News Release

Genencor promotes biobased economy to address challenges of fast-growing world population

Business Announcement

Environics

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Oct. 5, 2011— Today at the first-annual California Industrial Biotechnology Conference, Genencor called for the collaboration of industry, science and policy stakeholders to help solve the challenges of a growing world population through accelerating a biobased economy. A biobased economy is driven by the use of renewable sources for energy, fuels and the production of chemicals and materials.

"The global population is expected to increase to 9 billion by 2050, and we are already experiencing challenges in meeting the needs for food, energy and protection," said Genencor CEO Tjerk de Ruiter. "Working together to power industrial biotechnology solutions and educate others about them can help boost the economy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create a healthier environment and decrease water and energy consumption."

Genencor recommended four key components necessary for creating a biobased economy:

  • Cultivating a steady supply of renewable feedstock;

  • Developing infrastructure (from farm to factory);

  • Building sustainable biorefineries; and

  • Developing and securing responsive distribution channels.

De Ruiter said the best collaboration to help develop the foundation for a biobased economy needs to consist of: public and private partnerships; governmental policies and industry incentives; a regulatory framework that doesn't stifle entrepreneurial innovation; and public education. Genencor has been seeking new partnerships to address the needs of a growing population through its open innovative program called GNext, as well as making significant progress in developing cost-effective enzyme technologies that are helping to solve the world's sustainability issues.

For example, Genencor's newest enzyme technology, Accellerase® TRIO, will help the United States reduce its dependence on a petroleum-based economy by allowing advanced biofuels producers to cost-effectively manufacture cellulosic ethanol from a range of renewable, nonfood feedstocks. Advanced biofuels have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 86 percent over gasoline.

Genencor's BioIsoprene™ platform is another biobased alternative for the rapidly growing automotive and transportation industries. A partnership between Genencor and The Goodyear Tire Company, BioIsoprene platform is an alternative to petroleum-derived isoprene, a key chemical in synthetic rubber. The technology also has a vast potential beyond tires, including becoming key ingredients in rubber products and adhesives.

"Indeed we are making progress. The challenge ahead of us is to work as a collective group to take discoveries from pilot projects to commercialization faster," De Ruiter said. "Working toward establishing a biobased economy will help us be better prepared to address society's biggest challenges."

###

About Genencor

Genencor is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and a pioneer in enzyme innovation with more than 400 patented enzyme technologies. Genencor improves process and product performance for a range of industries. As part of a large global organization, Genencor has a manufacturing and distribution network that spans more than 40 countries. In collaboration with customers, technology leaders and other stakeholders, Genencor supplies competitive, biobased solutions that create value throughout the supply chain, from raw material to finished product. DuPont acquired a majority stake in Danisco A/S, which includes its Genencor division, in May 2011. Genencor enzymes and enzyme production will now operate within DuPont Industrial Biosciences. For more information, please visit www.genencor.com.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.