LEC Partners

At LEC, we’ve been helping clients navigate the bioeconomy for over 25 years, and each week, it is our pleasure to spotlight one of our world-class experts. Katrina Knauer, Ph.D. Dr. Knauer is a polymer scientist who has dedicated her scientific career to solving the plastic waste problem. She has a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed the BASF Ph.D. Leadership Development Program (LDP) in 2018 before taking a Senior Scientist role in BASF’s Plastics Division. Her research efforts focused on advanced recycling technologies, which ultimately led her to lead Materials Innovation R&D at Novoloop, a chemical recycling startup. Recently, Dr. Knauer joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to Keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium, where she is developing sustainable technologies to chemically upcycle today’s existing plastic waste streams and develop new plastics for the future that are recyclable by design. https://lnkd.in/gbWsKYR #PlasticRecycling #PlasticWaste #Bioplastics #Consulting

Landfills are evolving beyond mere waste repositories; as modern facilities now capture methane for electricity generation, transforming environmental liabilities into energy assets. This shift represents a crucial step in sustainable waste management, aligning economic interests with ecological responsibility while powering our homes and businesses. https://lnkd.in/gz3eRP5b #WasteManagement #Sustainability #Bioeconomy

At LEC, we specialize in Waste-to-Energy (WTE) conversion, a sustainable method for transforming waste into valuable renewable energy. By focusing on waste management technologies like anaerobic digestion, incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis, we help reduce environmental impact while promoting a cleaner, greener future. Read more about the key methods of waste-to-energy conversion. 👇 https://lnkd.in/egCZ3a4t #wastetoenergy #wastemanagement #anaerobicdigestion #gasification #pyrolysis

At LEC, we’ve been helping clients navigate the bioeconomy for over 25 years with our team of 150+ world-class experts. We are proud to announce a new addition to our growing team! James Blair, MBA Since 2020, James has been involved in the development of hydrogen and ammonia facilities at various stages of completion. For four years, he served as the VP of Business Development for Clean Hydrogen Works’ ammonia project in Louisiana, which is set to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2025. Most recently, he was the Commercial Lead for a green hydrogen facility in Arizona with Fortescue Energy, which successfully achieved FID in Q4 2023. Before transitioning to the hydrogen and ammonia sectors, James had a strong background in the upstream oil and gas industry. He co-founded Excalibur Resources LLC (2013-2030), a company supported by private equity that operated oil and gas properties across over 45,000 net acres in western Oklahoma. Excalibur was a key player in the horizontal drilling and development of these properties. In addition to his current work, James also advises several natural gas operators in East Texas’s LNG Corridor and provides guidance to international clients on joint venture opportunities in hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture sequestration. James holds an MBA from the University of Georgia and a BA from the University of Virginia. https://lnkd.in/gbWsKYR #Hydrogen #Ammonia #EnergyTransition #Consulting

Join us for our monthly webinar on October 15th, featuring LEC Experts Maya Benami, Greg Potter, and Rudy Ham-Zhu, as they discuss the state of fermentation and its downstream effects on the food and feed industries. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders shaping the future of bio-based solutions! Click below to register and join us for the discussion! 👇 https://lnkd.in/egeGEm52

Renewable diesel production in the U.S. is projected to reach 240,000 barrels per day by 2025, marking a 41% increase from 2023. This rapid growth underscores the vital role of biofuels in our current energy transition. ⚡ As we continue to develop long-term solutions, these sustainable alternatives are actively decarbonizing our transport sector. https://lnkd.in/gDMpz8dR #RenewableEnergy #Biofuels #Sustainability

🌍 Driving Innovation in Plastic Recycling ♻️ In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the plastics recycling industry is evolving rapidly to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. Our experience in this sector has provided invaluable insights into the key factors driving success in this crucial field. 🔑 4 Key Insights: 1- Embracing New Technologies: Innovations like pyrolysis transform plastic waste into valuable resources such as oil and syngas. Companies investing in technology upgrades are positioning themselves for long-term competitiveness. 2- Growth and Scaling: Expanding in the recycling industry requires meticulous planning and testing to mitigate risks during the transition from small pilots to fully operational facilities. 3- Challenges in Feedstock Sourcing: Securing high-quality feedstock remains a significant hurdle. Fostering strong supplier relationships and implementing pretreatment technology are essential for sustained success. 4- Managing Risk and Execution: Recycling projects entail inherent risks, from tight timelines to feedstock quality issues. However, strategic planning, risk assessments, and a skilled team can effectively address these challenges. We are proud to be at the forefront of this industry and are committed to fostering sustainable, circular economies through innovative plastics recycling. Together, we are shaping the future of waste management and driving significant environmental impact. https://lnkd.in/g2CUaatq #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #PlasticsRecycling #CleanTech #WasteManagement #LECPartners Terry Mazanec, Mike S., A.R. (Tony) Cartolano

🎉 29 Years Strong! 🎉 Wow—29 years! It’s hard to believe that what started as Lee Enterprises Consulting has grown into what we’re proud to call LEC Partners today. Over the years, we’ve been on an incredible journey, partnering with clients across the globe to drive innovation in biofuels, biochemicals, and bio-based products. 🌱 What makes this milestone even more special is the people—our fantastic team, dedicated partners, and clients who trust us to help navigate the bioeconomy’s evolving landscape. We couldn’t have done it without you! Looking back on 29 years of hard work, growth, and innovation, we’re even more excited about what’s to come. Here’s to pushing boundaries, creating sustainable solutions, and making a real impact together. 🌍✨ Thank you for being part of our story—we’re just getting started! https://lnkd.in/gpbbbGJ #29Years #Bioeconomy #LECPartners #Sustainability #Innovation #Teamwork #Gratitude

Check out this great resource for up-to-date information on public funding opportunities from the USDA and DOE! LEC Project Director Bill Hagy updates the page every few weeks, so you can be sure you're getting the latest information. Follow the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gACieBa #USDA #DOE #publicfunding #projectfunding #grants #loans

F1 races ahead in sustainability: 90% reduction in carbon emissions in Paddock, Pit Lane, and broadcast areas. This is a super cool case study of a massive sports organization coming together to commit to a greener future and see measurable results! HVO, biofuel, solar, and batteries are fueling this green revolution. It's not just about speed anymore; it's about smart energy. https://lnkd.in/esF9Hanu #Bioeconomy #Sustainability #BusinessInnovation #F1