News

Biobased nylon and potential from diamine monomers

03/10/2024 Biobased nylon and potential from diamine monomers
This latest article delves into the chemistry of synthetic polyamides, most significantly known as Nylon, and discusses the historic and current biobased alternatives to the conventional fossil-based polymers.

Regenerative agriculture – a valuable tool for the Bioeconomy

23/09/2024 Regenerative agriculture – a valuable tool for the Bioeconomy
In this article, we explore the concept of Regenerative Agriculture and place it within the context of the bioeconomy. We discuss how adopting sustainable agricultural practices can benefit both the circular economy and crop producers.

Anecdotal insights from two years of the Industrial Biotechnology Barometer Survey

13/08/2024 Anecdotal insights from two years of the Industrial Biotechnology Barometer Survey
The Industrial Biotechnology (IB) Barometer Survey, managed by NNFCC on behalf of the Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum (IBLF), aims to inform and support the development of industrial biotechnology policy in the UK.

Textile waste and recycling: challenges and opportunities

23/07/2024 Textile waste and recycling: challenges and opportunities
This article tackles the topic of textile waste and explores the possible recycling routes that exist today. It also offers a closer look at the UK's textile industry and the waste produced nationally.

A Perspective on Best Available Carbon (BAC) as Feedstock for the Chemical Industry

10/07/2024 A Perspective on Best Available Carbon (BAC) as Feedstock for the Chemical Industry
The petrochemical industry is a significant global consumer of carbon and a notable producer of carbon emissions contributing to climate change. This report explores the potential for the industry to make a progressive move towards more sustainable carbon choices through the use of BAC.

OLEAF4VALUE - FINAL MEETING (English)

04/06/2024 OLEAF4VALUE - FINAL MEETING (English)
Press release - June 2024 - Final OLEAF4VALUE general consortium meeting (English).

OLEAF4VALUE - FINAL MEETING (Spanish)

04/06/2024 OLEAF4VALUE - FINAL MEETING (Spanish)
Press release - June 2024 - Final OLEAF4VALUE general consortium meeting (Spanish).

NNFCC Publishes 2024 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

23/05/2024 NNFCC Publishes 2024 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report
Press release – NNFCC reports more significant market movements with a clear ambition to strengthen the sector and boost biomethane growth.

NNFCC Publishes 2024 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the Republic of Ireland Report

23/05/2024 NNFCC Publishes 2024 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the Republic of Ireland Report
Press release – The second installment of NNFCC’s report on the Irish AD sector highlights 2024 as a turning point for the biomethane sector in the Republic of Ireland.

Best use of waste biomass in a low carbon economy

02/05/2024 Best use of waste biomass in a low carbon economy
This article explores the potential low-carbon uses of residual waste streams often destined to incineration, and looks at alternative technologies which can generate power, heat and low-carbon drop-in liquid fuels.

Ireland’s Draft Biomethane Strategy

27/02/2024 Ireland’s Draft Biomethane Strategy
In this article, we explore the current state of the AD sector in Ireland, the country in the EU with the highest potential per capita for biomethane development, and take a closer look at the Draft National Biomethane Strategy.

Industrial food processing residues and wastes as high-value feedstocks

14/02/2024 Industrial food processing residues and wastes as high-value feedstocks
In this article, we look at the value of industrial food processing residues and waste for the production of biobased products, biofuels and bioenergy.

Oxygen – The bioeconomy’s forgotten element?

01/02/2024 Oxygen – The bioeconomy’s forgotten element?
This article explores the role of oxygen within the bioeconomy and questions the (usual) negative connotation associated with it.

NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2023

12/12/2023 NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2023
It is that time again! We have put together our top ten gift ideas for 2023, all made with sustainability in mind.

NNFCC Highlights from EFIB2023

22/11/2023 NNFCC Highlights from EFIB2023
In October 2023, Polly-Ann Hanson and Sophie Mason attended the EFIB 2023 conference in Rotterdam. Here, Polly-Ann identifies the key takeaways from the events and current key developments in the Industrial Biotechnology sector.

Paving the road towards bio-based specialty chemicals

31/10/2023 Paving the road towards bio-based specialty chemicals
In this article, we look at specialty chemicals, their share in the industry and the current potential to transition towards a more sustainable biobased specialty chemical sector.

Fashioning a Greener Future

27/09/2023 Fashioning a Greener Future
In this article, we explore the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, as well as topics within the fashion industry that need addressing, such as the urgent necessity for textile-to-textile recycling and the illegal export of waste.

Uncovering Value Within the UK’s Drains & Sewers

04/09/2023 Uncovering Value Within the UK’s Drains & Sewers
In this article, we discuss the issues associated with the build-up of fats, oils and greases in the national sewage system, and we explore solutions to mitigate those problems, while valorising the products themselves.

Hydrogen production from biomass

29/08/2023 Hydrogen production from biomass
In this article, we explore the UK's and EU's commitment to promoting hydrogen production. We take a closer look at technologies to produce hydrogen from biomass sources and discuss the relevance of such technologies within the current UK policy framework.

Biomethane Market Remains Buoyant

29/06/2023 Biomethane Market Remains Buoyant
In this latest article, we explore the current state of the AD sector in Europe, and take a closer look at the obstacles and drivers influencing the deployment of biomethane in the United Kingdom.

End-Of-Life Tyres

06/06/2023 End-Of-Life Tyres
This latest article explores the fate of end-of-lie tyres and discusses strategies to reuse and recover the high-value compounds they are made of.

Is there a role for BioLPG in Decarbonising the UK's Economy?

27/04/2023 Is there a role for BioLPG in Decarbonising the UK
This article describes LPG and its uses, and discusses the potential role that its biobased alternative, bioLPG, could play in the UK's current efforts towards decarbonisation.

NNFCC, the bioeconomy consultants, win ‘Best Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Support Services’ Award

05/04/2023 NNFCC, the bioeconomy consultants, win ‘Best Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Support Services’ Award
Press Release: NNFCC win ‘Best Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Support Services’ Award

NNFCC Publishes 2023 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

29/03/2023 NNFCC Publishes 2023 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report
Press Release: NNFCC report slow growth in the 10th annual UK AD market update

NNFCC launch 2023 Irish Anaerobic Digestion Deployment Report ahead of expected growth

29/03/2023 NNFCC launch 2023 Irish Anaerobic Digestion Deployment Report ahead of expected growth
NNFCC launch first edition of Irish AD market report

NNFCC launch GGSS-ready carbon calculator for new biomethane producers

29/03/2023 NNFCC launch GGSS-ready carbon calculator for new biomethane producers
Press Release: NNFCC launches GGSS-ready carbon calculator

GHG Protocol update raises the question: Is biomethane grid injection just a lot of hot air?

08/03/2023 GHG Protocol update raises the question:  Is biomethane grid injection just a lot of hot air?
In this article, we explore the consequences of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol on the biomethane industry in the UK.

Biomass with district heating

26/01/2023 Biomass with district heating
In this article, the use of woody biomass for heat production is explored through the lens of district heating networks, delving into their advantages and disadvantages, and making a case for their incorporation into the UK's net-zero heating strategy.

The potential and limitations of carbon farming

21/12/2022 The potential and limitations of carbon farming
This article introduces carbon farming and its associated carbon credits, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of the incentive.

NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2022

19/12/2022 NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2022
It is that time again! We have put together our top TWELVE gift ideas for 2022, all made with sustainability in mind.

Biobased packaging and the organics recycling industry

30/11/2022 Biobased packaging and the organics recycling industry
This latest article explores the current UK composting industry, looking at available certifications and infrastructure, and addressing widespread misconceptions about compostability.

Ammonia II - Green ammonia

18/10/2022 Ammonia II - Green ammonia
This article explores the differences between conventional and green ammonia and discusses the applications and benefits of ammonia as fertiliser and shipping fuel.

Biobased chemicals – market opportunities for small and large innovators

26/09/2022 Biobased chemicals – market opportunities for small and large innovators
Drawing data from NNFCC's own news reviews, this article looks at the chemical giants driving innovation in the biobased chemicals sector in recent years.

Ammonia I - AD and digestate management

20/07/2022 Ammonia I - AD and digestate management
This article explores the process of ammonia emissions from AD digestate, and provides an overview of current mitigation practices in the UK.

NNFCC is recruiting!

24/05/2022 NNFCC is recruiting!
We are seeking high quality candidates for research analyst or consultant positions.

NNFCC Publishes 2022 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

03/05/2022 NNFCC Publishes 2022 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report
Press Release, 3rd May 2022: NNFCC publishes ninth annual ‘AD Deployment in the UK’ report

The transition to a biobased products economy

26/04/2022 The transition to a biobased products economy
A transition to alternative raw materials is required and the opportunity exists to expand the production of chemicals and materials based on the use of sustainable biomass resource.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels III - Industrial Landscape

24/03/2022 Sustainable Aviation Fuels III - Industrial Landscape
In this third and last instalment of the SAF series, we look at the current industrial landscape for SAF, taking a closer look at the key players within the industry and providing a clearer picture of the current market.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels II – Technological Landscape

11/03/2022 Sustainable Aviation Fuels II – Technological Landscape
In this second instalment in the SAF series, we will look at the current technological pathways used to produce SAF. We will also look at hydrogen-based technologies which are being actively researched.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels I – Policy Landscape

31/01/2022 Sustainable Aviation Fuels I – Policy Landscape
In this first article, we will look at the current policy landscape designed to promote the global development and the incorporation of SAF, and specifically development in the EU and UK.

Top 10 – Updates, strategies and policies to look out for in 2022

18/01/2022 Top 10 – Updates, strategies and policies to look out for in 2022
Here, we list 10 exciting updates, strategies and policies that will be published or will come into force this year.

Business Plans for the Shikifactory100 Project

14/12/2021 Business Plans for the Shikifactory100 Project
NNFCC is tasked with producing business plans for the most promising results of the Shikifactory100 project. Here we describe the key elements required for a business plan.

NNFCC to support the UK’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio

10/12/2021 NNFCC to support the UK’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio
Press release: NNFCC to support the UK’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio

NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2021

01/12/2021 NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2021
Top 10 - NNFCC's biobased Christmas Wishlist for 2021.

COP26 - The outcomes

26/11/2021 COP26 - The outcomes
This short articles summarises the key outcomes of this year's COP26 in Glasgow.

BBIA Workshop Policy Recommendations

26/11/2021 BBIA Workshop Policy Recommendations
Climate Change and the Role of Biobased and Biodegradable Materials.

Biomass policy statement: a strategic view on the role of sustainable biomass for net-zero

16/11/2021 Biomass policy statement: a strategic view on the role of sustainable biomass for net-zero
On 4th November, the UK Government set out the strategic aims for the role of biomass across the economy in the short, medium and long term to deliver net zero.

Biomass Availability

09/11/2021 Biomass Availability
This report takes a look at biomass availability with a focus on the UK – what feedstocks are available for various applications within the bioeconomy, with detail as to quantities and other considerations affecting availability.

Net Zero Strategy - 2021

28/10/2021 Net Zero Strategy - 2021
On the 19th October, the government published its Net Zero Strategy outlining the country's path to its 2050 net zero target.

Heat and Building Strategy - 2021

28/10/2021 Heat and Building Strategy - 2021
On the 19th October, the government published its Heat and Building Strategy outlining the country's path to decarbonising it's heating sector.

Round-up of non-food crop activity in the UK: construction materials

20/10/2021 Round-up of non-food crop activity in the UK: construction materials
This article aims to summarise which non-food crops are currently being grown in the UK to serve as construction materials, with a particular focus on hemp, Miscanthus and flax.

Green Gas Support Scheme – Coming soon!

20/10/2021 Green Gas Support Scheme – Coming soon!
On the 30th November, the government is set to launch its new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS), which will provide support for the production of biomethane for grid injection, from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of biological feedstocks.

UK Green Claims Code

18/10/2021 UK Green Claims Code
This article summarises the new Green Claims Code established in the UK by the The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Hydrogen for bioenergy in the UK

07/10/2021 Hydrogen for bioenergy in the UK
This article summarises how hydrogen is produced and outlines its uses for bioenergy. The article also provides a summary of support schemes that are available in the UK and which intend to develop the hydrogen market.

NNFCC is recruiting!

06/10/2021 NNFCC is recruiting!
NNFCC is hiring! We are seeking high quality candidates for short term Research Analyst and Senior Research Analyst positions. Closing date for applications is 4th November.

OECD workshop proceeding

13/09/2021 OECD workshop proceeding
“Carbon management policies: Global practices in sustainability indicators and assessment”, an OECD Workshop Proceedings

Consusmer Purchasing and Green Claims

13/08/2021 Consusmer Purchasing and Green Claims
Increasing the amount of biobased products available and broadening the availability of sustainable buying options is all well and good, but understanding how they are received by the public is key to their continued uptake.

Economic impact analysis of the U.S. biobased products industry (2019)

11/08/2021 Economic impact analysis of the U.S. biobased products industry (2019)
On the 29th July 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its report highlighting the economic impact of the U.S. biobased products industry.

Updates from the IPCC

10/08/2021 Updates from the IPCC
On 9th August, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their latest report on Climate Change, building on their previous scientific report from 2013.

Round-up of non-food crop activity in the UK: cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

30/07/2021 Round-up of non-food crop activity in the UK: cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
This article aims to summarise which non-food crops are currently being grown in the UK to serve the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, with a particular focus on oilseed crops and herbs.

Future Fashion III - Sustainability of synthetic and natural textile dyes

18/06/2021 Future Fashion III - Sustainability of synthetic and natural textile dyes
In this article, we cover conventional synthetic dyes, their compositions, variety and environmental impacts. Subsequently, we explore natural alternatives, reviewing their potential and limitations. Finally, we review the impact that textile colour dyeing is having on water around the world.

Press Release – OLEAF4VALUE

07/06/2021 Press Release – OLEAF4VALUE
OLEAF4VALUE: An Innovative Upcycling Project

Consultation on consistency in household and business recycling in England

18/05/2021 Consultation on consistency in household and business recycling in England
Defra has released its “Consultation on consistency in household and business recycling in England”, aiming to “reduce confusion in the materials that can be collected for recycling at kerbside”.

Life After Meat: The Bioeconomy’s Alternative Protein Sources – Part 3

17/05/2021 Life After Meat: The Bioeconomy’s Alternative Protein Sources – Part 3
After our first and second article on alternative protein sources, we dig a little deeper and take a look at some of the regulatory barriers that some of these alternative proteins may face.

NNFCC Publishes 2021 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

29/04/2021 NNFCC Publishes 2021 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report
Press Release, 29th April 2021: NNFCC publishes eighth annual ‘AD Deployment in the UK’ report

Future Fashion II - Sustainable alternative animal-derived materials

29/04/2021 Future Fashion II - Sustainable alternative animal-derived materials
This article investigates the sustainability of widely used animal-derived materials for clothes manufacturing (such as leather, silk and fur), detailing current practices and presenting biobased non-animal alternatives.

2021 Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy

13/04/2021 2021 Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy
Earlier this month, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released its full report laying out the strategy that will allow the UK industrial sector to reach its 2050 decarbonisation goal.

RTFO Consultation Update

30/03/2021 RTFO Consultation Update
DfT sets out its plans to update and extend the remit of the RTFO

The European Circular Bioeconomy Policy Initiative

25/03/2021 The European Circular Bioeconomy Policy Initiative
NNFCC is a supporter of the ECBPI

Life After Meat: The Bioeconomy’s Alternative Protein Sources – Part 2

23/03/2021 Life After Meat: The Bioeconomy’s Alternative Protein Sources – Part 2
After our first article on alternative protein sources, we dig a little deeper and build up a picture of some of the key players in the industry.

Future Support for Low Carbon Heat

22/03/2021 Future Support for Low Carbon Heat
Last year the UK government consulted on future support for low carbon heat and have now published their response.

Future Fashion I - Sustainable Textiles

02/03/2021 Future Fashion I - Sustainable Textiles
This article investigates the sustainability of widely used natural and synthetic textiles, detailing current practices and when appropriate presenting a range of new technologies from which alternative sustainable biobased textiles could arise.

Environmental Agency consultation for the revision of standard rules permits for biowaste treatment

18/02/2021 Environmental Agency consultation for the revision of standard rules permits for biowaste treatment
The Environment Agency is proposing revisions of the standards permits for biowaste treatment and plastics contamination. A consultation was conducted to gather views on the proposed amendments from stakeholders, public bodies and individuals.

Waste Management Plan and the Bioeconomy

16/02/2021 Waste Management Plan and the Bioeconomy
On 27th January, Defra released its Waste Management Plan for England 2021.

Neonicotinoids - A Subject of Contention

08/02/2021 Neonicotinoids - A Subject of Contention
The UK Government recently granted emergency authorisation to use neonicotinoids to treat sugar beet seed.

RED II – Going beyond RED I’s achievements

02/02/2021 RED II – Going beyond RED I’s achievements
In December 2018, the revised version of the European Renewable Energy Directive was agreed and published. This article summarises the aspects of the new Directive which affect the sectors of the Bioeconomy.

REAL Research Library

26/01/2021 REAL Research Library
REAL have announced the completion of the first project of their research hub, ‘The development of a Research Library for the Organics Recycling industry’.

Biogas Steering Group Election Result

26/01/2021 Biogas Steering Group Election Result
NNFCC Director Lucy Hopwood is a newly elected member of the REA Biogas Steering Group.

Recent Policy in the Run-Up to COP26

14/01/2021 Recent Policy in the Run-Up to COP26
COP26 is to be hosted by the UK in November of this year.

NNFCC Christmas Card and New Year Wishes

18/12/2020 NNFCC Christmas Card and New Year Wishes
Merry Christmas from NNFCC!

The Ten Point Plan – An Opportunity for the Bioeconomy

17/12/2020 The Ten Point Plan – An Opportunity for the Bioeconomy
The Ten Point Plan is the UK government’s latest strategy for stimulating a green industrial revolution and working towards the goal of net-zero.

NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2020

03/12/2020 NNFCC Christmas Wishlist 2020
Top 10 - NNFCC's biobased Christmas Wishlist for 2020.

AD: A Challenging Year, An Exciting Future

30/11/2020 AD: A Challenging Year, An Exciting Future
Despite a slow start to the year, the future for AD looks promising.

What's in a name? Plastic definition and legislation

19/11/2020 What
As a result of recent legislative developments regarding plastic waste management, the importance of clear definitions of plastic becomes apparent.

NNFCC Ltd Announces New Managing Director

30/10/2020 NNFCC Ltd Announces New Managing Director
Press Release: NNFCC Ltd Announces New Managing Director

Summary of Government response to CCC 2020 progress report

23/10/2020 Summary of Government response to CCC 2020 progress report
Bioenergy-focused summary of the Government response to the Committee on Climate Change’s 2020 progress report to Parliament

NNFCC joins 43 other signatories in open letter to UK government

22/10/2020 NNFCC joins 43 other signatories in open letter to UK government
NNFCC joins 43 other signatories in open letter to UK government.

NNFCC joins 15 other partners in the newly launched Horizon2020-funded BeonNat project

24/09/2020 NNFCC joins 15 other partners in the newly launched Horizon2020-funded BeonNat project
BeonNat - Innovative value chains from tree & shrub species grown in marginal lands as a source of biomass for bio-based industries

NNFCC and Covid-19, an Update

31/07/2020 NNFCC and Covid-19, an Update
Despite the difficulties we have faced during the covid-19 pandemic, NNFCC is fortunate to have been able to continue with business as usual.

Valorising Agri-Waste

30/07/2020 Valorising Agri-Waste
Agriculture produces an unsustainable amount of waste, so how does the bioeconomy let us derive value from it?

The Shikimate Pathway

08/07/2020 The Shikimate Pathway
The ShikiFactory100 project seeks to produce high-value compounds from the shikimate pathway, but what is the shikimate pathway?

Synthetic Biology for the Production of Biobased Molecules

06/07/2020 Synthetic Biology for the Production of Biobased Molecules
How does synthetic biology technology lead to the production of novel biobased chemicals?

BEIS Consultation on the Future of UK Green Gas Support

01/07/2020 BEIS Consultation on the Future of UK Green Gas Support
With a week to go in BEIS's consultation, what is being proposed to continue to support UK biomethane for heating?

Life After Meat: the Bioeconomy's Alternative Protein Sources

15/06/2020 Life After Meat: the Bioeconomy
Switching to alternative protein sources will reduce emissions associated with meat, but what sources are in development?

Biobased Homecare Products

18/05/2020 Biobased Homecare Products
Spending more time at home puts more emphasis on cleaning, so here are ten more innvoative biobased cleaning products.

Biofuels: Many possibilities to decarbonise transport

05/05/2020 Biofuels: Many possibilities to decarbonise transport
Biofuels provide a wide variety of decarbonisation options for transport.

Press Release: NNFCC Publishes 2020 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report

01/05/2020 Press Release: NNFCC Publishes 2020 Edition of Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK Report
Press Release, 1st May 2020: NNFCC publishes seventh annual ‘AD Deployment in the UK’ report

Stay informed while staying indoors

27/04/2020 Stay informed while staying indoors
NNFCC's Information Subscription will be free for the duration of the covid-19 lockdown period.

Covid-19 and NNFCC

26/03/2020 Covid-19 and NNFCC
We are still open for business as usual during the covid-19 outbreak, with our team working from home.

Blockchain and the Bioeconomy: Potential Bedfellows?

28/02/2020 Blockchain and the Bioeconomy: Potential Bedfellows?
Blockchain technology is being deployed across a variety of sectors, but how well does it suit the bioeconomy?