Global Bioenergies and Clariant have announced the first isobutene production from a wheat straw hydrolysate, in the industrial pilot of Pomacle Bazancourt. This success is the result of a collaboration initiated more than 18 months ago, and has been made possible by combining Clariant’s proprietary process, allowing for the conversion of agricultural residues into sugar-rich hydrolysates, with Global Bioenergies’ proprietary process for the production of isobutene from various industrial-grade sugars.- Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company, has signed a framework agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. to be its supplier of marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power the world’s first fully LNG-powered cruise ships. Under this framework agreement, Shell will initially supply Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises brands with fuel for two new LNG-powered ships expected to launch in 2019 with itineraries visiting popular northwest European and Mediterranean ports.
- The global white biotechnology market is expected to reach USD $487.08 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research. Rising awareness and emphasis for the adoption of greener and environment-friendly technologies in various end-use industries is expected to drive the market over the next eight years. Biofuels accounted for over 35% of the market in terms of revenue on account of rising government regulations to include the product in combination with conventional energy sources including diesel and gasoline. Rising biodiesel demand as a raw material for the manufacturing of resins, and polymers will fuel industry growth over the forecast period.
