As the world's insatiable desire for fossil fuels continues to rise, the need for alternatives such as biofuels and bioproducts is becoming an essential part of an environmentally sustainable future.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB) today announced strong progress in providing new and diverse bioproduct opportunities for the Australian sugar industry in their 2007/08 Annual Report.
The CRC SIIB 2007/08 achievements include:
- Together with its American-based member company Metabolix, the CRC SIIB reported the production of sugarcane containing 3.5% PHA (polyhydroxy alkanoate – a new class of biodegradable plastics). The CRC SIIB has made significant progress in producing bioplastics in sugarcane plants that can be used for a wide range of commercial applications and confirming that sugarcane is a preferred feedstock (over corn and sugar beet) for the production of bioproducts.
- The commercial release of a new gene mapping tool that will greatly accelerate sugarcane plant breeding improvement.
- Progress towards a sugarcane plant that uses high-cost nitrogen in the most efficient way to grow.
- Research to assess interactions of sugarcane plants and relatives in agricultural and natural systems to assess GM sugarcane safety and appropriate management processes.
- The creation of significant IP in 10 projects; commercialisation of seven patented technologies; and continued training of 34 young biotechnologists.
CRC SIIB CEO, Dr Peter Twine, attributes the CRC's strong progress to a highly skilled team of researchers and managers dedicated to the sugar industry.
"It is clear the work being undertaken by this CRC now provides new and diverse product opportunities for the Australian sugar industry of the future," Dr Twine said.
"These strategic opportunities aim to develop a sustainable and profitable export-based sugarcane industry, by combining Australia's world-class strengths in molecular biology and chemical engineering with current industry skills and infrastructure.
"I would like to congratulate our researchers and managers on their continuing commitment and progress towards these goals in 2007/08."
To download the full annual report
click here to go to the link or contact CRC SIIB Communication Manager Julie Lloyd on (07) 3331 3309.
BACKGROUND – CRC Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology
The Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB) is an alliance of Australia's top sugarcane biotechnology expertise. The collaboration and expertise in this CRC is unparalleled through the combination of research institutions including four Universities, sugar industry research organisations, Federal and Queensland State Governments, and commercial partners.
This CRC has a bold goal - to add new value to Australian sugarcane. www.crcsugar.com
For further information contact
MEDIA RELATIONS
Julie LLOYD
M 0418 814 782 T 07 3331 3309 / 0415 79 9890