NCGA’s Glass Presents Bio-based Chemicals Paper at Biotechnology Conference (5-5-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Vice President of Research and Development Dr. Richard Glass presented “Biobased Chemicals from Ethanol—The Ethanol Platform” at the Department of Energy-sponsored Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals conference in Nashville, Tenn., this week.

Glass’ paper focused on corn as an abundant, stable feedstock that has tremendous production potential and an NCGA study on value-added compounds that can be produced from ethanol.

“It is important to consider the consequences of future weaknesses in the fuel ethanol market to producer-owned dry mills,” Glass explained. “Having a portfolio of compounds that can be produced from ethanol will decrease exposure to fluctuations in the ethanol market.”

Examples of chemicals that can be produced from ethanol include ethyl lactate, ethyl acetate and ethylene.

“These compounds can be used as solvents and precursors for plastics,” Glass said. “Developing these chemicals from ethanol allows us to continue on the path of energy independence.”

Some attendees raised questions about the future availability of corn for food. Glass cited the trend of increasing corn production and the ability to utilize dried distillers grains with solubles as an animal feed.

Cellulosic ethanol was also an issue attendees discussed. Glass said corn growers will be there to supply the nation’s ethanol until that type of ethanol is economically feasible.

“NCGA has been and is currently creating a dynamic and growing market for ethanol,” he said. “Corn growers will welcome cellulosic ethanol when it is economically viable. But until then we will focus on supplying our nation’s energy needs with corn.”

The paper will be published in Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.