Industrial uses for plant-based oils to be explored

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Researchers, commercial developers and producers will once again be gathering in Saskatoon in late February with a focus on the growth of non-food opportunities and global initiatives relating to oilseeds.

It all happens at the Ag-West Bio Inc. Plant Bio-Industrial Oils Workshop, taking place February 27 and 28 at the Delta Bessborough Hotel.

Ag-West Bio Inc. Vice President Ron Kehrig says Saskatchewan has always been an important part of oilseed-related research and development in Canada.

“With the development of biodiesel and other bio-based production opportunities, our strength in the area of oilseeds is something we can build on,” says Kehrig. “We can begin by establishing linkages across the country and internationally.”

According to Kehrig, this annual conference has developed a real following among experts and commercial interests developing oilseed opportunities. Once again, many of them will be in Saskatoon to present their work during sessions such as “Protein-Based Plastics and Materials: New Opportunities for Meal Utilization;” “Novel Bioplastics and Composites from Natural Oils;” and “Emerging Opportunities for Natural Oil-Based Chemicals.”

Kehrig says that some of the discussions will centre around the move toward developing biofuels and new oilseed bio-refineries, as well as using different plant platforms such as Camelina and B. carinata to produce industrial oils for non-food applications.

The conference will also review the production of polyurethane foam for the car industry from plant-based oils, and the production of paints and other coatings from flax oil.

According to Kehrig, “To think globally and act locally, you have to know what is going on globally.” As such, program speakers on new oilseed initiatives are expected from Sweden, the United States and Australia, as well as from Canadian companies and research groups.

“This is a good opportunity for learning, networking and partnering,” Kehrig said. “If you want to know what’s going on, where things are headed, and how your operation or company will fit it in, this is the meeting to attend.”

The Plant Bio-Industrial Oils Workshop generally appeals to a wide spectrum of researchers, seed industry interests, commercial operators and producers. Registration for the event costs $177 for Ag-West Bio members and $195 for non-members.

The full program and registration information is available at www.agwest.sk.ca, or by calling (306) 975-1939.

For more information, contact:
Ron Kehrig, Vice President
Ag-West Bio Inc.
Phone: (306) 668-2665