January 2010
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.
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