Our Katahdin is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization working to promote community and economic development in the Katahdin region. Our Katahdin’s three areas of focus include community development, entrepreneur development, and industry development. In the spirit of bringing people and funding together to move the region and its communities forward, Our Katahdin has developed a crowdfunding…

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Here at Biobased Maine, we’re always saying that there’s a rising global demand for biobased products. This is absolutely true. Just ask us for numbers and data if you’re curious about the “demand” we’re talking about. One of the fastest growing areas is bioplastics, particularly for the food and beverage market. Here’s the latest: The…

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Bloomberg recently published an article entitled, “War on Plastics Will Be Won With Trees, Stora Enso CEO Says” Stora Enso, a global pulp and paper company, is making the shift to biomaterials, and its CEO makes some interesting points, such as: (1) Anything you can make with petrochemicals (derived from crude oil and natural gas),…

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The temporarily low cost of oil means that biomass plants are shutting down because wood can’t compete with cheap oil. Recently, shut-downs of the West Enfield and Jonesboro biomass plants were announced. There’s also a glut of softwood pulp. California is experiencing a similar situation with its biomass plants, which can’t compete with solar. Yet…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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 More