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PBPC Newsletter April 11th, 2025

Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter!

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

Missed our latest issue? Read the March 7th 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 new innovations in the plant-based products space with leaders on Capitol Hill and 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.  

We are excited to announce several speakers that will be part of the discussions hosted at this year’s member meeting!

  • Mitch Fraizer: Chief Executive Officer, AgriNovus Indiana 
  • Eric Lee: Director of Business Development, Fermentation & Bioindustry, Primient 
  • Steve Reinhard: Past President, United Soybean Board 
  • Ryan Shay: Director, Government & Public Affairs, Americas, LEGO Group 
  • Max Teplitski: Chief Science Officer, International Fresh Produce Association 
  • Everton Van-Dal: Chief Business Officer, Sustainea 

There’s also a networking lunch, tour of a local composting facility, a PBPC Town Hall, a Capitol Hill reception, and more! Interested in joining us? Register today!  

REPORT CALLS FOR FEDERAL BIOMANUFACTURING SUPPORT 

A new report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology calls for urgent action to prevent the American biotechnology sector from lagging behind foreign competitors. 

The report – Charting the Future of Biotechnology: An Action Plan for American Security and Prosperity – specifically calls for coordinated action throughout the federal government, including the creation of a National Biotechnology Coordination Office in the White House. The NSCEB also makes 49 recommendations in the report, including actions to focus resources to help scale up biomanufacturing.

Following the release of the report, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released a statement saying the effort “lays the groundwork for thoughtful policy action to support American innovation and biomanufacturing.

“The NSCEB’s work affirms what ag bioeconomy leaders have long believed – biotechnology and bioproducts are vital to building a more secure, innovative, and resilient America,” Glueck said. “Strengthening the government’s focus and attracting private sector investment in the future of the ag bioeconomy will be critical to ensure the benefits of U.S. innovation and success of American farmers are not exported to foreign competitors.”

The report was highlighted at a day-long event in Washington this week, where PBPC Senior Vice President Robin Bowen was in attendance as lawmakers and guests spoke about the future of the ag bioeconomy.

PLANT BASED LEADERS BLOG: SUSTAINEA 

Sustainea represents the cutting edge of the bio-based revolution, pioneering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals. Learn more!

In our most recent Plant-Based Leaders blog, we highlight one of PBPC’s newest members, Sustainea!

Sustainea is pioneering the future of green chemistry with biobased alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals. Formed through a strategic partnership between Braskem and Sojitz, Sustainea focuses on renewable solutions for packaging, textiles, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

Led by CEO Gustavo Sergi, the company is building a first-of-its-kind $400 million facility in Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with fellow PBPC member Primient. The plant will source sustainably grown, low-carbon corn dextrose, reinforcing a circular value chain that supports both environmental goals and rural economies. With plans to create 100 high-wage jobs and drive local investment, Sustainea is already making a mark on the Midwest bioeconomy.

From its strong ties to Purdue University for research and workforce development to its strategic global vision for expansion, Sustainea exemplifies what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability.

You can read more about Sustainea and its work on PBPC.com.

2025 FEEDING THE ECONOMY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS AGRICULTURE’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

PBPC was a sponsor of the recently released 2025 Feeding the Economy Report, which underscores the substantial contributions of the U.S. food and agriculture sector.

The report shows the U.S. food and agriculture sector is responsible for more than $9.5 trillion in economic output, representing approximately 18.7% of the national economy.  The sector also supports more than 24 million jobs, accounting for 15% of U.S. employment.

According to the report, the industry’s economic output has increased nearly 25% since 2020, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

Plant-based products present a promising opportunity to further enhance American agriculture, meeting consumer demand for sustainable options while offering additional market opportunities for farmers and creating quality jobs in rural communities.

You can read more and access the full report at FeedingTheEconomy.com.

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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