| WTI Crude | $42.91/bbl | +2.2% |
| Brent Crude | $45.00/bbl | +2.8% |
| HH Nat Gas | $2.23/MMBtu | +0.5% |
| MB Propane | $0.53/gal | +2.3% |
| 3:2:1 Crack | $8.55/bbl | +0.2% |
Genomatica gets a little closer to renewable Nylon
US-based biotechnology company, Genomatica, has announced that it will be partnering with leading Nylon fiber manufacturer, Aquafil, to build a large-scale demonstration plant to produce 100% renewable Nylon.
Some context:
Genomatica develops fermentation processes to produce intermediate and basic chemicals. Thanks to genetic engineering, microorganisms can be designed to ferment sugars into chemicals other than ethanol. The company then licenses out its process technologies to manufacturing companies (so far they've had success producing 1,4-butanediol and 1,3-butylene glycol).
So what's new?
The next chemical Genomatica is looking to bring to commercial scale is the precursor to the production of Nylon. That precursor, caprolactam, is typically refined from crude oil. Aquafil is going to test out the new process by building and operating the demonstration plant at its facility in Slovenia. The material produced at the facility will be sent to Genomatica's brand partners for pre-commercial use.
Read the press release here.
New Jersey to ban single-use bags (paper ones too)
The Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has signed legislation banning single-use paper and plastic bags in New Jersey which will become effective May 2022.
A quick summary:
The bill "prohibits the use of single-use plastic and paper bags in all stores and food service businesses statewide". Not all single-use plastics will be banned (as you can see from this infographic), but the new law will be the strongest the US has seen so far.
What's noteworthy:
The ban on single-use plastics is something we've probably all heard a thing or two about, but what's up with the ban on paper bags? It really comes down to the fact that paper bags are more energy-intensive to produce and aren't as durable as plastic. This bill is hoping to incentivize the use of reusable bags (plastic or cotton based), as reuse is the best way to reduce environmental impact.
Read the press release here.
Air Liquide to build 2 RNG plants in Italy
French industrial gases giant, Air Liquide, has announced that it will be constructing two biomethane units in Italy.
Some context:
We've read about biomethane (aka RNG) before, but previously it was Chevron looking to take advantage of dairy farm emissions. With 20 biomethane units already installed worldwide, Air Liquide is in it a little deeper than Chevron. The liquefied methane produced by these units will be sent to a local filling station and "refuel up to 100 trucks per day".
Bigger picture:
The world consumes something like 40,000 TWh of natural gas each year. These two units produce an equivalent of 50 GWh annually (that's 0.0001%). That may make this news feel insignificant—but just because RNG won't be taking over the world doesn't mean it has no place in it.
Read the press release here.