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PBPC Newsletter August 8, 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 July 11th newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
PBPC Applauds Progress on Key Legislation
Critical pieces of legislation for the future of the ag bioeconomy took major steps forward in recent weeks.
The Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act and the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act have both been introduced in the House and Senate. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Angie Craig (D-MN), Mark Messmer (R-IN), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) to lead the reintroduction of the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act. The move followed recent action by Klobuchar and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) to introduce the Senate version of the Ag BIO Act, a companion measure to a bill introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) in May.
PBPC has long been a champion of forward-looking legislation to accelerate U.S. biomanufacturing, open new markets for American farmers, and help strengthen domestic supply chains.
With targeted investments in pilot and demonstration-scale biorefineries, the Ag BIO Act will provide critical infrastructure needed to bring plant-based innovation from the lab to market. The bill’s updates to USDA programs will also foster private-sector investment and broaden the pathway for rural communities to participate in the growing bioeconomy.
The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act will modernize USDA’s BioPreferred Program, improve federal procurement standards to consider product lifespan and long-term efficiency, and direct USDA to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study on the biobased products industry.
PBPC looks forward to working with the bipartisan, bicameral supporters of both bills to ensure final passage, including consideration in potential farm bill action later this year.
Missed Our Latest Webinar with NSCEB Commissioner Dawn Meyerriecks and Primient’s Eric Lee? Watch the Replay Now
On July 23, PBPC hosted a Speaker Series webinar focused on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s (NSCEB) groundbreaking report and its implications for the plant-based products industry.
Featuring insights from NSCEB Commissioner Dawn Meyerriecks and Primient’s Eric Lee, the conversation highlighted how bioproducts and domestic biomanufacturing can reduce reliance on foreign materials, strengthen rural economies, and bolster U.S. national security. Watch the full replay on PBPC.com to learn how your organization can help shape the future of secure, sustainable U.S. manufacturing.
Plant-Based Leaders Blog: Ingredion
In our latest Plant-Based Leaders blog, we spotlight Ingredion, a global ingredients solutions company and founding member of PBPC. Ingredion is helping power the plant-based economy by converting crops like corn, peas, and tapioca into innovative ingredients used in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable materials.
With cutting-edge biomanufacturing facilities across North America and a strong commitment to rural economic development, Ingredion is scaling sustainable solutions and reducing environmental impact, advancing the future of biobased innovation. Learn more about how Ingredion’s leadership and investment are shaping the bioeconomy. Read the full blog post on PBPC.com.
Help Us Advocate for a Stronger Bioeconomy
With the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Ag BIO Act and the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act – in addition to the creation of the BIOTech Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives – now is the time to make your voice heard. PBPC is mobilizing advocates to support this critical legislation, which will modernize USDA’s BioPreferred Program, expand biomanufacturing capacity, drive rural economic growth, and accelerate innovation in sustainable, plant-based products.
If you’re passionate about advancing a circular economy rooted in American agriculture, sign up to be a PBPC advocate and help us show Congress the power and potential of the bioeconomy.
Government Negotiators Kick-Off INC 5.2 Negotiations
UN Plastics Treaty negotiators, industry, NGO observers, and other stakeholders are gathering in Geneva, Switzerland, Aug. 5-14 for the latest round of talks aimed at reaching a global agreement to address plastic pollution. PBPC staff will be present as accredited observers for a portion of the meetings with a focus on opportunities to highlight the role that plant-based plastics can play in reducing traditional plastic use and the economic benefits of biomanufacturing.
Register Now for the Bioinnovations Midwest Conference — PBPC Members Save!
Join industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the upcoming BioInnovations Midwest Conference, where the future of the bioeconomy takes center stage. This event will explore the latest trends in biomanufacturing, sustainability, and the role of agriculture in driving a circular economy.
- Date: Sept. 15-16, 2025
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska
- Register here.
PBPC members receive an exclusive registration discount — don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and help shape what’s next for plant-based products and the bioeconomy. Interested in taking advantage of this member benefit? Email PBPC’s Sydney Van de Meulebroecke to learn more!
PBPC Membership Program
Not a PBPC member yet, but want to take advantage of the great benefits like the discount on the BioInnovations Midwest Conference? Learn more!
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 2024 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 products space. Learn more about what’s ahead for circular innovations.
- M Live: ‘We need better’: Michigan-made pickleball paddles changing game using eco-friendly materials
- Packaging Dive: Packaging innovations: Huhtamaki’s cool cup compostability, UFP goes to crate lengths
Sustainability News & Trends
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.
- Sustainability Magazine: How Estée Lauder is Solidifying ESG Amid Global Pullback
- Sustainable Brands: How Gen Z Ingenuity Is Accelerating Sustainability Action
- Trellis: Beyond ‘good’ and ‘bad’: How to measure corporate sustainability
Government Updates
With the 119th Congress well underway and the Administration’s priorities taking shape, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.
- New York Times: E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm
- Reuters: US reversal on key climate finding spells uncertainty for business
- KFGO Radio: Groups applaud bipartisan Senate introduction of the Ag BIO Act
- ABC News: Public to get chance to weigh in on plastic vs. paper straws under proposed Trump administration rule
- Reuters: Trump administration memo urges countries to reject plastic production caps in UN Treaty
- WNEM: Bill introduced to expand market for farmers, use of renewable materials
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.
- Iowa Capital Dispatch: Cargill expands Eddyville plant to produce a bio-based alternative to petroleum materials
- Des Moines Register: Kim Reynolds joins Ingredion officials in Cedar Rapids to celebrate $50 million expansion
- Packaging Dive: USDA funds packaging innovations for $143B specialty crop export industry
- Plastics Engineering: Certified-Renewable Plastics at Industrial Scale
If you support our mission to promote sustainable, circular solutions through plant-based products, sign up for our newsletter! We’ll keep you updated on our latest initiatives and opportunities for you to get involved.