Dawn A. Smith
Scion, New Zealand
Title: Advances in the use of biobased resources in polymer products
Biography
Biography: Dawn A. Smith
Abstract
Scion’s biomaterials and bioproducts research focuses on supporting New Zealand and international manufacturers and brand owners with innovative technologies that utilise sustainably-derived, biobased resources.
Increased biobased content into products is promoted by legislation as well as consumers and brand owners who are demanding sustainability and renewability claims as well as excellent product performance.
New Zealand is not set up for refining petroleum to chemicals and polymers and heavily relies on imported plastics and polymers. One possibility to reduce this dependency is to partially replace them with sustainably produced New Zealand biomaterials. Therefore, we have developed leading expertise in extrusion processing of biomass, biopolymers, fillers, novel biobased additives and fibre addition. We continue to expand our capability, adding new manufacturing technologies to our processing portfolio. A good example is 3D printing, a rapidly developing and highly disruptive manufacturing technology that is expected to change much of the way business is done.
This presentation will outline some of Scion’s products, materials and technologies targeting the use of biobased resources resulting in new functionalities such as lighter weight, water resistance, durability, or enhanced biodegradation. By building on features designed by nature, we aim to develop sustainable products that will meet the demands of the global market place.