Dear Readers,
North Atlantic waters contain large amounts of nanoplastics, particularly plastics used to manufacture single-use and reusable plastic bottles, films, and disposable drinking cups and cutlery. Nanoplastics – microplastics less than one micrometer in size – can be found all over the world, from the highest Alpine peaks to the deepest parts of the ocean. It is estimated that at least 27 million tons of nanoplastics are floating in the North Atlantic, weighing more than all wild land mammals combined. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Utrecht University, and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research investigated the prevalence of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic and found the tiny plastic particles at all ocean depths, from subtropical to temperate zones. More about the study can be found at the link:https://www.scinexx.de/news/geowissen/27-millionen-tonnen-nanoplastik-allein-im-nordatlantik/ or in my article and how the plastic problem can be reduced, you can see at Biotech-Energy: https://biotech-energy.com/
Foams offer a wide range of applications, for example in the automotive, household appliances, and mechanical engineering, as well as in the leisure and sports sectors. Until now, these materials were typically manufactured using petroleum, which had a negative impact on their ecological footprint. In the EU project BreadCell, an international consortium developed cellulose-based foams produced using a process similar to bread baking. These foams are fully biodegradable and recyclable. Two institutes at Graz University of Technology – the Institute of Bioproducts and Paper Technology and the Institute of Automotive Safety – played a key role in developing the technology. https://scienmag.com/graz-university-of-technology-collaborates-to-develop-sustainable-foams-from-cellulose-instead-of-crude-oil/
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has unveiled an action plan for the introduction of E10 and E20 gasoline. This plan calls for Japan to introduce E10 gasoline nationwide by 2030. To prepare for this transition, METI plans to introduce E10 gasoline on a smaller scale in 2028. In addition, METI has proposed a revised baseline for gasoline greenhouse gas emissions and plans to introduce greenhouse gas standard values for ethanol from Brazilian corn, Thai sugarcane, and Thai cassava.
The Croatian Rijeka Refinery (https://www.ina.hr/en/about-ina/core-business/refining-and-marketing/rijeka-refinery-upgrade-project/) has produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time in its history. As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and comply with European renewable energy regulations, INA successfully completed a pilot project for processing biogenic feedstocks at the Rijeka Refinery’s hydrocracking plant. In addition to SAF, a significant amount of renewable diesel (HVO) was also produced. With the Renewable Energy Directive, the European Union has set binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy sources in transport. By 2030, EU member states are required to ensure an appropriate share of renewable energy in the transport sector, with particular attention to advanced biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will play a key role in decarbonizing the aviation industry. In response to these requirements, INA plans to complete all preparations and be ready to ensure the continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel to the market by 2029.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that U.S. ethanol production rose slightly last week to an average of 1.087 million barrels per day. Ethanol inventories fell to a six-month low of 23.635 million barrels, while exports fell about 20% from the previous week to 94,000 barrels per day. https://ethanolproducer.com/articles/eia-weekly-data-ethanol-production-up-slightly-stocks-down-1-exports-down-22
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The USTR’s actions demonstrate that the days when Brazil enjoyed unfettered access to the U.S. ethanol market while unjustifiably imposing tariffs on American ethanol imports may soon be over. “On behalf of U.S. ethanol producers at the heart of the country, we say it’s high time,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We welcome this concrete step by the USTR to further investigate Brazil’s unfair treatment of American ethanol and hope this ultimately leads to a more level playing field for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers.” https://ethanolproducer.com/articles/ustr-opens-investigation-into-brazils-unfair-ethanol-trade-practices
Avalon Energy Group and Sulzer Chemtech announced the signing of a strategic alliance and partnership to expand the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Under the agreement, Avalon has selected the BioFlux™ technology for its portfolio of SAF projects currently under development worldwide, resulting in a commercial technology license agreement with Sulzer. https://biofuels-news.com/news/avalon-energy-and-sulzer-form-alliance-to-advance-saf-production/
In Sweden, Qarlbo Biodiversity has signed an MOU with Woodland Biofuels to supply up to 500,000 tons of sustainably harvested pine forest thinnings from its properties. This agreement marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Nature strategy, an innovative approach to environmental stewardship that goes beyond traditional forestry methods. Designed for biomass-intensive industries, the strategy ensures a sustainable supply of biomass by combining biodiversity conservation, native species restoration, and responsible forest production. This integrated approach helps store carbon, generate biodiversity credits, and promote resilient, high-performing forest ecosystems. https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/qarlbo-biodiversity-and-woodland-biofuels-partner-to-supply-sustainable-pine-thinnings/
Carbon Clean has opened its new Global Innovation Centre (GIC) in Mumbai, India. The GIC will be one of the world’s largest carbon capture research facilities. With an area of 7,300 square meters, it will house two carbon capture plants and state-of-the-art laboratories for solvent development, analysis, and testing. It will serve as a center for research, innovation, and technology demonstration. Carbon Clean has invested in the development of the GIC, which will house the latest technologies and over 100 experts. Capacity is expandable to 350 employees. The center will support Carbon Clean’s continued global growth and provide world-leading expertise in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) research, accelerating the development activities and deployment of next-generation carbon capture technologies. https://carboncapturemagazine.com/articles/carbon-clean-launches-global-innovation-centre-in-india
The Indian government has allocated 5.2 million tons of rice from its grain stores as an ethanol feedstock, with priority given to old and broken rice. Traditionally, the sugar industry supplied the majority of the ethanol for the government’s blending regulations. However, due to supply shortages in recent years, availability has been inconsistent. This prompted the government to also support grain-based ethanol distilleries. Now, the sugar industry is concerned about competition and recently called on the government to ensure that at least 50% of supplies are used for sugarcane-based feedstocks. https://agrospectrumindia.com/2025/06/27/from-shortage-to-surplus-india-pivots-record-rice-stockpiles-into-ethanol-to-power-clean-energy-goals.html
FemoGas and Infranity have entered into a financing agreement for the refinancing and construction of liquid biomethane plants with a total capacity of 0.5 TWh. As the sole financier, Infranity, together with FemoGas, provided a €145 million loan to Initiatives Biomethane, a company wholly controlled by FemoGas. The loan can be optionally increased by up to €100 million. The biomethane produced by these plants will be available for road and maritime transport both domestically and throughout Europe, thus promoting the use of sustainable energy in these regions. FemoGas was supported by Lazard as financial advisor and Chiomenti as legal advisor. Infranity was supported by Ashurst as legal advisor and Rina as technical advisor. https://infranity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Infranity-Femogas_Press-Release_ENG_vFinal.pdf
Moeve and Zaffra, the joint venture between Sasol and Topsoe, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The Spanish energy company and the Amsterdam-based e-SAF developer are taking a step further in advancing the decarbonization of European aviation fuels. The collaboration combines the capabilities of Moeve, a leading Spanish supplier of jet fuel, including sustainable aviation fuels, with the technology and plant development expertise of Zaffra. Under the agreement, the partners will jointly assess the feasibility of developing e-SAF plants in southern Spain, where Moeve is developing one of Europe’s most ambitious green hydrogen projects, the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley. https://www.moeveglobal.com/en/press/e-saf-memorandum-moeve-zaffra
ORLEN and Krajowa Grupa Spożywcza (KGS), Poland’s largest state-owned agricultural and food group, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a nationwide biomethane portfolio. Under the new agreement, the parties will, among other things, build biomethane production plants. The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions, strengthen Poland’s energy security and independence, and improve overall grid stability. https://www.alchempro.com/news/agrochemical-news/orlen-kgs-partner-to-build-nationwide-biomethane-portfolio-in-poland-303944-newsdetails.htm
A 16-meter-long port vessel powered by 100% biodiesel (B100) has been officially launched. The vessel is equipped with two marine engines and two generators, which form the central propulsion system for this milestone project. The launch, jointly developed by Weichai, the China Classification Society (Singapore), the Marine Energy and Sustainable Development Centre (MESD) of Nanyang Technological University, and Pinnacle Marine, marks the beginning of comprehensive operational testing of the B100 marine fuel under real-world conditions. https://www.straitstimes.com/paid-press-releases/weichai-power-launches-singapores-first-100-biodiesel-research-harbour-ship-20250716
The World Bank Board of Directors approved a new measure to support the green hydrogen strategy of the Companhia de Desenvolvimento do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP) and the Government of Ceará. By enabling clean hydrogen production at the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex, this initiative positions Brazil at the forefront of the global energy transition while promoting jobs, inclusion, and long-term climate resilience. https://www.advanceh2.com/news/infrastructure/green-hydrogen/world-bank-supports-brazils-green-hydrogen-strategy-in-ceara-9iydgupi3h
High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy makes it possible to study complex enzymatic processes in detail. Using this method, a research team from the University of Potsdam and Humboldt University of Berlin succeeded in characterizing the CODH/ACS enzyme complex in detail. They discovered that the complex moves during chemical reactions, thus determining the reaction sequence. Their results were published in the journal Nature Catalysis. https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/headlines-and-featured-stories/detail/2025-07-11-cryo-electron-microscopy-reaction-cycle-of-an-enzyme-for-CO2-fixation-decoded
Picture: https://unsplash.com/de/fotos/eine-plastikflasche-die-im-wasser-schwimmt-iZP2Uwsc_wk