Tag: COVID-19

Algae-based batteries, biodegradable COVID-19 tests, BMW’s biobased coatings, Heinz biobottles, and more: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the week of May 19th

May 18, 2022 | Helena Tavares Kennedy

Can you imagine running a computer chip on algae – yes, algae – for more than six months? Apparently, that’s now possible thanks to biochemists at the University of Cambridge who created the biobased battery alternative to power small electronics during their “pandemic project”. And speaking of the pandemic, goodness knows we’ve taken more COVID-19 […]

South Korean researchers producing fuel from surgical masks via pyrolysis

March 8, 2022 | Meghan Sapp

In South Korea, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of single-use face masks are discarded every day, creating a huge surge in plastic pollution. In a recent study, a team of researchers led by Korea University investigated the feasibility and potential environmental benefits of converting discarded surgical masks into burnable fuel via a process called […]

Application window opens for $700M in COVID payments for biofuel producers

December 22, 2021 | Meghan Sapp

In Washington, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the application window, application requirements and the availability of up to $700 million in payments to eligible biofuel producers for unexpected market losses as a result of COVID-19 in order to maintain a viable and […]

Codexis reports record quarterly revenue thanks to COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine enzyme order

November 7, 2021 | Helena Tavares Kennedy

In California, Codexis, Inc., enzyme engineering company, provided a business update with their Sustainable Manufacturing business demonstrating “remarkable growth, as we significantly executed against the large enzyme orders we received from Pfizer to support its COVID-19 antiviral therapeutic candidate” as well as strong results in the faster-to-market food sector, including enzyme sales for Tate & […]

EPA seen retroactively cutting 2020 and 2021 RVO in response to COVID-19

September 22, 2021 | Meghan Sapp

In Washington, Reuters reports it has seen a document showing the Environmental Protection Agency plans to reduce blending for 2021 to 18.6 billion gallons of ethanol, lower than the 20.1 billion gallons set for 2020. The proposal also seeks to cut the 2020 mandate retroactively to 17.1 billion gallons. The cuts in blending are meant […]

Amyris sees promising results for intranasal RNA/NLC vaccine

August 22, 2021 | Helena Tavares Kennedy

In California, Amyris, Inc. achieved promising in-vivo results in a study of its licensed RNA vaccine through intranasal delivery, developed in collaboration with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), which means an effective Covid-19 nose spray vaccine could become reality. In-vivo results indicate that, when delivered to the mucosal membranes via intranasal administration, the Amyris/IDRI […]

Study finds market potential for industrial and fuel ethanol in India

August 8, 2021 | Helena Tavares Kennedy

In Washington, D.C., conclusions of a new study commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council show growing ethanol use in India has been linked to increased demand for sanitation products during the COVID-19 pandemic, more ambitious blending targets – now 20 percent by 2023 – and interest from Indian companies in sustainability through bio-based products from […]

EU biofuel imports seen falling 25% in 2021 as stocks weigh

July 12, 2021 | Meghan Sapp

In Belgium, Reuters reports that the European Union estimates significant biofuel stocks on hand as a result of the drop in transportation during the COVID-19 epidemic last year will reduce this year’s biofuel imports by as much as a quarter. With much of the region undergoing vaccination and a return to “normal” post-pandemic increasing travel, […]

Amyris completes 1st major license for RNA COVID vaccine

July 3, 2021 | Helena Tavares Kennedy

In California, Amyris, Inc. signed an exclusive license with Nant Africa, LLC relating to the development and use of the RNA COVID vaccine Amyris developed in coordination with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI). Amyris’ partnership with Nant Africa is of significant value to Amyris as it provides the fastest path to market for the […]

NEXT Renewable Fuels sees Oregon facility coming online in 2024

June 21, 2021 | Meghan Sapp

In Oregon, Columbia County Spotlight reports that following a leadership change and delays due to COVID-19, the planned NEXT Renewable Fuels facility near Clatskanie is expected to be operational in 2024, rather than in late 2021 or early 2022 as originally expected. The company is now under the leadership of a former board member who […]