News
Science Minister Penny Simmonds will open the second annual Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Rotorua on Thursday, focusing on turning waste into valuable products.
The event, hosted by the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA), brings together researchers, industry leaders, government agencies, start-ups and students to explore solutions to environmental challenges through circular bioeconomy innovation.
Mark Piper, transition CEO of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, will deliver a keynote address on New Zealand's bioeconomy future.
Dr Nicky Solomon, general manager of the BPA, says, "The symposium provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the impact that the BPA has made through its contribution to an enormous range of innovative industry projects, and highlights that our waste to value goal resonates significantly with both industry and the science sector".
Businesses showcasing their waste-to-wealth innovations include AgriSea CEO Clare Bradley, whose company recently launched the world's first commercial seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery in Paeroa. Ārepa founder Angus Brown will discuss extracting bioactives from blackcurrant waste, while Tania Watson from the Baking Industry Research Trust will present on making thermoplastic polymers from bread waste.
Other presenters include KiwiLeather Innovations co-founder Shelley Houston, who transforms waste kiwifruit into bio-based leather alternatives, and Massey University graduate Jerome Chua, who developed an award-winning product using crayfish waste.
The afternoon features an interactive workshop on the Future of Fibre Aotearoa initiative, facilitated by Fashion and Textiles NZ Chief Executive Jacinta FitzGerald and Commonkind co-founder Kelly McClean.
The symposium takes place at Rydges Hotel Rotorua on Thursday 14 May. Registration details are available at bpa-sss.co.nz.
The BPA connects New Zealand businesses and universities with scientists to transform low-value biological resources into high-value products, with support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.