by Greg Benz, P.E. In aerobic fermentation, a frequent issue is the tendency for an aerated liquid to generate foam. In extreme cases, the foam can be so severe as to render the fermenter inoperable…
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Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsets are a way to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions produced from various activities, like driving a car, operating a factory, or taking a flight. These emissions produced by such an activity are referred…
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The Future of Pulp and Paper
The pulp and paper industry has faced many challenges over the last 40 years. In the mid-80s dioxin was found in bleach plant effluent streams and concerns about the northern spotted owl, an endangered species,…
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Advances in Biofuels Technologies
The newest advances in biofuels technologies continue to focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing sustainability. New technologies have the potential to continue to make biofuels a more viable alternative to fossil fuels, helping…
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Investing in the Bioeconomy: Risks & Rewards
As with any market, investing in the bioeconomy comes with risks and rewards. Bioeconomy investments often require a longer-term perspective than other investments, as much of the industry is still in its early stages and…
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Maximizing Profits with Sustainable Bio-based Chemicals
Maximizing profits when developing sustainable bio-based chemicals is primarily achieved by selecting cost-effective and sustainable feedstocks, implementing efficient and optimized production processes, and identifying and targeting high-demand markets for the products. This is a win-win…
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Bioplastics Are Revolutionizing the Packaging Industry
Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, or potato starch, as opposed to traditional plastics made from fossil fuels. This renewable source reduces the carbon footprint associated with plastic production, making bioplastics…
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Bioenergy’s Role in a Low Carbon Future
Bioenergy is energy derived from biomass, including organic materials such as crops, wood, agricultural and forest residues, and municipal solid waste. Bioenergy is expected to significantly influence the world’s transition to a low-carbon future. This…
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Synthetic Biology: Practical Applications
Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, engineering, and computer science to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems. Scientists in synthetic biology use genetic engineering to create artificial DNA sequences…
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Managing Waste: Why It Is So Hard To Change The Way We Do It
For years, we have been told that we are running out of landfill space and that new methods for waste management are needed to reduce environmental impact. Recycling and waste conversion technologies that can reduce…
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