Biomaterials & Biofuels
New Thinking
Biorefinery technology
Scion has the expertise to support growing global interest in biorefinery processing, based on a long history of research and development for the pulp and paper industry.
Biospife goes to Europe
Scion’s collaboration with ZESPRI®, recognised as the world leader in premium quality kiwifruit, continues to grow. Scion scientists have been working with ZESPRI® to develop a bioplastic spife (spoon-knife) made, in part, from kiwifruit residue.
Exploring benefits of the bioplastics boom
Award winning designs expand bioplastics' potential
Spider web inspires new nano fibre venture
NZ can grow all its own biofuels
Biofuels fuel debate about benefits
New Science
A natural alternative to a fishy problem
Scientists have long been researching eco-friendly packaging alternatives to one of the most widely used plastics, polystyrene. This is now a step closer with the construction, by Biopolymer Network Ltd, of a pilot plant capable of producing fish boxes made from a bio-foam that looks and behaves much like its less eco-friendly counterpart.
LignoTech - leading the greeen way forward
Strong, lightweight and economical are highly desirable properties when it comes to buying a car. But one made using corn residue?
Unique facility to test biodegradation and composting
Scion has designed and built a unique-to-New Zealand test facility for measuring the aerobic composting of materials such as bioplastics, paper and wood, and quantifying the time it takes for materials to biodegrade.
A whole new racquet for flax
Scion has been stressing, stretching and pounding plant fibres to understand how they respond to repeated pressure. Flax fibres are of interest because overseas manufacturers are using them in combination with resins to make tennis racquets, high-performance bicycles and racing yachts.
Scion creates new bioadhesives
Scion has created a new recipe for adhesives made 100 percent from bio-based ingredients. This breakthrough will help manufacturers of wood panel products to overcome regulatory and customer concerns about formaldehyde emissions.
New light on composites
An extraordinary lamp design by celebrated artist and furniture maker, David Trubridge, has drawn attention to the possibilities offered by new biomaterials.
New Zealand triumphs in International Bioplastics Awards
Novel bioactive coatings show promise as anti-foulants
Non-plastic fantastic
Our world is hugely dependant on petroleum-based plastics and other non-renewable materials. But renewable “biofibres” such as wood, flax or hemp could take over – and sooner than many think. Scion, a Crown Research Institute, wants to realise products that are made with less energy, do the job at least as well, and ultimately don’t grow the landfill.
New Value
Tiny titans
New titanium metal alloy open-pore materials currently being developed at IRL could offer high-value contributions to the biomedical sector.
ArborGen Renews Agreement with Scion
Open Day at Scion
Win-win as odour control enables biogas capture
NZ CRIs join forces with leading US enzyme discovery company
New Zealand CRIs Scion and AgResearch are in a research programme with US-based Diversa Corporation which could ultimately see New Zealand’s vehicle fleet running on New Zealand-grown and manufactured biofuels.
