to delayed non-dilutive funding. The company has secured €30 million from France 2030 and a pledge of €12.5 million from the Grand Est region. CARBIOS also applied for an €86 million loan from the French state under the Strategic Projects Guarantee (GPS) program and is in discussions with Indorama Ventures and other private and public investors for additional funding. The company expects to sign several substantial licensing agreements in the first half of 2025."

Mitsubishi announced the termination of its proposed methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer plant in Geismar, Louisiana, citing oversupply in the MMA market, failure to secure long-term customer commitments, and increased capital investment due to inflation. The company expects to record a loss of approximately 20 billion yen due to impairment losses.

US-based Cloverdale Paint and Celanese Corporation have partnered to create sustainable paint solutions using Celanese’s carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology. The collaboration is expected to utilize over 1 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually in Cloverdale Paint's manufacturing.

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.

\"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.