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PBPC Newsletter February 14th, 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 January 10th 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 May 6-7 in Washington, DC!

Join us for opportunities to explore the latest on 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 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!

CONGRATULATIONS TO AGRICULTURE SECRETARY BROOKE ROLLINS

PBPC congratulates Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on her appointment to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Following her confirmation to be the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released the following statement:

“The plant-based products industry has a great history of partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and PBPC is enthusiastic to see Brooke Rollins continue that tradition of support. Her bipartisan confirmation comes at a critical time for the ag bioeconomy as we advance solutions that provide markets for American farmers, increase domestic manufacturing and jobs in rural communities, and offer innovative options that meet consumers’ demands. Our industry stands ready to work alongside the Trump Administration in its efforts to improve the farm economy and foster our country’s great strengths of innovation and manufacturing.”

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON PLASTIC STRAW USE

On Feb. 10, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cease the federal purchasing of paper straws, instead preferring plastic alternatives.

This order mandates that all executive departments and agencies stop buying and supplying paper straws in federal agency buildings. Additionally, the executive order calls for developing a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws within 45 days of its signing. The strategy is expected to address how to eliminate federal policies “designed to disfavor plastic straws,” contract terms to further the use of plastic straws among federal partners, and other tools available to achieve the policy change.

Neither the executive order nor an accompanying White House fact sheet reference the potential of bio-based products to meet demand for consumer goods while still addressing the use of conventional plastics.

GLUECK TO JOIN USDA AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK FORUM

PBPC’s Executive Director, James Glueck, will join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s 101st Agricultural Outlook Forum as a panelist on February 27-28. This year’s annual USDA gathering will focus on “Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges, Today,” and Glueck will share his perspective on the solutions delivered by the ag bioeconomy. Glueck’s panel will focus on sustainable food packaging solutions and is scheduled for February 28 at 10 a.m. EST.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, a featured speaker at the 2024 Circular Solutions Conference, is also scheduled to join the event as the Feb. 27 dinner speaker.

To learn more about the forum or register to attend visit the 2025 Forum Website.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: NATIONAL BIOPRODUCTS DAY: March 8th

National Biobased Products Day logo

National Bioproducts 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.

National Bioproducts Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th. Be sure to watch for more from PBPC about ways to join the celebration!

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR 2027 NAICS UPDATE RECOMMENDATIONS

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), on behalf of the Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC), has initiated a review of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for potential structure or content revisions to be made as part of a 2027 update.

NAICS is a standardized system used by businesses and government agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to classify industries based on their primary economic activity. PBPC plans to submit comments encouraging the NAICS revision to better categorize and track biomanufacturing products.

The deadline for public input, which can be submitted online, is February 18th.

PBPC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

PBPC is thrilled to welcome two new members, Bluestem Biosciences and Sustainea, to our coalition!

Bluestem uses programmable anaerobic biology to make renewable chemicals using agricultural feedstocks.

Sustainea is revolutionizing the bottles and textiles market through innovation in renewable chemicals.

We’re excited to work with Bluestem and Sustainea in continuing to advance the circular bioeconomy. Interested in learning more about PBPC membership? Contact PBPC’s Keniece Barbee.

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.

Forbes: Why Sustainability Is Critical For Business Success In 2025 (And The Data To Prove It)

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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