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…

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…

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…

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…

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…