Weekly News Roundup

The ICIS blog gods are on vacation and so the green blog is still in a bit of a mess. Pls. bear with me for a few more days as I wait and rant and pray for a new and improved green blog to emerge.

For now, here's this week's news roundup:

Bioplastic acquired
Swedish bioplastic company Tenova Bioplastics AB has been acquired by packaging company Billerud. Tenova AB will be consolidated within the Billerud Group as of 1 February 2009.

Intellectual property sold
Cincinnati-based technology company AdvanceBio Systems LLC has acquired exclusive intellectual property rights to provide pre-treatment equipment and systems on a turnkey basis to the next-generation cellulosic ethanol and renewable chemicals industries. AdvanceBio provides consulting services and technology to companies that are developing new projects in the biofuels industry and biochemical sector.

High green grade for DSM
Life Sciences and materials company Royal DSM N.V.received an A+ in its Triple P report 2008 according to the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The rating is the highest score companies worldwide can achieve for the transparency of their sustainability reporting efforts.

Green Chevron in Qatar
Chevron plans to commit $20 million over five years to form a partnership with the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha and establish the Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, which intends to focus on developing technologies in lighting and cooling that work effectively in the Middle East climate.

Sun Power in Italy
Solar materials manufacturer SunPower Corp. signed an agreement with Sunshire, S.r.l., a subsidiary of Api Nova Energia S.r.l., to design and build a 2.2-megawatt solar electric power plant in Tolentino, Italy. First phase of the project is expected to be completed this year.

And in ICIS News (requires subscription):
Investors still find green chemistry companies as attractive candidates despite the current financial turmoil.

Commercialisation of biobutanol for use as a fuel can be expected within the next 4 to 5 years according to a consultant.

The US and Canada agreed to establish a clean energy dialogue that would help them meet energy supply, security and environmental challenges.