Burnaby biotech S2G BioChem has been tapped by the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers to study beets as a feedstock for making plant-based alternatives to petrochemicals.
The study is being funded with a $600,000 federal grant.
The beet growers association, which represents 260 beet farmers in southern Alberta, has contracted S2G BioChem to study the possible uses of biofuels and bio-glycol from sugar beets.
Bio-glycols could be used to replace petroleum-based plastics, polyesters and antifreeze.
As detailed in Business in Vancouver, sugars are the stem cells of chemistry. They can be made into a wide variety of products traditionally made from non-renewable petroleum products, and can be derived from wood waste and plants.
“Moving to commercial production of bio-glycols in Alberta would demonstrate the province’s willingness to invest in green technologies, as well as create jobs to construct and run a production facility costing upwards of $40 million,” said S2G BioChem CEO Mark Kirby.
ASBG president Rob Boras said, “With projected potential sales of over $100 million in the first five years, Alberta beet growers could be a part of a growing industry that is ‘green’ in more ways than one.”
“We expect to start seeking investment for the project in early 2014.”
