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 Jan. 9, newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
Save the Date: National Biobased Products Day — March 8, 2026
On March 8, the bioeconomy community comes together to celebrate National Biobased Products Day, an annual awareness day dedicated to highlighting the value and diversity of products made from renewable, plant-based materials. National Biobased Products Day spotlights the many benefits of biobased products, from lowering environmental impacts to creating new economic opportunities, especially in rural America. The celebration also underscores the importance of USDA’s BioPreferred Program and the growing role of biobased innovation in national security interests and supporting jobs across the supply chain.
Stay tuned for more on how PBPC and our members will mark the day and how you can join the conversation to elevate the plant-based economy!
Get Involved: Protect USDA’s BioPreferred Program
USDA’s BioPreferred Program is a voluntary certification program that promotes federal procurement of biobased products and sends strong market signals to grow America’s bioeconomy. The program offers essential resources to businesses with biobased products to promote the development of innovative products made from the hard work of farmers, creating market opportunities for growers, driving new income in rural communities, and offering transparency to consumers.
USDA recently announced funding to maintain operations of the BioPreferred Program through fiscal year 2026, and PBPC appreciates the hard work of many people who helped make that happen. But long-term certainty is needed. Without dedicated funding, the BioPreferred Program is at risk, shutting the door on innovation and hitting pause on the growth of this sector at a time when our global competitors are ramping up investments in ag biomanufacturing.
The House Agriculture Committee is expected to markup Farm Bill language in the coming weeks; PBPC anticipates the bill will provide multiyear support and modernization of the BioPreferred Program.
Tell Congress to support consistent, long-term funding so this vital work can continue. A thriving bioeconomy depends on certainty and reliable commitments from policymakers.
Save the Date: PBPC’s 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit
Mark your calendars! PBPC’s 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit will take place May 12–13 in Washington, D.C. Join PBPC members and other stakeholders to hear from Ag Bioeconomy champions in the federal government, from Capitol Hill, and throughout the industry.
We are also excited to announce our first-ever Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Award, which will recognize outstanding legislative leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the plant-based products industry and the broader ag bioeconomy. This award will be presented during the PBPC Capitol Hill reception on Tuesday, May 12. This reception is open to all registered attendees.
Registration is now available! To register, please use this LINK.
Interested in learning more about the event? Check out our latest agenda, which includes events limited to PBPC members and open to other supporters of the ag bioeconomy.
Interested in experiencing the full agenda and the other benefits of PBPC membership? Check out PBPC.com.
Interested in being a sponsor? Please reach out to keniece@pbpc.com.
PBPC at U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s International Conference
PBPC is participating in the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s 23rd International Marketing Conference and Membership Meeting Feb. 11–13 in Panama City, Panama. The annual gathering convenes global leaders across agriculture, biofuels, and bioproducts to discuss market development, trade opportunities, and the future of the bioeconomy. PBPC was pleased to contribute to the conversation by sharing perspectives on the growing role of plant‑based products in advancing markets and international trade.
PBPC team members participated in several discussions, including:
- PBPC’s Senior Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Jamaica Gayle presented an overview of the global ag bioeconomy and highlighted country-level policies supporting its growth with the Innovation & Sustainability Advisory Team.
- PBPC’s Executive Director James Glueck participated in a panel highlighting emerging sectors for ethanol and focused on opportunities for chemical production. He also presented to the Ethanol Advisory Team on green chemicals.
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.
- Packaging Insights: SmartSolve debuts bio-based film for consumer packaging
- Plastics Today: Bluetti Debuts Portable Power Station With Bio-based Polycarbonate Housing at CES 2026
- SciWorthy: Unzipping bamboo to make better plastics
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.
- World Biomarket Insights: BEAM Circular launches $2.2 M fund to boost California’s bioeconomy
- AgDaily: Study: Farm waste could lock away carbon for decades
- Trellis: To get consumers to engage on sustainability, focus on health
- Recycling Today: New Chair Elected at INC-5.3
Government Updates
With the 119th Congress nearly halfway done and the Trump 2.0 Administration closing out its first year, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.
- Successful Farming: House Ag Chair Aiming for Late February Farm Bill 2.0
- The National Law Review: USDA Will Update BioPreferred Program “to Put American Producers First”
- Bloomberg Government: Biotech Eyed as Key National Security Capability in Defense Law
- Ethanol Producer Magazine: USDA updates research and development priorities for 2026
- The National Law Review: NSCEB Paper Outlines Policy Options to Modernize Oversight of Biotechnology Products
- U.S. Senate: Senators Coons, Ricketts introduce bipartisan bill to boost bio-manufacturing and expand markets for renewable chemicals
- Recycling Today: PACK Act introduced to Congress
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.
- Chemical Processing: Kemvera, Formerly New Iridium, Completes FEL-1 Design for Bio-Based Chemicals Plant
- Food & Drink International: Cargill deploys first green methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier
- World Grain: ADM, Ingredion named to Fortune’s most admired list
- Recycling Today: Eco-Products to launch environmentally responsible packaging products in UK
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.
The post PBPC Newsletter February 12, 2026 appeared first on Plant Based Products Council.
