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Biochemicals are ‘the next frontier’

The Iowa Biotechnology Association—also known as IowaBio—is planning a “Partnering for Growth” forum to be held in Ankeny on April 1st.

Joe Hrdlicka, executive director of IowaBio, says one of the main topics of discussion will be renewable biochemical production. Because Iowa has established itself as a leader in renewable fuels, Hrdlicka says, the state has the opportunity to develop a leadership position in the production of biochemicals as well.

“We have the biomass product available and because of the production facilities we have, those folks are looking to partner with other innovators to produce biochemicals,” Hrdlicka says. “It’s really the next frontier of renewable materials in Iowa, so we’re pretty excited about that–and it certainly has a lot of implications for added value in the agricultural market.”

Hrdlicka says biochemical-based lubricants are one example of the products being discussed. He says IowaBio is working in the Iowa legislature to obtain a tax credit for renewable biochemical production.

For more information, go to IowaBio.org

AUDIO: Joe Hrdlicka