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PBPC Newsletter March 7th, 2025

Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter!

In this edition, explore the latest PBPC news, activities, and groundbreaking innovations in the sustainability and bioeconomy sectors. Stay informed on current trends, updates, and exciting developments shaping our future.

Did you miss our latest issue? Read the February 14th newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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PBPC MEMBER MEETING: May 6-7

PBPC members are invited to a members-only meeting from May 6-7 in Washington, DC!

Join us for opportunities to explore the latest in ag bioeconomy policy with PBPC staff, government officials, and other experts. We are excited for PBPC members to gather for discussions on the innovation in the plant-based products space with leaders on Capitol Hill and the Trump Administration officials. The meeting provides a great opportunity to interact with fellow supporters of the circular ag bioeconomy and advocate for policy solutions that benefit the industry.

Interested in joining us? Contact PBPC’s Keniece Barbee for more information!

HAPPY NATIONAL BIOBASED PRODUCTS DAY: March 8th

National Biobased Products Day logo

National Biobased Products Day is right around the corner! Make plans now to highlight your company’s role in shaping the future of the ag bioeconomy on a day set aside to recognize the industry.

Check out PBPC’s social channels to learn how to join the celebration! Interested in sharing some information about the perception of plant-based products? PBPC’s recent consumer research is a great place to start!

WHITE HOUSE NOMINEE SIGNALS BIOECONOMY SUPPORT

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy says he would like to further the goals of the American ag bioeconomy if confirmed to the position.

As part of the Senate confirmation process for OSTP nominee Michael Kratsios, ag bioeconomy champion Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) posed a question for the record about the Trump Administration’s commitment to the growth of the bioeconomy’s “talent, data, and infrastructure.” In response, Kratsios said he remains “committed to ensuring continued American innovation in biotechnology and encouraging domestic biomanufacturing, recognizing the importance of the bioeconomy to our economy and national security.”  

GLUECK JOINS AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK FORUM

Last week, PBPC’s Executive Director James Glueck joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 101st Agricultural Outlook Forum as a panelist. Glueck shared the bio-based product industry’s perspective on the need for sustainable packaging, speaking to consumer demand, global competitiveness, and policy challenges and opportunities.

Watch Glueck’s panel to learn more about the consumer demand driving the industry.

PBPC Executive Director James Glueck speaking on Feb. 28 at USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum

ROBERSON REPRESENTS PBPC AT COMMODITY CLASSIC

PBPC Director of Government Affairs Kent Roberson recently represented the organization at Commodity Classic, the annual gathering of the equipment manufacturers and the nation’s corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum growers.

At the conference, Roberson engaged with ag bioeconomy stakeholders about the future of the industry as well as heard remarks from Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. In her comments, Rollins spoke about her vision for the future of USDA, including removing regulations that she believes are stifling innovation.  

GAYLE SHARES REMARKS WITH FUTURE LEADERS

PBPC Senior Director for Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Jamaica Gayle was a keynote speaker at the March 6 Young Women and Leadership Conference hosted by Boise State University’s Andrus Center for Public Policy.

Gayle delivered keynote remarks and fielded questions from a group of students considering careers in public policy. As part of her comments, Gayle discussed her career journey, working in Washington, and the policy development process.

PBPC’s Jamaica Gayle addresses attendees of the Young Women and Leadership Conference

ORGANIZATIONS OFFER THOUGHTS ON NAICS UPDATE

PBPC and several other groups are asking the Trump Administration to consider ways to help the American ag bioeconomy as regulators pursue an update to the North American Industrial Classification System.

PBPC and a coalition including five other organizations submitted comments on the pending 2027 update underscoring the growth and importance of domestic biomanufacturing and requesting action to develop unique NAICS codes for biobased products.

“Without distinct NAICS codes, data collection and statistical reporting for the growing bioeconomy are challenged,” the comments noted. “In addition, the lack of specific industry NAICS codes masks the growth, market developments, and trends in these biobased industries, limiting efforts by policymakers, businesses, investors, and industry stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.”

PBPC also submitted separate comments highlighting more than a decade’s worth of recommendations from academics, stakeholders, and Congress that NAICS codes be developed for biobased products and chemicals to improve the quality of data collection.

PBPC MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in becoming a PBPC member? All PBPC members receive a variety of benefits that provide their organization a voice in Washington while helping them stay up to date on the latest policy developments, communicate with their audiences, access valuable insights, and more. Read about PBPC’s impact on the industry in the 2023 Annual Report. Tiered membership levels are available to fit the needs of any member of the plant-based products supply chain. Visit our website or reach out to PBPC’s Keniece Barbee to learn more.

PLANT-BASED INNOVATIONS

Almost every day we see new developments in the plant-based product space. Learn more about what’s ahead for circular innovations.

As more consumers seek environmentally friendly products, brands are adapting to meet these demands by offering more sustainable solutions. Here are some of the top stories covering these trends and providing insights on the latest industry news.

GOVERNMENT UPDATES

As the 119th Congress begins and a new Administration takes office, the sustainability landscape and efforts will shift.

PBPC MEMBER NEWS

The dedicated work of our members toward a more sustainable future never ceases to amaze us. From setting sweeping environmental commitments to partnering with others to make sustainable solutions more accessible to launching new plant-based materials. Below, find some of the impressive work of our members over the last weeks.

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