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 April 11th newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
AG BIO ACT INTRODUCED IN HOUSE
Some of PBPC’s top legislative priorities took an important step this week with the bipartisan reintroduction of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act.
Ag Bioeconomy champions and House Agriculture Committee members Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) reintroduced the legislation on Wednesday. This bipartisan bill aims to strengthen America’s bioeconomy and increase U.S. competitiveness in biomanufacturing. The bill supports American farmers by offering new markets for raw materials from agricultural sources such as corn, soy, and algae, accelerating the transition to more sustainable, domestic materials and technologies.
The Ag BIO Act is a critical step toward enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the growing biomanufacturing sector, supporting rural economic development, and promoting innovation. PBPC applauds the reintroduction of this legislation and looks forward to working with policymakers to advance these important initiatives. Upon reintroduction of the bill, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released a statement:
“We’re at a pivotal moment for the American bioeconomy, and the Ag BIO Act provides the critical tools this sector needs to scale up production of homegrown, plant-based solutions. We are grateful to ag bioeconomy champions on Capitol Hill for their strategic vision to introduce bipartisan legislation that will elevate U.S. leadership in biomanufacturing, create resilient supply chains, and open new markets for American farmers and innovators.”
PBPC MEMBER MEETING RECAP
Earlier this week, PBPC members gathered in Washington, D.C., to champion the future of the plant-based products industry through high-impact meetings with lawmakers, agency officials, congressional staff, and fellow leaders in the ag bioeconomy.
The fly-in coincided with the reintroduction of the Ag BIO Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, giving members a timely platform to advocate for policies that support domestic biomanufacturing, rural economic growth, strong markets for American farmers, and continued innovation. We’re grateful to our members for making their voices heard and helping advance a policy environment that unlocks the full potential of plant-based products.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PBPC has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking a significant year as the organization celebrated its fifth anniversary. The report underscores PBPC’s continued efforts to advance the plant-based products industry through policy advocacy, consumer education, and global engagement.
Key Highlights include:
- Policy Advocacy: PBPC played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around the Farm Bill. PBPC also engaged in federal rulemaking processes and represented the industry at international forums, including COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Consumer Engagement: Through initiatives like the PBPC Speaker Series and the Plant Based Leaders Blog, PBPC amplified the voices of industry innovators and highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of plant-based products.
- Industry Collaboration: The “Circular Solutions” conference brought together stakeholders from across the value chain, emphasizing the impact of plant-based products on rural communities and the broader economy.
For a comprehensive overview of PBPC’s initiatives and achievements in 2024, read the full report at PBPC.com.
HELP US ADVOCATE FOR A STRONGER BIOECONOMY
With the bipartisan introduction of the Ag BIO Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, now is the time to make your voice heard. 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.
PLANT-BASED LEADERS BLOG: AIRABLE RESEARCH LAB
In our latest Plant-Based Leaders blog, we spotlight Airable Research Lab’s Founder and Chief Laboratory Officer, Barry McGraw. Airable, an R&D initiative of the Ohio Soybean Council, is dedicated to transforming soybeans into innovative, sustainable solutions across various industries. From developing bio-based lubricants and cleaners, Airable’s work exemplifies the potential of plant-based innovation in driving a circular economy.
Learn more about how Airable’s collaboration with farmers, manufacturers, and researchers are advancing the bioeconomy and contributing to environmental resilience. Read the full blog post on PBPC.com.
PBPC 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 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
Every day we see new developments in the plant-based product space. Learn more about what’s ahead for circular innovations.
- Nature Coatings: USDA Certifies First Black Pigment for Cosmetics as 100% Biobased
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.
- Harvard Business Review: Corporate Sustainability Is in Crisis. What Should Companies Do Now?
- Financial Times: Biomaterials boosted as investors return
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
The 119th Congress and a new Administration have shifted federal government priorities and initiatives. Read more about the latest developments below.
- The Digest: Heard on the Floor at NSCEB: Insights, Analysis & Recommendations on the Just-released National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology
- DRG News: Plant Based Products Council Commends Reintroduction of the Ag BIO Act in the 119th Congress
- Federation of American Scientists: Strategic Investments The U.S. Should Make In The Bioeconomy Right Now
- National League of Cities: Why Local Leaders Are Doubling Down on Sustainability
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 and Fitesa Announce the use of Braskem’s I’m green Bio-Based Polyethylene Grade for Fitesa’s Nonwovens
- World Bio Market Insights: Eco-Products and DNO produce introduce biobased compostable packaging for K-12 schools in the US
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.
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