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PBPC Newsletter November 10, 2026
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 last issue? Read the Oct. 13 newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
New PBPC Research Shows Staying Power of Plant-Based Product Demand
Americans’ interest in plant-based products, and support for the policies that grow the bioeconomy, continue to increase. Our 2026 Consumer Trends Research, conducted by Cygnal, found 87% of consumers view plant-based products favorably, marking four consecutive years of growth. Familiarity has also climbed from 56% in 2020 to 75% today as consumers increasingly recognize the renewable materials used in everyday products.
As awareness grows, Americans also see value in making more of these products here at home. Three-quarters of consumers agree that expanding domestic production strengthens national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Consumers also recognize the benefits for American farmers and rural communities, including new markets for U.S.-grown crops.
This support reinforces the case for bipartisan legislation to help American farmers and manufacturers meet sustained consumer demand by strengthening domestic production and creating new markets for U.S.-grown crops. Among consumers surveyed, 73% support federal production incentives, such as the PBPC-endorsed Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act.
Explore the highlights of PBPC’s 2026 Consumer Trends Research.
Looking for even more in-depth findings? PBPC members receive exclusive insights from our annual research. Visit our website or reach out to PBPC’s Keniece Barbee to learn about becoming a PBPC member.
PBPC Brings the Bioeconomy to COP31
PBPC will participate in COP31 this month, highlighting how plant-based products can advance climate solutions, strengthen rural economies, and create new opportunities for agriculture and manufacturing.
On Nov. 14, the “Advancing the Bioeconomy for Resilience and Economic Growth” panel will explore how policy and market development can support growth across the biobased product value chain, from agricultural production to manufacturing and everyday applications.
On Nov. 14, the ” Building Resilience Through Regional Innovation” event will highlight how regions are strengthening supply chains, modernizing infrastructure, and building on local strengths to create more resilient economies.
On Nov. 18, the “How Agriculture is Increasing Resilience, Mitigating Emissions and Improving Farm Productivity” discussion will showcase research, case studies, and practical approaches to reducing emissions, improving environmental outcomes, and meeting growing demand for renewable materials and food.
Through these discussions and other activities, PBPC will highlight the plant-based products industry’s role in connecting agricultural innovation with climate action and economic growth.
Heading to COP31? We’d love to see you there! Reach out to Jamaica Gayle to find a time to connect with our team.
Midterm Elections Create New Congressional Dynamic
Sweeping changes are coming to Washington following midterm election results that will create Democratic majorities on Capitol Hill.
In addition to new parties in control of the House and Senate, the results of the midterm elections will bring changes to the leadership and makeup of the Agriculture Committees and other Committees in the next Congress. These changes will take shape in the coming weeks, helping set the agenda for agriculture, tax, and manufacturing policy when the 120th Congress convenes in January.
Lame Duck: What’s Next for America’s Bioeconomy?
While election results continue to come in, the 119th Congress still has unfinished business. Lawmakers return to Washington this week with less than two months to act on legislation affecting American agriculture and manufacturing. Here’s what we’re watching for the ag bioeconomy:
- Farm Bill: While members of Congress hit the final stretches of the campaign trail, Agriculture Committee staff have been holding informal “pre-conference” talks over the recess to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills. That groundwork could help move a five-year Farm Bill toward the finish line, though significant policy disagreements and limited floor time remain hurdles.
- Government funding: With funding set to expire Dec. 11, lawmakers must reach a spending agreement or pass another temporary extension. These negotiations will shape resources for agricultural research, rural development, and biomanufacturing. Securing reliable funding and authority for USDA’s BioPreferred Program remains a top PBPC priority.
- Defense legislation: The annual National Defense Authorization Act offers another potential opportunity to advance biotechnology and domestic biomanufacturing priorities. We’ll be watching negotiations for provisions affecting supply chain resilience and U.S. competitiveness.
- Tax legislation: PBPC will continue making the case for the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act to help companies scale production here at home. While lame-duck action on tax policy is unlikely, PBPC will continue efforts to educate lawmakers about the importance of strong domestic ag bioeconomy infrastructure to ensure the momentum for the issue generated in the 119th Congress continues into the 120th Congress.
Recent election outcomes will help shape how much lawmakers tackle now and what they leave for the next Congress. PBPC will continue advocating for policies that strengthen American agriculture and grow domestic biomanufacturing throughout the lame-duck session and into the new year.
Get Involved: Tell Senators to Pass the Farm Bill for a Stronger Bioeconomy
With Congress returning to Washington, the lame-duck session offers a final opportunity to pass a five-year Farm Bill before the end of the year and provide stability for America’s farmers and agricultural bioeconomy.
Thanks to the advocacy of PBPC and our members, the Senate Farm Bill includes key priorities to establish consistent bioeconomy terminology, strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, and renew grant support to help bring biorefinery and renewable chemical projects to commercial scale. Now, we need your help getting these priorities across the finish line.
Tell your Senators to pass a Farm Bill this year that strengthens American agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation.
PBPC MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Not a PBPC member yet, but want to learn more?
All PBPC members receive a variety of benefits that provide their organization with 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 our 2025 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.
- Axios Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh startup swaps plastic pill bottles for paper
- Fast Company: This startup is turning fallen leaves into biodegradable plastic
- Packaging Dive: TemperPack CEO talks biomaterial R&D with Cruz Foam acquisition
- World Bio Market Insights: UC Davis and Mango Materials work to cut methane bioplastic costs
- CNN: Coffee’s new status symbol is a machine without plastic
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.
- Packaging Dive: CNG makes a case for food-grade PCR
- Packaging Insights: EU weighs bio-based plastic packaging targets under PPWR review
- Packaging Insights: Aldi and Pact boost recycled content to 50% in household packaging
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
With the midterm elections behind us and the 119th Congress coming to a close at the end of the year, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.
- DTN Progressive Farmer: Judge Weighs USDA’s Need for Congressional Approval to Reorganize, Vaden Prepares for Appeal
- Farm News Media: The farm bill expires — again: Congress focused on mid-term elections
- Brownfield Ag News: Boozman: Farm Bill still has a chance in lame duck session
- Plastics News: Blue wave in midterms will elevate plastics environmental laws
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 few weeks.
- Food Infotech: Eurobrillance, NatureWorks and Partners Develop Bio-Based Food Packaging
- Grain Journal: Roquette, Royal Canin Partner on Regenerative Agriculture
- Packaging Insights: UPM, Ingredion and Paramelt advance starch-based barrier for recyclable paper packaging
- Ag Funder News: iPROOF facility aims to bridge biotech’s valley of death
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.