3BI – Brokering Bio-Based Innovation
Today at EFIB, some of the main European bioeconomy clusters, from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK joined forces as the 3BI intercluster. 3BI is a strategic European partnership that builds on the complementary strengths of four regional innovation clusters. All four clusters use biorefining to convert biological resources into materials, chemicals and fuels.
Controversies on genetic modification, part 1: why to support it
Genetic modification is here to stay, and not just for economic reasons. Many arguments against it do not withstand logical and intellectual scrutiny. But some do, and the GM community would be wise to take these at heart. This is the first article in a series on controversies on genetic modification. The articles were published
Stepwise changes, a ray of sunshine in the climate debate
In preparation for Paris 2015, the new major climate summit, researchers publish many scenarios on the reduction of greenhouse gas production. Over the years, these have become more pessimistic. As the world longer postpones adequate measures, it will have to take more radical measures in order to keep in sight the goal of 2 degrees
More guts needed for the bioeconomy
North-western Europe has the best feedstock in the world for biobased industries, says Marc Verbruggen, NatureWorks’ CEO and largest PLA producer in the world. He could have added: also the largest sugar factories, the highest yields per hectare, outstanding research and an excellent chemical industry. Why then, does not the large-scale sustainable chemical industry of
Microplastics in personal care products: the tip of the iceberg
Microplastics are a major source of water pollution. The litter found in oceans and inland waters is dominated by plastics. This litter does not only consist of large items like plastic bottles and bags, it also contains microplastics if only because the large objects tend to decompose into small particles. A recent study by nova-Institute
Transnatural Design artfully experiments with nature
Transnatural Design, located in an Amsterdam basement, is an organisation that ‘offers smart design and breath-taking art in which nature & technology come together in unison…. Transnatural explores ways how to (re-)design our living spaces so that humans, nature and technology can expand, enrich and feed each other.’ Transnatural is an organisation that brings together
Ecomodernism, a great idea and a big disappointment
Ecomodernism! It could be a breakthrough in the stalemate between proponents of economic growth and those of radical reforms, e.g. to prevent climate disasters. The term combines elements of both sides. So with great expectations, I started reading ‘An Ecomodernist Manifesto’, dated April 2015 but launched only recently in the UK. But what a disappointment.
on: 8 October 2015