In Brief: Chemical Industry’s Bold Steps Toward Sustainability

A. LanzaTech Secures $3M Grant From DOE to Transform CO2 Into Sustainable Chemicals?

LanzaTech—an Illinois-based carbon recycling company transforming waste CO2 into valuable chemicals, fuels, and other sustainable materials—has secured USD 3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). This grant is part of a USD 29 million initiative to advance carbon management strategies. LanzaTech’s initiative, called Project ADAPT “Accelerating Decarbonization via Advanced Production Technologies,” was chosen to focus on converting carbon dioxide into eco-friendly & economically valuable products.?

Project ADAPT aims to build on LanzaTech’s current approach of using CO2 to produce isopropanol at a pilot scale, with improvements around using versatile feedstocks and developing specialized microbial strains.?

The DOE’s investment in projects like Project ADAPT aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goals of achieving a carbon-neutral power sector by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.?

B. Australia Drafted New Guidelines to Tighten PFAS Limits in Drinking Water?

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has proposed stricter guidelines for PFAS chemicals in drinking water, significantly lowering acceptable levels for four key PFAS compounds due to health concerns. Known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment, PFAS include thousands of compounds used in industrial products like Teflon and Scotchgard.?

The draft guidelines recommend reducing PFOA limits from 560 ng/L to 200 ng/L?to address cancer risks and PFOS limits from 70 ng/L to 4 ng/L due to potential bone marrow effects. Based on thyroid health concerns, new limits were also set for PFHxS at 30 ng/L and PFBS at 1000 ng/L. These guidelines align Australia’s PFOS standards with the U.S., though its PFOA limit remains higher.?

C. Gaia Biomaterials Enters Chile with Compostable Plastic-alternative Material?

Gaia Biomaterials has partnered with Chilean company Smartpack S.A. to introduce its compostable plastic alternative, Biodolomer, in Chile — Gaia's first agent agreement in Latin America. This partnership aligns with Chile’s recent law banning single-use plastics, prompting industries to seek sustainable, non-plastic alternatives. Biodolomer, made from limestone, serves as a fully compostable, microplastic-free material that replicates plastic’s functionality across various applications.?

Christian Spoerer, Smartpack’s commercial director, highlighted Biodolomer’s smooth integration into their processes. The first container order will be used for e-commerce shipping bags. Gaia Biomaterials CEO Peter Stenstr?m noted the strong demand for sustainable materials in new markets, and plans are underway to expand Biodolomer’s presence across Latin America.?

D. Locus FS Gains EPA Approval to Boost Biosurfactant Production Capacity?

Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS) has secured U.S. EPA certification under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) for its full line of glycolipid biosurfactants, making it the first domestic producer of commercial-scale biosurfactants. This approval supports expanded production to meet the?rising demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical ingredients across industries, including agriculture, energy, and personal care. The company’s biosurfactants are derived from responsibly sourced fatty acids and carbohydrates, offering a 100% renewable, palm oil-free, and biodegradable solution with a low carbon footprint. With TSCA certification, Locus FS can produce large quantities domestically, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening supply chains—a strategic advantage as regulatory and sustainability standards tighten globally.?

Internationally, Locus FS’s products are REACH-registered for distribution across Europe and the UK, aligning with global environmental goals. Dr. Maxwell Shumba, VP of Global Regulatory Affairs & Strategy, highlights that these biosurfactants offer high-performance, eco-friendly options, allowing industries to transition to bio-based solutions that tackle pressing environmental and regulatory issues without compromising efficacy.?

E. Turnover Labs Secures $1.4 Million Funding to Advance Low-Carbon Chemical Production?

Turnover Labs, a tech startup dedicated to decarbonizing the chemical industry, has secured USD 1.4 million in Pre-Seed funding led by Pace Ventures and GC Ventures, with contributions from Sandy Spring Climate Partners and other venture firms. This funding will help expand Turnover Labs' engineering team, speed up R&D, and support the commercialization of its technology, including developing a prototype capable of recycling thousands of tons of CO? annually. Using innovative electrolysis technology from Columbia University, Turnover Labs converts CO? emissions into valuable chemical building blocks, replacing traditional petroleum feedstocks. This approach offers a powerful solution to reducing the chemical industry's carbon footprint by transforming CO? emissions into sustainable products. Turnover Labs' advancements highlight a critical step towards a more environmentally responsible future for chemical manufacturing, with the potential to reshape the industry’s environmental impact and contribute significantly to global decarbonization efforts.?

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