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Science Minister Penny Simmonds will open the second annual Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Rotorua next Thursday, as New Zealand's bioeconomy sector showcases innovative ways to turn waste into valuable products.
The Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) is hosting the event at Rydges Hotel on 14 May, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, government agencies, startups and students to tackle environmental challenges through circular economy solutions.
Mark Piper, transition CEO of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, will deliver a keynote address on the future of New Zealand's bioeconomy sector.
"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," says Dr Nicky Solomon, BPA general manager.
Several Kiwi companies will present their waste-to-wealth success stories. Clare Bradley from AgriSea will discuss the world's first commercial seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery launched in Paeroa, while Angus Brown from Ārepa will share how his company extracts bioactives from blackcurrant waste.
Other presenters include Tania Watson from the Baking Industry Research Trust on making thermoplastic polymers from bread waste, and Shelley Houston from KiwiLeather Innovations, which transforms waste kiwifruit into bio-based leather alternatives.
Massey University graduate Jerome Chua will present his award-winning development using crayfish waste to create long-line sea sausage products.
The afternoon features an interactive workshop on the Future of Fibre Aotearoa initiative, led by Fashion and Textiles NZ Chief Executive Jacinta FitzGerald and Commonkind Co-founder Kelly McClean.
The BPA connects New Zealand businesses with leading scientists to transform low-value biological resources into high-value products, with support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.