Biome Bioplastics to present at UK-Norway symposium on valorising woody biomass

24 June 2013
Biome Bioplastics to present at UK-Norway symposium on valorising woody biomass

On the 25 and 26 of June Paul Mines, CEO of Biome Bioplastics, will join speakers from NNFCC, Rothamsted Research, the Paper and Fiber Institute and academic institutions at a symposium to discuss the UK’s strength in the bioprocessing of woody biomass.

Following a recent grant from the government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB) Paul will be discussing Biome Bioplastics’ pioneering work to investigate the possibility of using lignin as an alternative, bio-based source of chemicals for the manufacture of bioplastics.

As part of the TSB’s ‘Sustainable High Value Chemical Manufacture through Industrial Biotechnology’ technical feasibility competition, Biome is working with the University of Warwick’s Centre for Biotechnology and Biorefining on an initial feasibility project to replace the oil-derived equivalent currently used in a polyester that conveys strength and flexibility in some of Biome’s products.

Organised by the Biosciences KTN, Innovation Norway and Rothamsted Research the event will look at the UK’s strength in the bioprocessing of woody biomass and is aimed at Norwegian organisations who are looking to the UK for novel ways to add value to their wood processing streams.

The event will bring together business and academia interested in the bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass as well as developments to optimise chemical production. Leading organisations from the UK and Norway will identify challenges and new market opportunities, as well as provide an overview of the current technology available and where future developments should focus.

With the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals rapidly increasing, lignocellulosic technologies are an important solution enabling the use of non-food crops for these processes.

Find out more about the event