10/27
PBPC Newsletter October 27, 2023
Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter! If you have friends or colleagues interested in our industry, please let them know to sign up for our newsletter. Then, read on for the latest in PBPC news and activities, as well as some of the amazing innovations, trends, and developments happening right now in the sustainability and bioeconomy world! If you missed our last edition, read the October 13 newsletter here.
REGISTRATION IS LIVE FOR PBPC 2024: CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS
Early bird registration is now open for PBPC’s second annual conference, PBPC 2024: Circular Solutions held in Omaha, NE, from Apr. 8-10, 2024. Mark your calendars today!
PBPC 2024: Circular Solutions will bring members, industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders together in the heart of America’s bioeconomy to discuss today’s bioproducts landscape and what lies ahead for the industry. Register here to receive early bird pricing.
Interested in speaking or know someone with insights to share? Fill out the form here to submit yourself or someone else for consideration.
| WHAT: | PBPC 2024: Circular Solutions |
| WHEN: | Monday, Apr. 8 – Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024 |
| WHERE: | Marriott Downtown, Capitol District, 222 N 10th St., Omaha, NE 68102 |
| WHY: | PBPC 2024: Circular Solutions will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, brand ambassadors, and other stakeholders for panels, keynotes, networking sessions, and more. |
| REGISTRATION: | Register here |
| MORE INFO: | More information here |
| CONTACT: | Keniece Barbee, keniece@pbpc.com |
For a recap of the 2023 PBPC Conference, PBPC 2023: Circular Solutions, visit our website.
PBPC’S LEADERSHIP RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTIONS
PBPC’s Robin Bowen, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, and Jamaica Gayle, Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs, were recognized by two prestigious award programs for their leadership and contributions to the plant-based products industry.
Bowen was named as a finalist for the Leading Association Lobbyist Award by Association TRENDS and CEO Update. Over the past four decades, the Salute to Association Excellence Awards has honored those who have gone above and beyond in their work within the association industry. Winners will be announced in February 2024. Gayle was named a member of the prestigious Forty Under 40 class of 2023 by Association Forum. Association Forum selects industry leaders who demonstrate and embody the spirit of innovation, steadfast leadership, and meaningful contributions to their industries.
To learn more about these recognitions, visit our website.
PBPC’S JAMAICA GAYLE ATTENDS VERGE 23 CONFERENCE
This week, PBPC’s Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Jamaica Gayle attended Greenbiz’s VERGE 23 conference. VERGE 23 is the leading climate tech event accelerating solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. It is the center of gravity for the climate community where leaders from business, government, solution providers, and startups convene to lead discussions on working together to address the climate crisis.
AG BIO ACT INTRODUCED
Yesterday, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act to strengthen the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Products Assistance program. This legislation offers vital support to the development, construction, and retrofitting of pre-commercial biorefineries to support advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products.
The Ag BIO Act promises to:
- Stimulate economic growth in rural America;
- Create new manufacturing and good-paying jobs; and
- Improve circularity in the bioeconomy.
PBPC thanks Senators Klobuchar and Moran for introducing this important bipartisan legislation. Read PBPC’s press release here.
NEW COSPONSOR FOR BIOMANUFACTURING AND JOBS ACT
The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act has gained another cosponsor, Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA). The legislation, which aims to bolster USDA’s BioPreferred program, now has six cosponsors: the original cosponsors, Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO) and Angie Craig (D-MN), as well as Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-IA), James Baird (R-IN), and Hinson.
A Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).
PBPC’S 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 in the industry in the 2022 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. Here are a few of our favorites that provide insights on the industry today and what’s ahead for circular innovations.
GreenBiz: Designing waste to be valuable
Plastics Today: Polyplastics Launches New Materials, Sustainability Initiative at Fakuma
Automotive World: Kia EV3 and EV4 concept models utilize leading-edge sustainable materials to deliver a step change in interior design
SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS & NEWS
As more consumers seek environmentally friendly products, corporations are adapting to meet these demands through more sustainable solutions. Here are some of the top stories covering these trends and providing insights on the latest industry news.
GreenBiz: What’s inside this sleeping bag’s ‘Endless Promise’?
Reuters: Burning questions surround biomass-based carbon removals
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
With environmental reform being a top priority for the Biden Administration, there are constantly new developments in the regulatory space. Here are a few of the top happenings in the Administration, on Capitol Hill, and in the U.S. legal landscape.
Politico: Let’s not waste chance for lasting change in packaging trade
Agri-Pulse: Boozman eyes one-year farm bill extension
Waste 360: Washington State Examines Legislative Measures to Curb Litter, Single-Use Plastics
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.
Braskem: Braskem Adopts Innovative Reinforcement in Polypropylene Auto Part Demonstrator
Danimer Scientific: Danimer CEO Croskrey Talks Bioplastics
Eco-Products: Eco-Products Unveils New Free Program to Help Prevent Contamination in Compost Streams
Ingredion: Consumer demand drives new product innovation in the clean label category
PlantSwitch: Bioplastics plant startup in Sanford lands $17.5M
Storopack: Air Cushion Film From: Storopack