Posts by Biobased Maine
EVENT: Envision Maine Summit
Join Biobased Maine at the 2nd Annual ENVISION MAINE Summit on “Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Maine’s Next Economy” Friday November 20th at the University of Southern Maine. Register Here. Biobased Maine’s Executive Director will be speaking in the afternoon on a panel entitled “New Hope for Maine’s Rural Economy.”
Read MoreBiomaterials = Growth Engine for Pulp and Paper
According to the recent Bloomberg article, “Biomaterials May Be Next Growth Engine for Paper Industry,” pulp and paper companies world-wide are becoming more profitable by going biobased. Instead of traditional writing papers and newsprint, companies are finding new, high-value uses for wood. There is a global shift from traditional pulp and paper products to biomaterials…
Read MoreDover-Foxcroft Awarded Grant for Biobased Manufacturing
Biobased manufacturing is growing in Maine. GlobeEco Maine, a company that makes sustainable, durable, and antimicrobial cleaning cloths from renewable wood fiber, is expanding its manufacturing operations in the town of Dover-Foxcroft. According to the Bangor Daily News, the town of Dover-Foxcroft was recently awarded a $240,000 grant from the Maine Department of Economic and…
Read MoreRECENT PRESS: Bangor Daily News Op Ed by Biobased Maine Executive Director
Bangor Daily News recently published an Op Ed written by Biobased Maine’s Executive Director entitled “A new Maine manufacturing strategy could turn plants into products.” According to the article, “Maine is in an excellent position to grab market share, putting our people and natural resources to work.” Biobased manufacturing not only has promise as an economic development…
Read MoreOpportunities: Federal Government Funding for Biobased
The federal government supports the growth of biobased manufacturing in the U.S., as shown by these funding opportunities: (1) The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced available funds for the production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing. The Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program) provides loan…
Read MoreWorld's Largest Biosuccinic Acid Plant Opens
Succinic acid is a white, odorless solid that has lots of applications – a food additive, a dietary supplement, and a precursor for certain polyesters. It is also a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar (which is why you’ll often find it in wine and beer). Originally, it was made from pulverizing amber. Then it…
Read MoreWorld’s Largest Biosuccinic Acid Plant Opens
Succinic acid is a white, odorless solid that has lots of applications – a food additive, a dietary supplement, and a precursor for certain polyesters. It is also a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar (which is why you’ll often find it in wine and beer). Originally, it was made from pulverizing amber. Then it…
Read MoreSenator Collins Announces $3.5 Million for Forest Products Research in Maine
Senator Collins recently announced a $3.5 million provision in the 2016 Agriculture Appropriations bill for forest products research in Maine. A portion of this funding will support University of Maine research to improve innovation and maintain a sustainable and globally competitive domestic forest products industry. According to Senator Collins in her press release, “Maine has…
Read MoreFirst Commercial Surfactant from Microalgae Oil
Lots of interesting things are made with algae these days. Solazyme, a biobased company in California, has been working with BASF to make a surfactant with microalgae. A surfactant is used in home and personal care products – like shampoos. According to Solazyme’s press release, BASF says that, “Consumer demand for sustainable and innovative surfactants has increased…
Read MoreUSDA Provides Loan Guarantees for Biorefineries and Biobased Products
USDA continues to support biobased manufacturing with its recent announcement that it is accepting applications for loan guarantees of up to $250 million as part of an assistance program previously called the Biorefinery Assistance Program. The new program, called the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program will provide funds to be used for…
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