Showing 1–20 of 529
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nova-paper #17: Science-based Definition of Natural Polymers (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
22 Pages
99 Downloads99 Downloads
2024-09
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DownloadsEuropean policy has defined „natural polymers“ in a way that has caused much concern and debate among scientists and industry, and has created a barrier to innovation. The authors of this report have carried out a comprehensive scientific evaluation of how the scientific literature defines „natural polymers“, and the result is: The European policy definition is partly in clear contrast to the scientific definitions.
„Occurring in nature“ is the basis for every definition of „natural polymers“ in the scientific literature and in policy. All scientific definitions include biotechnological processes for the production of natural polymers. Not a single definition mentions the place of polymerisation as a criterion – in clear contrast to European policy. Industrial practice confirms this finding: A long list of widely accepted natural polymers includes biotechnologically processed polymers and the place of polymerisation is not a criterion.
Conclusion: A policy definition of „natural polymers“ that is at odds with almost all scientific definitions and at odds with business reality, and which is a major barrier to innovation, green investment and lower carbon footprints, needs to be revised.
The essence of the scientific definitions evaluated in this report is simple and leads to the following proposed definition: „Natural polymers are those that occur in nature, are produced in and extracted from nature, or can be produced identically using biotechnological processes“. -
European Bioeconomy in Figures 2014–2021 (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
29 Pages
181 Downloads181 Downloads
2024-09
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DownloadsThe bioeconomy in the European Union is a strong contributor to the overall economy and accounts for over 16 million employees and more than 2.3 trillion Euro in turnover across all 27 Member States. In terms of turnover almost half of the 2.3 trillion Euro can be attributed to the food and feed industries, which remain a large part of the EU bioeconomy. Adding to this are the agriculture and forestry sectors providing primary biomass to bioeconomic processes. However, the sectors processing these feedstocks and manufacturing intermediate and end-use products, collectively referred to as the bio-based industries, find themselves contributing on a stable level to the overall bioeconomy and account for almost a third of the overall turnover.
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Swift implementation of EU biotech and biomanufacturing initiative is key to strengthen EU competitiveness and accelerate defossilisation (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
3 Pages
85 Downloads85 Downloads
2024-09
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DownloadsThe Renewable Carbon Initiative’s position paper emphasizes that the EU must swiftly implement its biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiative to accelerate the shift from fossil carbon to renewable sources and boost competitiveness. The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) highlights three key actions:
1.) Align with Circular Economy Policies: Ensure consistency across EU initiatives to promote renewable carbon from biomass, recycling, and CCU.
2.) Boost Market Demand: Address the lack of demand for renewable feedstocks by implementing policies to make fossil alternatives less competitive.
3.) Enable Fossil-to-Renewable Transition: Repurposing current fossil-based manufacturing to use renewable feedstocks. Clear sustainability criteria, access to various biomass sources, and broader definitions of biomanufacturing processes are essential to achieving this transition.
These actions are vital for achieving net-zero goals and strengthening EU industry.
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Biodegradable Polymers in Various Environments According to Established Standards and Certification Schemes – Graphic (PDF, current version)
NewSustainability & Health
1 Page
808 Downloads808 Downloads
2024-08
FREE
808
DownloadsThird update of the well-known poster showing biodegradable polymers in different environments according to established standards and certification schemes.
The expert group met again this year to discuss the latest scientific evidence in the field of biodegradable polymers in order to make meaningful changes to the poster. The generic classification on the poster is only supported by tests performed in the context of certification. Therefore, the expert group decided to include the biodegradability of polycaprolactone (PCL) in additional environments: soil, freshwater, marine and anaerobic conditions. In addition, a new certification for marine biodegradability has been published by DIN CERTCO in 2023, based on ISO 22403, the standard that provides requirements for marine biodegradability, and is now mentioned on the poster. A new poster design and a more precise definition of biodegradation and biodegradability complete the update for this year.
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Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook (PDF) – Short Version
NewMarkets & Economy, Technology
20 Pages
562 Downloads562 Downloads
2024-07
FREE
562
DownloadsFor the defossilisation of the chemical industry, it is crucial to find alternatives to fossil-based naphtha. The “alternative naphtha” concept makes use of existing refinery, steam cracking and chemical industry infrastructure where a proportion of fossil-based feedstocks – crude oil or fossil-based naphthas can be replaced by renewable carbon alternatives derived from the three sources of renewable carbon: CO2, biomass and recycling.
This new report by nova-Institute presents an analysis of the routes, associated technologies, market players and volumes by which renewable carbon can be introduced to refinery and steam cracking operations as replacement for fossil based feedstocks.
With 188 pages, 22 tables and illustrated by 48 graphics the report provides a comprehensive view on the growth in capacity for these alternative sources of naphtha as chemical industry feedstock, production routes and the need for “upgrading”, key companies and partnerships and the regulatory environment.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/JICP8041
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Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Technology
188 Pages
2024-07
2,500 € – 9,000 € ex. tax
Plus 19% MwSt.
licenceFor the defossilisation of the chemical industry, it is crucial to find alternatives to fossil-based naphtha. The “alternative naphtha” concept makes use of existing refinery, steam cracking and chemical industry infrastructure where a proportion of fossil-based feedstocks – crude oil or fossil-based naphthas can be replaced by renewable carbon alternatives derived from the three sources of renewable carbon: CO2, biomass and recycling.
This new report by nova-Institute presents an analysis of the routes, associated technologies, market players and volumes by which renewable carbon can be introduced to refinery and steam cracking operations as replacement for fossil based feedstocks.
With 188 pages, 22 tables and illustrated by 48 graphics the report provides a comprehensive view on the growth in capacity for these alternative sources of naphtha as chemical industry feedstock, production routes and the need for “upgrading”, key companies and partnerships and the regulatory environment.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/JICP8041
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Towards an ambitious Industrial Carbon Management for the EU – A Call for Speedy and Coherent Implementation of Policy Measures (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
3 Pages
210 Downloads210 Downloads
2024-07
FREE
210
DownloadsThe Renewable Carbon Initiative’s position paper emphasizes the need for a comprehensive industrial carbon management strategy in the EU that goes beyond CO2 emissions to include all carbon sources, promoting the use of renewable carbon from biomass, CCU, and recycling. It calls for the establishment of a regulatory framework with specific sub-targets and incentives by 2025 to accelerate the adoption of circular carbon technologies and reduce dependence on fossil feedstocks. The paper argues that recognising carbon as a raw material is essential for achieving sustainable carbon cycles and meeting the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
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Renewable Materials Conference 2024 (Proceedings, PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
2024-06
200 € ex. tax
Plus 19% MwSt.Press
release Add to
cartThe proceedings of the Renewable Materials Conference 2024 (11-13 June 2024, https://renewable-materials.eu) contain all released presentations, the conference journal, and the press release of the three winners of the Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2024″.
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Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics Industries in China (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
71 Pages
2024-05
1,500 € – 8,000 € ex. tax
Plus 19% MwSt.Press
release Select
licenceChina has emerged as a global leader in strategic technologies such as 5G, renewable energy, and electric vehicles in the past two decades. This dominance may leave European companies impressed and concerned about competition while also sparking curiosity about China’s leapfrogging advancement in these areas.
Paving the way to a net-zero chemical industry in 2060, using renewable biomass to produce bio-based chemicals has been one of the promising transitional solutions for the global chemical industry. As China and Europe strive to follow this path, a similar question may exist within the European chemical industry: What is the status of the bio-based industry in China? Can China and Europe find a cooperative and win-win way to develop this industry?
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Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics Industries in China – Short Version (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
14 Pages
537 Downloads537 Downloads
2024-05
FREE
537
DownloadsChina has emerged as a global leader in strategic technologies such as 5G, renewable energy, and electric vehicles in the past two decades. This dominance may leave European companies impressed and concerned about competition while also sparking curiosity about China’s leapfrogging advancement in these areas.
Paving the way to a net-zero chemical industry in 2060, using renewable biomass to produce bio-based chemicals has been one of the promising transitional solutions for the global chemical industry. As China and Europe strive to follow this path, a similar question may exist within the European chemical industry: What is the status of the bio-based industry in China? Can China and Europe find a cooperative and win-win way to develop this industry?
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RCI Position Paper on Chemical and Physical Recycling (PDF)
NewPolicy, Technology
4 Pages
742 Downloads742 Downloads
2024-05
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DownloadsIn this position paper, the RCI describes that chemical and physical recycling play essential roles in realising the objectives of the Green Deal and advancing the circular economy. These technologies are indispensable for the green transition.
This position paper identifies eleven requirements to create secure demand, drive investment and further improve the technology field. These include general acceptance of the technology; mandatory recycled content for all polymers/plastics in all applications; recognition and clarification of rules for the calculation of recycling rates; full acceptance of mass balance & attribution with fuel-use excluded; accelerated approval of new chemical and physical recycling facilities; expansion of recycling infrastructure for all sectors beyond packaging; and the extension of CO2 pricing for waste incineration in the ETS combined with a landfill ban.
Additionally, RCI advocates for a pragmatic approach, emphasising that while closed-loop recycling is a noble goal for sectors such as packaging, textiles and automobiles, it should not be approached too dogmatically. Flexibility is essential to prevent environmental and economic inefficiencies. If the waste stream of one sector can be better used in another, this should be possible.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) as Feedstock for Chemicals, Advanced Fuels, Polymers, Proteins and Minerals (PDF)
NewMarkets & Economy, Technology
242 Pages
2023-04
2,500 € – 10,000 € ex. tax
Plus 19% MwSt.Press
release Select
licenceNew report on the use of CO₂ for chemicals, advanced fuels, polymers, proteins and minerals by nova-Institute – A deep and comprehensive insight into the evolving technologies, trends and the dynamically growing market of CO₂ transformation and utilisation.
Several successfully implemented technologies are now in commercial use, and many more are at the laboratory and pilot stage. A current total production capacity of novel CO₂-based products of about 1.3 Mt/a in 2022 is observed. The production capacity in 2022 is dominated by the production of CO₂-based aromatic polycarbonates, ethanol from captured CO/CO₂, aliphatic polycarbonate and methanol. By 2030, the capacity outlook for CO₂-based products is expected to exceed 6 Mt/a of CO₂-based products. High dynamic growth is observed for methanol projects, methane plants, ethanol and hydrocarbons – the latter especially for the aviation sector. The potential of CCU has been recognised by several global brands which are already expanding their feedstock portfolio. However, in Europe, investments and prospects for CO₂ utilisation are largely undermined by a lack of political support. In contrast, we see supportive policies in China as well as in the US with the Inflation Reduction Act. Such smart policies are needed to bridge the gap between now and 2050 for companies to remain competitive in the sustainable transformation.nova-Institute’s new report examines this renewable carbon source in detail: Which products can be made from CO₂, and by which processes? To which extend have the technologies already been developed and implemented in pilot, demonstration and commercial plants? Which companies are working on technologies to uses CO₂ as a feedstock? What are the trends in CO₂ utilisation in the coming years?
This report addresses the fuel, chemical and materials industries, brands, technology scouts, investors, and policy makers. The report provides 240 pages of information on CO₂ utilisation. All the 116 companies mentioned are described in detailed profiles.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/HKBS8158
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nova-Institute: Science-based Consultancy on Renewable Carbon for Chemicals and Materials (PDF)
6 Pages
280 Downloads280 Downloads
2024-09
FREE
280
Downloads -
Biodegradable Polymers in Various Environments According to Established Standards and Certification Schemes – Graphic (PNG, current version)
Sustainability & Health
1 Page
280 Downloads280 Downloads
2024-08
FREE
280
DownloadsThird update of the well-known poster showing biodegradable polymers in different environments according to established standards and certification schemes.
The expert group met again this year to discuss the latest scientific evidence in the field of biodegradable polymers in order to make meaningful changes to the poster. The generic classification on the poster is only supported by tests performed in the context of certification. Therefore, the expert group decided to include the biodegradability of polycaprolactone (PCL) in additional environments: soil, freshwater, marine and anaerobic conditions. In addition, a new certification for marine biodegradability has been published by DIN CERTCO in 2023, based on ISO 22403, the standard that provides requirements for marine biodegradability, and is now mentioned on the poster. A new poster design and a more precise definition of biodegradation and biodegradability complete the update for this year.
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Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) Webinar slides – July 2024 (PDF)
Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
60 Pages
150 Downloads150 Downloads
2024-07
FREE
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DownloadsThis document contains a generic set of slides to introduce the concept of renewable carbon and the Renewable Carbon Initiative. The focus of this webinar is the work and impact of the RCI. Moreover, Arndt Scheidgen, Head of Product Stewardship at Henkel Consumer Brands joined the webinar to give insights as an industry leader.
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Joint Statement PEF TAB – biogenic carbon modelling (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
4 Pages
203 Downloads203 Downloads
2024-06
FREE
203
DownloadsThe RCI along with the organisations APAG Oleochemicals Europe, Bio-based Industries Consortium, BioChem Europe, EuropaBio, GO!PHA, IKT Kunststofftechnik Stuttgart and Plastics Europe submitted this Joint Statement to the members of the Technical Advisory Boyard of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF TAB). The purpose of this submission is to address the ongoing discussions on carbon modelling in the EF, which have been frequently discussed in recent PEF TAB meetings. With this joint statement we advocate for enabling -1/+1 accounting of biogenic and atmospheric carbon in the LCA methodology.
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Mass Balance & Attribution With Fuel-use Excluded (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
1 Page
140 Downloads140 Downloads
2024-06
FREE
140
DownloadsThe graphic shows the approach of mass balance and attribution with fuel-use excluded which allows to track the fossil and recycled share of feedstock. The recycled content can be attributed to products after deducting lossess and proess energy during production and, if applicable, produced energy carriers (fuel-use excluded). This approach ensures that a transparent amount of fossil feedstock is replaced by recycled feedstock in the production process and that only recycled feedstock that actually ends up in products can be attributed.
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Ein Plädoyer für Carbon Capture and Utilisation – Carbon Capture and Utilisation ist viel mehr als nur eine Technologie zur Entnahme von Kohlenstoffdioxid (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
4 Pages
157 Downloads157 Downloads
2024-06
FREE
157
DownloadsZur Eindämmung des Klimawandels ist eine drastische Reduzierung fossiler Kohlenstoffemissionen erforderlich. Während Energie- und Verkehrssysteme dekarbonisiert werden können, benötigen Chemie- und Werkstoffsektoren Kohlenstoff als Rohstoff. Diese Sektoren sollten auf erneuerbaren Kohlenstoff aus Biomasse, CCU und Recycling umsteigen, wie von der Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) gefördert.
CCU bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, darunter die Defossilisierung der Industrie und die Reduzierung der Treibhausgasemissionen.
Trotz ihrer Bedeutung wird CCU politisch noch nicht ausreichend anerkannt. Eine stärkere Unterstützung und der Einsatz erneuerbarer Energien sind notwendig, um CCU als Schlüssel- technologie für eine nachhaltige Zukunft zu etablieren.
Weitere Informationen:
https://www.chemanager-online.com/news/ein-plaedoyer-fuer-carbon-capture-and-utilisation
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Breaking news – Milestone for the Transition to Sustainable Carbon in the European Chemical Industry (PDF)
Policy
4 Pages
76 Downloads76 Downloads
2024-05
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DownloadsOn 16 April 2024, a major milestone was reached in the European chemical industry’s transition to sustainable carbon.
A group of four EU member states – the Netherlands, France, Ireland and the Czech Republic – are proposing an overarching long-term European policy framework to the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, who has warmly welcomed the initiative. The joint statement aims to achieve a transition from fossil to sustainable carbon feedstocks in the chemical industry.
More supportive Member States are expected to join this proposal soon, as it provides a clear pathway without alternative to ensure the transition towards a modern and globally competitive chemical industry in Europe – which at the same time can also achieve sustainability and net-zero targets. The Joint Statement is a milestone and a significant opportunity to limit Europe’s external dependencies while moving closer to our European climate and environmental goals.
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Call for Member States to support an EU Sustainable Carbon Policy Package as a part of a future green EU Industrial Deal (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
2 Pages
187 Downloads187 Downloads
2024-05
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DownloadsThe signatories of this proposal urge Member States to support the EU Sustainable Carbon Policy Package for the 2024-2029 term of the European Commission.
The Netherlands, the Czech Republic, France, and Ireland are advocating for an EU Sustainable Carbon Policy Package to transition the chemicals sector from fossil carbon to sustainable sources. This proposal, to be discussed at the Competitiveness Council on May 24, aims to enhance EU competitiveness, achieve climate targets, and secure raw material supplies by developing sustainable carbon markets and promoting innovative technologies. The initiative aligns with the Antwerp Declaration, the Enrico Letta Report, and the European Council Conclusions, and seeks to support job creation, industry growth, and climate neutrality.