Congratulations to Trent University’s Dr. Suresh Narine

Elevance is happy to congratulate our partner at Trent University, Dr. Suresh Narine, for receiving one of two $1.25 million Ontario Research Chairs in Green Chemistry and Engineering by the Ontario Research Chairs Selection Panel. The award, granted by the government of Ontario, aims to enhance the province’s capacity in renewable energy technologies.

Dr. Narine, considered a pioneer for using natural oils to create chemicals, materials and polymers with competitive value, performance, and environmental benefits, leads the team of researchers at Trent University Biomaterials Research Laboratories. The collaboration between Dr. Narine’s team and Elevance utilizes our unique expertise to bring new, high performing and environmentally friendly biomaterials, biochemicals and bioproducts to the marketplace.

We look forward to continued work with Dr. Narine as we take scientific findings from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Air Force Looks To Certify Two Types Of Biofuels For Aircraft

In an effort to find alternative sources of power that deliver the same performance, the United States Air Force is currently reviewing two alternative types of biofuel for its aircrafts. While a final decision has not been reached, this is a clear indication that the Air Force is joining with others in the aviation industry to seek a more environmentally friendly biofuel.

According Energy Washington Week, the two types of biofuel in the running are camelina, an oil-based plant fuel, and tallow, an animal fat- based fuel. Both sources are familiar products. Camelina is has a high omega-3 content commonly used in fuel and feed stock and tallow has a history of being used in many ways including soaps and machine lubricant.

Regardless of the Air Force’s final selection, this move to select a new renewable biofuel indicates science is advancing both knowledge and experience with renewable, performance alternatives.

New BioFuel Feedstock Possibility

Tobacco, a plant known for its cancer-causing by-products, could be re-inventing itself with a little help from new technology.  Based on recent research, the tobacco plant’s naturally produced oils may be a possible energy source as a feedstock for biofuels.

According to Tonic.com, research teams at Thomas Jefferson University have modified the tobacco plant to produce oil in its leaves and increase the plant’s natural seed production.  The result of those added efficiencies could make tobacco a viable option as an energy source.

Advances in green chemistry, like the ones being explored by the research teams at Thomas Jefferson University, continue to advance interesting new possibilities for renewable energy and materials.  With innovation, alternative renewable sources can be found in unlikely places like tobacco.

Clean Tech Solutions Must Be The Work Of Many

Due to the excitement following the recent UN summit in Copenhagen, investors and inventors have been able to capitalize on a renewed interest in green technology.  The increase of government spending in clean technologies and efforts to find alternatives to depleting energy sources have also increased the public’s appetite for information.  As Governments all over the world prepare to set emission limits and companies of all types search for ways to reduce their carbon footprint there is a growing demand for proven, immediate solutions.

Unfortunately, even with proven solutions, the reality is technology deployment often takes time.  Because of tradition, lack of concern, and a sluggish pace to letting go of old equipment, industries are not moving toward environmental sustainability at the same pace of public demand. While investing in clean tech is a clear priority for some, the same clarity of need and solution doesn’t exist for all.

In this article, Harvard Business Review compares the problem to Moore’s Law, which claims progress doubles every 18 months. In order to resolve the time gap between invention and implementation, a similar model would need to be created that projects the most efficient and effective technologies against how fast they could be put to use. This would focus inventors’ and investors’ efforts toward a common goal and get the technology deployment on the fast track.

The Partnership Between Industry and Science

The governments’ recent decision to give biofuel research more than $80 million in stimulus money, particularly algae research, is an exciting step towards alternative fuel solutions but strong partnerships between business and science are critical to our success.

Demonstrating that need for partnership, a recent study of Algae fuel conducted by Environmental Science and Technology highlighted algae’s drawbacks and lead to a very strong industry response.  At question, the validity and relevance of the research used.   From the conflict, however, rose the potential for solution as industry and science are discussing options for further studies using different research.

With algae fuel having the potential to have significant impact on day-to-day life, I hope the two groups can bridge the gap and create a partnership to analyze the benefits and risks. Hopefully, this partnership can further accelerate algae oil’s progress.  Together, business and science can bring us all one step closer to algae fuel solutions and serve as an example to all other biofuel industries in need of the same cooperation.

What We’re Reading

Each week, I highlight important industry news stories and trends. Here is some industry news that has caught my eye for this week:

Biotech Soybeans Promise Heart Benefits
Voice of America, January 12, 2010
“Genetically-modified foods have been controversial ever since they were introduced to the market. According to this story, that perception may begin to change thanks to a new variety of GM soybean that promises to deliver health benefits.”

Renewable resources seem to have endless possibilities. From biofuels to heart health, the need to harness their natural potential is imperative and exciting.

Therapists Report Increase in Green Disputes
New York Times, January 17, 2010
“As awareness of environmental concerns has grown, therapists say they are seeing a rise in bickering between couples and family members over the extent to which they should change their lives to save the planet.

In households across the country, green lines are being drawn between those who insist on wild salmon and those who buy farmed, those who calculate their carbon footprint and those who remain indifferent to greenhouse gases.”

This article offers an interesting and different perspective on how ‘green’ is beginning to be incorporated into our lives.   I can say that from personal experience, ‘bickers’ in our house focus on lights left on and recycling!!

Green Business Gains Ground in 2010

As the world becomes more aware of how necessary “going green” is to protecting our future, the need to create environmentally-savvy businesses is growing too. Elevance takes pride in playing an active role in growing the biotechnology industry and working toward further developing high-performance products made from renewable resources.

Toward the end of 2009, Cleantech Group and Deloitte announced that venture capital investments for clean technologies surpassed investments for medical biotechnology and IT.

Clean technology is defined as a “diverse range of products, services, and processes that are intended to reduce or eliminate negative ecological impacts while at the same improving the productive and responsible use of natural resources at lower costs with improved performance.” Cleantech is now said to be the biggest US venture capital category with 27% share.

A report by Greentech Media found that while venture investments in “green” technologies are down from 2008, there is still a strong showing in the wake of the recession. (will quote link in blog) Elevance looks forward to what this new year brings as the green industry progresses and expands.

Elevance Research Efforts Receive Boost

I am often asked to provide examples of products that are made using Elevance’s Nobel-prize winning technology. Currently, our technology can be found in candles, waxes, skin care and hair products available on store shelves across the country. We are constantly searching for innovative ways to bring cost effective, high performance products that are based on renewable feedstocks to more consumers. 

In fact, just last month we announced our research efforts received a $109,500 grant from the United Soybean Board to enhance the use of soybean oil as an ingredient in naturally-derived petrolatum alternatives. 

Soy-based petrolatum is used in beauty products such as lotions that offer a smooth, non-greasy feel and better slip properties, because its performance is equal to or better than traditional petrolatum products.

Through the USB funding, methods will be developed to create more cost-effective manufacturing of petrolatum like products from soybean oil. This successful technology will add a market for soy-based petrolatum equivalent to 3.6 million bushels in just five years. We look forward to the market expansion and bringing additional innovative products to consumers as a result of this collaboration between the USB and Elevance.