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PBPC Newsletter July 11, 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.

Missed our latest issue? Read the June 13th newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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NSCEB Seeks Input on Future of Industry Regulation

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is soliciting responses to a survey that will inform how the commission suggests a regulatory approach for the future of U.S. biotechnology products.

NSCEB, which rolled out a report in April highlighting the need for American leadership in the global bioeconomy, says its staff is looking for “concrete, actionable ideas across sectors, including defense, industrial products, food, agriculture, and healthcare.” The commission is operating two surveys – one for pharmaceuticals and another focused on industrial, food, agricultural, and other products. NSCEB requests survey responses by July 16.

Stay Tuned: PBPC Speaker Series with NSCEB

PBPC is hosting an upcoming Speaker Series to unpack the NSCEB’s April report. On July 23, we’ll dive into what the report means for U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy, its implications for biomanufacturing, and how stakeholders can collaborate to strengthen supply chain resilience and rural economic opportunities. Attendees will hear from NSCEB Commissioner Dawn Meyerriecks and others on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Stay up to date with the latest, including schedule, speakers, and the opportunity to join the live discussion, by following PBPC’s LinkedIn page.

  • Date: Wednesday, July 23
  • Time: 2 p.m. Eastern
  • Confirmed Speakers: Dawn Meyerriecks, NSCEB, and James Glueck, PBPC
  • Register on PBPC’s LinkedIn page to join the conversation!

Stay tuned for more details! This is a can’t-miss conversation for anyone invested in advancing America’s bioeconomy and bioeconomy future.

Register Today

Congress Launches New Biotech Caucus

The launch of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives – led by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) – marks an important step forward for America’s leadership in the bioeconomy. With strong bipartisan leadership, this new caucus will help raise awareness, foster collaboration, and drive policies that support innovation, strengthen rural economies, and enhance our national security. PBPC applauds this milestone and looks forward to working with these lawmakers and their colleagues to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy.

BioPreferred Program Receiving Fresh Attention

A pair of recent actions in Washington are shining a spotlight on the need for a strong BioPreferred Program and a robust ag bioeconomy.

This week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, a document that “puts America’s farmers, families, and future first – exactly where they belong,” she said in a statement. Among the focus on putting America First across USDA programs are provisions impacting the BioPreferred Program.

The plan calls for a close examination of the companies included in the BioPreferred Program Catalog, which can be utilized to satisfy mandatory federal purchasing requirements, to revoke the BioPreferred Certification for companies located in adversarial countries.

On Capitol Hill, congressional Republicans recently passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a broad reconciliation package to advance many GOP policy priorities, but the measure was unable to extend authorization for the BioPreferred Program due to technical limitations within the Senate budget rules.

In a statement following the Senate passage of the bill, PBPC welcomed the support for American producers included in the bill but expressed frustration with the removal of the BioPreferred Program from the final package.

“While we appreciate Congress’s continued support for agricultural producers, we’re deeply concerned about the uncertainty facing USDA’s BioPreferred Program,” said James Glueck, PBPC Executive Director. “For more than two decades, this bipartisan program has successfully driven American manufacturing job creation while strengthening markets for farm commodities. At a time when rural communities need economic opportunity and America needs supply chain resilience, we cannot afford to let this proven program languish. We urge congressional leaders to act swiftly on reauthorization and modernization that will unlock the full potential of our bioeconomy.”

PBPC will continue championing policies that advance the bioeconomy and deliver economic growth for rural communities and American manufacturers.

Request For Information on National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on the development of a National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. OSTP is looking for input from the public regarding federal programs and activities that are set to advance U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. Responses, which can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, are due by Sept. 30.

PBPC, CRA Host Intern Networking Luncheon

On July 10, PBPC joined the Corn Refiners Association to host a DC Ag Intern Lunch and Learn to educate the next generation of ag and food policy leaders on the life cycle of plant-based products. In addition to remarks from CRA and PBPC staff, the luncheon’s keynote speaker was Dan Martens, vice president of Novamont North America, who offered his expertise in compostable packaging and food waste reduction.

Martens discussed his career path in the bioplastics industry, along with his experiences in USDA-funded research, municipal consulting, and hands-on education.

PBPC Executive Director James Glueck discusses the Plant Based Products Council with the D.C. Ag Intern Network.
Dan Martens of Novamont gave a presentation on compostable products and composting.
More than two dozen interns joined PBPC and CRA for the luncheon.

Help Us Advocate for a Stronger Bioeconomy

With the bipartisan introduction of the Ag BIO Act and 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 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.

Plant-Based Leaders Blog: LOLIWARE

In our latest Plant-Based Leaders blog, we highlight Sea Briganti, founder and CEO of Loliware, and Catherine Greener, the company’s chief impact officer. As a founding member of PBPC, Loliware is committed to transforming the future of sustainable products through its work in replacing petroleum-based plastics with seaweed-derived resins that are “designed to disappear.”

Learn more about how Loliware’s innovation and dedication are shaping the future of biobased materials. Read the full blog post on PBPC.com.

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 this discount and other benefits of PBPC membership? Contact 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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