In Switzerland, chemical company Clariant has launched a range of 100% biobased surfactants and polyethylene glycols. Dubbed Vita, the ingredients were developed for formulators looking to boost natural content of detergents, hair and body shampoos, paints, industrial lubricants, and crop formulations.  "From the packaging to the many ingredients, a typical consumer product in coatings, personal […]

In Germany, Clariant unveiled its new Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) to help directly address climate change by helping remove fossil carbon from the value chain. The introduction of 100% bio-based surfactants and PEGs significantly expands Clariant's Vita designated ingredients. Vita products are based on renewable feedstocks and have at least 98% […]

In Switzerland, Clariant announced its decision to shut down its sunliquid bioethanol production in Podari, Romania, and to downsize related activities of the business line Biofuels & Derivatives in Germany.  After developing the sunliquid technology, Clariant had taken the decision in 2017 to establish its own commercial sunliquid plant in Podari, which began producing bioethanol […]

In Romania, Clariant is evaluating strategic options for its bioethanol production operations, which are carried out exclusively in Romania, at the Podari plant. The manufacturer will provide an update to this process by the end of 2023. In December 2022, Clariant announced a financial impairment of its sunliquid plant in Podari, Romania, of approximately 225 […]

In Romania, Clariant produced the first commercial cellulosic ethanol at its sunliquid production plant in Podari, Romania. The entire offtake is contracted with a multi-year agreement to Shell. Over the last six months, the plant underwent a thorough commissioning process resulting in the successful start of production. Approximately 50,000 tons of second-generation biofuels will be […]

In Romania, Clariant announced its decision to shut down its sunliquid bioethanol production in Podari, Romania, and to downsize related activities of the business line Biofuels & Derivatives in Germany (Straubing, Planegg and Munich).  After developing the sunliquid® technology, Clariant had taken the decision in 2017 to establish its own commercial sunliquid® plant in Podari, […]

University of Alabama researchers are exploring how to create jet fuel from plants as a renewable fuel source that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In Kentucky, researchers at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and the Department of Chemistry have received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance their innovative biofuels research. The project is titled "Robust Engineered Catalysts for the Conversion of Waste Oleaginous Biomass Feedstocks to Fuel-like […]

In Kentucky, researchers at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and the Department of Chemistry confirmed they have received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance their innovative biofuels research. The project is titled "Robust Engineered Catalysts for the Conversion of Waste Oleaginous Biomass Feedstocks […]

Blue Grass Chemical Specialties LLC names Matt Brenner as its new President. The Louisville, KY native has an extensive global professional background in the chemical and power generation industries and brings a dynamic leadership skillset to the position.

In recent weeks we've seen transformation after transformation in Brazil. Certainly, though the biggest news is yet to come, because we do not know yet who will own the BP Bunge ethanol assets, which are up for sale.  We reported last week that "UAE state investor Mubadala Investment Co and Raizen are the final bidders […]

The 'forever chemicals' in 99% of Americans Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS.

By Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers, Lee Enterprises Consulting Special to The Digest The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2).  There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders.   The strategies can be grouped into three categories. […]

Andrew Parker has produced some of the brightest hues in the world. So, what's his secret?

A new campaign is blurring the lines of what's implicated in forced labor.

By Mike Sticklen, Lee Enterprise Consulting Special to The Digest Throughout my work with Lee Enterprises Consulting, I often get asked about producing renewable and biobased fuels, chemicals and plastics from alternative feedstock sources such as cellulosic biomass or other waste. Many potential investors and policymakers believe that alternative feedstocks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions […]

Sustainability has become the new corporate imperative. Companies have begun doing their homework, diligently setting up a number of initiatives. This is a good starting point, but too often, firms are unable to systematically scale these efforts to achieve a more transformative outcome. This is because internal hidden enemies act as antibodies and resist the change. Unless a company tackles the enemies early on,…

Consumerism is one thing. Science is another. Do the twain meet?

Andy Jassy pledged to keep looking for ways to cut costs even as the company doubles down on investing in new growth areas like artificial intelligence.