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PBPC Newsletter October 10, 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 Sept. 12 newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
Ensuring Continued Support for America’s Bioeconomy
USDA’s BioPreferred Program, a cornerstone of federal support for the U.S. bioeconomy, expired without reauthorization at the end of September with the conclusion of the 2025 government fiscal year. Since its creation in the 2002 Farm Bill, BioPreferred has played a vital role in growing markets for biobased products, promoting innovation, and supporting rural economies by connecting farmers to new value chains.
Reauthorizing and strengthening the BioPreferred Program is critical to ensuring continued progress toward a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive bioeconomy. Without congressional action, federal procurement direction, certification and labeling programs, and data collection efforts that help U.S. companies compete in domestic and global markets could be unnecessarily at risk.
PBPC urges Congress to act swiftly to reauthorize the BioPreferred Program in the next Farm Bill or other legislation, providing the stability and resources needed to advance U.S. biomanufacturing, expand market access for American farmers, and cement U.S. leadership in the circular bioeconomy.
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck discussed the state of the BioPreferred Program and other issues critical to the future of the ag bioeconomy on a recent episode of Agri-Pulse Open Mic.
White House Highlights Biotechnology in FY 2027 R&D Priorities
The White House has released its FY 2027 Administration Research & Development Budget Priorities, identifying biotechnology and biomanufacturing as key drivers of America’s future competitiveness. The memo emphasizes strengthening domestic biomanufacturing capacity, advancing modular and scalable biobased platforms, and accelerating lab-to-market innovation.
These priorities align closely with PBPC’s mission to expand the U.S. bioeconomy through sustainable, plant-based products. As Congress and federal agencies translate these goals into funding and policy, PBPC will continue advocating for measures like the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and Ag BIO Act to ensure agriculture and biomanufacturing remain central to America’s innovation agenda.
Help Us Advocate for a Stronger Bioeconomy
With growing bipartisan support, including Reps. Jim Baird (R-IN) Ashley Hinson (R-IA) joining as co-sponsors of the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) co-sponsoring the Ag BIO Act, momentum is building for America’s bioeconomy.
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.
PBPC Spotlight: Jamaica Gayle Joins Fermentation Short Course at IBRL
This week, PBPC Senior Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Jamaica Gayle participated in the Fermentation Short Course at the University of Illinois’ Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory. The three-day program covers precision fermentation from bench to pilot scale, including downstream processing, process modeling, and economic and industry perspectives.
Jamaica’s involvement underscores PBPC’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of biomanufacturing and bridging research to real-world applications. By engaging directly with industry practitioners, technology developers, and fermentation experts, she’s helping bring fresh insight and connections back to PBPC’s work.
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck to Highlight Bioeconomy Opportunities at Global Ethanol Summit in DC
Later this month, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck is speaking at the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, DC, an international gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators exploring the future of biobased solutions. Glueck will join global experts to discuss how plant-based products and biomanufacturing can complement the biofuels sector and strengthen the circular bioeconomy.
PBPC is proud to represent the plant-based products industry at this important forum and to help connect global audiences to the promise of America’s growing bioeconomy. Let us know if you’ll be in Washington Oct. 19-22 for the Summit!
PBPC Staff and Members Featured on Industry Panels
PBPC leaders have been on the road for recent engagement with other industry organizations, sharing expertise and advocating for a strong future for the ag bioeconomy.
PBPC Senior Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Jamaica Gayle joined a panel discussion with the National Corn Growers Association and American Chemistry Council to highlight key actions federal agencies can take to accelerate the growth of bioplastics. The panel took place at an event hosted by Applied Market Information on Aug. 26 in Cleveland.
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck served as the moderator for a panel at BioInnovations Midwest that also featured speakers from PBPC members BioLogiQ (Ken Kramer), Braskem (Meredith Bottos), Loliware (Jonathan Plisco), and Sustainea (Matthew Berdy). The panel highlighted the opportunities to scale production of bioproducts from a diversity of plant feedstocks.
PBPC Manager of Bioproducts Policy Sydney Van de Meulebroecke was a featured panelist alongside PBPC Board member Shannon Pinc of NatureWorks during a discussion on composting policy at the BPI Summit on Sept. 17. Glueck also participated in a gathering hosted by the Council on Competitiveness on Sept. 18 in Lafayette, Indiana, near the facilities of PBPC Members Primient and Sustainea.
Coming Up: Bioplastics Week
Bioplastics Week is right around the corner!
Bioplastics Week is an annual social media campaign led by the Plastics Industry Association to raise awareness about the role of bioplastics in driving a more sustainable future. Takingplace Oct. 20–26, the campaign will highlight the benefits of biobased plastics, showcase innovations across industries, and share how these products support the circular bioeconomy.
PBPC is proud to join the conversation and spotlight how plant-based solutions are creating new markets for U.S. farmers and building a more resilient manufacturing sector.
Follow along with #BioplasticsWeek to learn more about the latest developments and opportunities in bioplastics.
Looking Ahead to COP 30
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck and Senior Director of Sustainability Jamaica Gayle will represent the plant-based products industry at COP 30 in Brazil in November. They’ll join global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to highlight how plant-based solutions and the circular bioeconomy can advance environmental goals, drive rural development, and strengthen sustainable manufacturing.
If you’ll be in Brazil for COP 30, we’d love to connect with you.
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 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.
- Sourcing Journal: The Elucent Project Brings Biobased Color from Lab to Factory Floor
- World Bio Market Insights: Aerterra wins Consider Corn Challenge for bio-based air filters
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 into the latest industry news.
- EcoTextile: New project targets bio-based shoe soles
- Packaging Dive: Colgate-Palmolive signs on to AI tool for biomaterials development
- Renewable Carbon: Benefits of Using First-Generation Biomass for Food, Fuels, Chemicals and Derived Materials in Europe
- Sourcing Journal: How Uniqlo Is Mapping Out the ‘Next Era of Clothing’ Through Circularity
Government Updates
With the 119th Congress now at its halfway point and the Administration’s priorities firmly established, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve.
Read more about the latest developments.
- Farm Policy News: Nearly Half of USDA Employees to be Furloughed as Gov’t Shuts Down
- Successful Farming: Trump Considering at Least $10 Billion for Farmer Aid
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.
- Based In Lafayette: Plans advance on Sustainea’s $430M ambition in Lafayette
- Eagle-Tribune: Cargill Introduces Incroflo™ P50 Additive, a Fluoropolymer Replacement for Polyolefin Extrusion
- Quality Assurance Magazine: Kellanova and ADM Wrap Up Two-Year Regenerative Agriculture Program
- Supermarket Perimeter: Ingredion begins using AI to advance innovation
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.