We are currently facing a global food crisis, particularly for wheat and maize \u2013 where the prices are expected to spike in the next months amid worries for the current harvesting due to the recent droughts. Biofuels are under strong criticism and the discussion is more heated than ever whether one should use food crops for biofuels at all. The same criticism that is being expressed in the “Food vs. Tank debate\u201d could sooner or later apply to the use of biomass as feedstock in the chemical industry.<\/b><\/p>\n
This public and political discussion affects also the price and availability of our feedstock supply, as well as the perspective from which our industry is viewed by the general public and the customers. <\/p>\n
Firstly, the discussions about the use of food crops are too much simplified by the media and the conclusions drawn from them are questionable. How should one deal with this? Should additional background data be collected and a new public policy be developed? <\/p>\n
On the other hand, how does one deal with the attacks on biofuels? Should chemicals and plastics be strategically positioned\u00a0as a different and better alternative for the biomass usage? Which strategy prevents the bio-based chemicals and plastics industry from getting caught in the same maelstrom of criticism as biofuels are?<\/p>\n
We cordially invite you to our workshop on these issues, taking place on September 21 at the W\u00f6llhaf conference centre at the Cologne airport. Experts from nova-Institute will give keynote speeches and background information and show new data on the use of biomass in Europe. Together, then, the following topics will be discussed, strategies developed and possibly a multi-client study will be born.<\/p>\n
If you would like to join, please register at\u00a0http:\/\/www.bio-based.eu\/foodcrops<\/a>. For any questions concerning the workshop, please contact Ms Lara Dammer – E-Mail: lara.dammer@nova-institut.de<\/a>).<\/p>\n Participation in the workshop will cost \u20ac 250 (conference package including buffet lunch). The number of participants is limited to 30, therefore we recommend to register quickly. A second workshop will be held if the demand is too strong for a single workshop.<\/p>\n Focus of the workshop:<\/b><\/p>\n 1) What is really the best source of C5\/C6-sugar as a raw material for biotechnological processes?
<\/p>\n 2) How can we strategically handle the claim not to use any food crops for biofuels and for the industry in general? Which solid arguments can counter this claim?
<\/p>\n 3) Which strategy prevents the bio-based chemicals and plastics industry from getting caught in the same maelstrom of criticism as biofuels are?<\/p>\n
4) LCA Position Paper
<\/p>\n 5) Install a task force for industrial material use of biomass?
One possible outcome of the workshop can be position papers or other mutually agreed activities such as the aforementioned multi-client study.<\/p>\n Benefits for you from this workshop:<\/b><\/p>\n\n