Annual Report 2010/2011
Annual Report 2010/2011
About InCrops
Contents
Based at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, the InCrops Enterprise Hub is a European funded, not for profit company. With a partnership of research, public sector and corporate partners, we all work collaboratively to develop the commercial potential of innovative crops.
Welcome from the Director of the InCrops Enterprise Hub
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Welcome from the Chair of InCrops Ltd
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Business support
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Biopolymers and biocomposites
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Built environment
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Biorefining and algal technologies
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Personal care products, functional foods and medicinal plants
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Bioenergy and biofuels
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Sustainable design
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Agronomy and crop improvement
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Strategic developments
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Profile-raising, business support network and events
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InCrops team
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Working collaboratively
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InCrops Ltd
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Dr John French, Director
Welcome from the Director of the InCrops Enterprise Hub John French 2010 has seen InCrops continue to develop and deliver its activity to support green innovation and green technology development in the East of England. This report provides an overview of our interactions with businesses, partners and other stakeholders. The InCrops Enterprise Hub has engaged with a variety of strategic initiatives including securing funding from EEDA (East of England Development Agency) for three projects, a feasibility study for a regional Algal Innovation Centre, a project to develop model low carbon supply chains for forest products in the East of England and for further studies on the agronomic potential of biochar. EEDA also committed ÂŁ20,000 of funding to support the creation of a bioenergy strategy and to identify how our region can add value to the bioenergy innovation chain or host parts of the supply chain. InCrops has played a key role in developing the concept for an innovative new green building to be based on the UEA campus. The Exemplary Low Carbon Building proposal has now been given the green light from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Constructed from bio-renewable and low carbon materials and utilising local supply chains, the planned 3000sqm building will enable UEA to provide
an outward facing business centre with enterprise and demonstration facilities for SMEs, low carbon incubation space for new companies and a host of new low carbon innovation developments. In April 2010, InCrops was pleased to announce the appointment of Marie Francis as Chair of InCrops Ltd, the UEA operating company that runs the Enterprise Hub. Marie brings to InCrops a wealth of experience within the agri-business sector with connections among various research and commercial organisations across the East of England. 2010 has seen InCrops start the transition from public sector funded support for businesses to a combination of public sector and commercial work. This has led to the formation of NeueAg Ltd, the trading arm of the InCrops Enterprise Hub and reinforces the business-led approach of InCrops. In November 2010, closer integration of InCrops with the Low Carbon Innovation Centre was achieved through my appointment as CEO of LCIC. InCrops is now part of a wider group of low carbon enterprise companies at UEA which have national and international significance and I look forward to continuing this exciting of work.
Welcome from the Chair of InCrops Ltd Marie Francis I am pleased to report a record number of businesses have been supported by InCrops in 2010. Over 140 businesses have been helped to develop new products, projects and services, from crop-derived packaging to tool-kits for algae.
areas in addition to the core business support function carried out in the East of England. The reputation of InCrops has continued to grow and this has resulted in work and collaborations both nationally and internationally.
The expertise available within InCrops has developed over this year and is strong in key low carbon growth
The dedication of the employees and their high value sector specific expertise has been a major factor in the growth and development of InCrops and the Board appreciates the input they have provided.
Marie Francis, Chair
The close working with our partners is also vital to the work of InCrops and helps ensure constructive and practical support for our business clients. InCrops continues to engage in high profile activities, such as working with a House of Lords Subs Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment on their inquiry into Innovation in EU Agriculture.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
The close working with our partners is also vital to the work of InCrops and helps ensure constructive and General information practical support for our business clients. InCrops continues to engage in high profile activities, such as working with a House of Lords Select Committee on their inquiry in to Innovation in EU Agriculture. General info Business Support
Business support ERDF
ERDF
During 2010, InCrops Business Innovation Managers delivered a full programme of ERDF funded specialist
During business 2010, InCrops Business Innovation Managers delivered a full programme of ERDF-funded specialist support to 31 eligible SMEs in the East of England. Each business support starts with a needs businessanalysis supportand to 31 eligible SMEs in theofEast England. Each business support starts with needs analysis comprises a minimum 12 of hours of support. In addition to reporting the abusiness assists and comprises a minimum of 12 hours of assistance. In addition to reporting the initial business support, we also themselves, we also monitor and report the downstream results of InCrops intervention. monitor and report the downstream results of InCrops intervention.
EEDA EEDA
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Biopolymers and biocomposites
In 2009, bio-based plastics made up 0.3% of the global plastics market (260 million tonnes). European Bioplastics Association predicts that the global market for biopolymers will grow to 1.7 million by 2015, with CAGR (compound annual growth rate) 20%. From all applications of biopolymers (catering, agriculture, horticulture, medicine and personal care, textiles, adhesives, and construction), packaging has the highest environmental impact due to its volume. Biopolymers are used in both single use and durable applications. Cost, performance and processing of biopolymers are the critical points for the industry. New trends in the biopolymer market include market growth for compostable food or garden waste bags, development of engineered biopolymer blends, and commercial production of bio-derived PET and HDPE, which are chemically identical to their oil-based counterparts. The advantage of these materials is that they can be processed on the same equipment and recycled via established routes. Another area where biopolymers bring substantial benefits is in biocomposite applications for sports, maritime, automotive and construction industries. Use of natural fibres in biocomposites offers to partially substitute use of glass fibre. The East of England boasts major capacity in the processing of hemp, flax and other fibre crops. Market expansion for biocomposites is limited by the lack of large-scale resin production and lack of a biocomposite product development and testing facility. Natural fibres are widely used in automotive applications due to their reduced weight compared to glass fibres and high-levels of carbon sequestration. Current automotive use of natural fibres in the EU is estimated at 100 kt per year, equivalent to approximately 7-8 kg per vehicle, but this could grow, with little technological change, to 12-13 kg. In construction, we’ve seen increasing use of
hemp-based materials, new fibre insulation products, and finished wood products, and with estimates that the East of England will see 780,000 new homes by 2030, there is considerable regional opportunity for bio-based materials. InCrops is working with client companies to facilitate development of products that not only replace plastics and composites but do so with materials that bring added value and which are derived from low GHG farming systems and supply chains. Case study: Richard Wright and Leavs Ltd About the business and its needs InCrops has been working with Richard Wright, a farmer and online retailer based in Loddon, Norfolk. Richard has developed an environmentally friendly, attractive, plant based loose fill packaging system with a high recycled and waste product content. Crop waste and dried plants are used in manufacture of this packaging. Packaging applications for his products range from decorative glassware, gifts, perfumery, to packaging of electronics and transport of small animals. Richard needed support with product development, identification of market entry strategies and environmental impact assessment. Our support InCrops supported Richard in applying for an EEDA Innovation Voucher to access expert knowledge on crops used in his products in order to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency. InCrops has also assisted Richard in accessing a Proof of Market grant administered by EEDA and provided consultancy on market and business assessment, life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental performance, and compliance with trading standards and packaging regulations for his products. The results and impact
Leavs Ltd, Sustainable loose fill packaging
Richard said: “The Proof of Market report has been of great help to me in planning a way forward for this project, it has helped to give this project a firm foundation with which to work on. The LCA report has highlighted areas where I can work on to reduce the carbon input for my products to strengthen their green credentials. The work on identification of industrial crop varieties would allow me to find the optimum varieties for me to grow commercially. The support InCrops has given to me in guiding me and this project has been of 3 great help and has been much appreciated�.
Annual Report 2010/2011
Built environment
The change in government in 2010 and the recession has created uncertainty in the industry. Changes to building regulations, planning laws and the definition of zero carbon are in the pipeline, but the recession has put many developments on hold. The European Commission, however, are pressing ahead with developments on embodied carbon methodologies and making all building products have a Life Cycle Assessment label. By 2013, it is possible that new buildings will need to be low carbon in operation, but also to have low embodied carbon. Despite economic uncertainty, there have been a number of projects that have used renewable materials. Social housing providers and companies concerned about their environmental impacts have been pioneers in using hemp and lime, straw bale and other renewable materials in construction. Marks & Spencer used a hemp and lime panel system for their new 20,000m2 retail outlet in Cheshire due to complete in 2011. North Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire commissioned two social houses to be built using a compressed straw bale construction method while in Diss in Norfolk, construction started on 114 affordable Code 4 homes made with hemp and lime. Other projects include 88 hemp and lime homes in Swindon and Letchworth and 20 straw bale panel homes in Leeds. These pioneering projects are being monitored and assessed very closely by the industry who need to find ways of reducing emissions from buildings and reducing embodied carbon. Renewable materials offer good thermal performance and low embodied carbon due to their sequestration properties. By providing evidence on costs, performance and life cycle assessments, InCrops works with companies in the region to develop supply chains in the built environment.
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Case study: Jason Borthwick and eco-friendly youth hostel JPB Hostels, owned by entrepreneur, Jason Borthwick, was looking for guidance for his plan to build an eco-friendly youth hostel in Norwich. Although his previous venture, Deepdale Farm in North Norfolk, was eco-friendly, it was focused on reducing operational emissions rather than a focus on reducing embodied carbon. Jason looked to InCrops to provide a report comparing the embodied carbon of conventional materials with bio-based materials. About the business and its needs The business required knowledge of bio-based materials to make a sound judgement on the design of the building to put forward for planning. Many bio-based materials are new to the market and therefore do not have the same coverage with planners. The report was to provide guidance not only for Jason and his team but also to third parties. Our support The first level of support included inviting up to 10 companies that used bio-based materials to pitch to Jason’s team. Each company brought samples and highlighted how their materials would add value to the project. The report produced focused on comparing glulam beams with steel beams and a variety of materials suitable for the fabric of the building. Each material was compared by looking at embodied carbon, readiness for market and cost. The results and impact The main result was that JPB was able to develop a realistic plan for development. Being located next to a river, planners were concerned that bio-based materials would not be structurally sound. By providing guidance on materials, Jason was able to make necessary amendments to ensure the low carbon credentials were able to be maintained and enhanced. The project is currently in its planning stage.
Annual Report 2010/2011
Biorefining and algal technologies
2010 has seen considerable strategic developments for integrated biorefining and algal technologies. InCrops represents the interests of SMEs at BBSRC’s IBTI Club. The IBTI Club is an industry group which feeds into the Research Council’s Integrated Biorefining Research and Technology Initiative (IBTI), giving feedback as to which research will be most relevant for industrial end-users. In 2010, the second call for funding applications closed, and five new projects received funding from IBTI, to work on novel biosurfactants and chemicals from lignocelluloses. InCrops ensures that the outputs of these cutting-edge research projects can be accessed by SMEs. As a consequence of discussions with industrial stakeholders on how to best facilitate the commercialisation of algal technologies, InCrops identified the need for an Algal Innovation Centre in the East of England. The facility could be at the interface between industry and academia, to test algal technologies prior to adoption in industrial contexts, to train a workforce familiar with biological and engineering challenges associated with algal scaleup and commercialisation, and to translate academic breakthroughs into commercial reality. Funding was secured from EEDA for a Feasibility Study. This study, carried out by internationally renowned algal experts from Portuguese company AlgaFuel, working with regional industrial stakeholder BioGroup, provided a detailed set of recommendations. Based on the recommendations, scouting for suitable locations has commenced, as has the pursuit of funding and detailed interaction with stakeholders. The Algal Innovation Centre will become part of a larger European network, the INTERREG IVB Europe Strategic Initiative ‘Energetic Algae’ (see p24 for more detail).
Case Study: Spicer Biotech About the business and its needs The interaction between Spicer Biotech and InCrops started at the Biofuels East Conference in March 2010, where Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley presented an overview of bioenergy in the context of integrated biorefining. Spicer Biotech, based in Bedford, was founded in 2010 as a new research division of the engineering company Spicer Consulting. With combined engineering and biological expertise, the company is developing novel laboratory scale photobioreactors for testing and modelling algal productivity prior to outdoor pilot phase scale-up. A second arm develops a molecular tool-kit for modified algal strains. Our support InCrops support has enabled Spicer Biotech to secure a CASE studentship with the Algal Bioenergy Consortium in Cambridge, to develop the tool-kit further, and also has helped them to write a successful application for a Cambridge Venture MBA project. The results and impact As a consequence, Cambridge MBA students have done market research for Spicer Biotech, helping them make key decisions on the direction of their product development. Dr Andrew Spicer, Director of Spice Biotech said, “The student team quickly identified the challenges in our fledgling market and made suggestions for our business that we have already implemented. I was impressed by their communication, professionalism and resourcefulness.”
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Personal care products, functional foods and medicinal plants The personal care product market is expected to reach in excess of $100 by 2012, with 5-10% of that being natural products. Some markets are expected to show particularly vigorous growth over the next few years. These include anti-ageing products (especially skin care products), products for babies and children, and products for the developing world. Botanicals are predicted to exhibit greater than 200% growth (20072017). The global functional food market is expected to grow to $1.75bn by 2012 (~45% growth since 2007). Key target markets include digestive health, beauty products, healthy ageing and weight management. Fruit and juices are expected to be particularly strong with nutraceutical drinks expected to exhibit ~50% growth over a five year period (2008-2013). InCrops is working with businesses and academic partners to investigate foods and food compounds that may have benefits to human health. InCrops has set up the Phytochemicals Working Group (PWG), a grouping of academics from partner institutions with research interests in plants, food and human disease. Businesses are supplying food plants or preparations extracted from food plants to PWG and their activities are being tested. Initial studies have provided preliminary evidence of potential activities against infectious bacterial disease, arthritis and cancer. Some of the EEDA funding available to InCrops together with funding from the UEA School of Biological Sciences enabled the purchase of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) machine. This machine could be used by businesses receiving InCrops support and enable them to obtain costcompetitive compositional analysis and high-quality scientific evidence of bioactivity. This facility and expertise will provide InCrops clients with a significant strategic advantage and a platform on which to develop innovative high-value products. In July we held a business event - ‘Functional Food for Thought’ aimed to highlight diversification opportunities for businesses in the regional functional food supply chains and acted as a showcase for an InCrops-commissioned report into alternative berry crops for the UK. InCrops is also linked in with an initiative at Cambridge University that seeks to verify the effects of traditional and ethnic medicines, and has showcased
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partner organisations to a Taiwanese delegation of scientists and companies visiting the Department of Pharmacology in May 2010. Case Study – Ethos About the business and its needs Ethos are a Cambridge-based start-up with an innovative approach to on-the-go foods. The company is developing engaging, high-tech vending machines that will deliver healthy food and drink products to a variety of target markets. A key need for the company was to understand the relationship between nutrition and human health and the health benefits associated with consumption of particular food groups. Our support InCrops researched scientific peer-reviewed literature and provided a detailed report outlining the evidence of health benefits for specific groups of plant compounds (including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids and fatty acids) and providing information on food sources that are rich in certain compounds or groups of compounds. We also provided information on product sourcing and in particular from regional companies that can supply products that meet Ethos’s needs. The results and impact Information provided through the InCrops support will enable Ethos to make informed decisions about product selection, sourcing and suitability for different markets. Ethos is considering how to launch a product portfolio informed by InCrops research.
Annual Report 2010/2011
Bioenergy and biofuels
The East of England has long been a pioneer in bioenergy deployment in the UK. EPR’s Eye-based poultry litter fuelled power plant commissioned in 1992, and British Sugar’s first UK bioethanol plant based in Wissington commissioned in 2007, are excellent examples of developments in the bioenergy sector. With a strong agricultural sector the region is particularly well placed to exploit opportunities for biomethane production and 2010 saw increases in anaerobic digestion across the region. Last year InCrops engaged with a number of entrepreneurs and SMEs involved in the development of new bioenergy technologies, such as biological processes for bioethanol production from residues of fruit and juice manufacture; new biochemical processes for biodiesel production using ethanol rather than methanol; small and medium scale anaerobic digestion systems for liquid industrial wastes, farm waste and Municipal Solid Waste; and thermochemical processes such as gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction. InCrops also engaged with companies that offer ancillary equipment and technical solutions to the bioenergy industry, such as low energy pumping and mixing for anaerobic digestion. 2010 was a busy year for InCrops’ academic partners. Rothamsted Research’s work on willow and miscanthus, in Harpenden, sugar beet, in Broom’s Bran, and anaerobic digestion, in North Wyke, continued to go from strength to strength. Interest increases around algae technologies and lignocellulosic biomass, areas of strength of the University of Cambridge. John Innes Centre, the Institute of Food Research and
the University of East Anglia’s work on conversion processes for liquid biofuels production from agricultural waste gained increased profile. InCrops partners’ interest in working with industry to improve the environmental and economic performance of bioenergy systems increased considerably and InCrops facilitated some relevant introductions. Bioenergy technologies are interlinked with technologies for utilisation of bioenergy byproducts, such as digestate and biochar. To identify the opportunities for use of biochar, InCrops commissioned a study on the commercialisation of biochar and established a strategic relationship with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), an Indian institute internationally recognised for its work on biofertilisers, to accelerate developments in the field. To promote closer collaboration across the partnership and promote the development of truly integrated clusters of academic and business stakeholders, 2010 saw the creation of InCrops Special Interest Working Groups. Prof Santhanakrishnan visited the UK in September 2010, when he attended the inaugural meeting of the InCrops Biochar Working Group to discuss the potential of biochar and biofertilisers in agriculture.
TNAU Bioenergy plant
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Annual Report 2010/2011
In October 2010 InCrops hosted the first meeting of its Bioenergy Steering Group, focused on identifying areas in which clients and partners can add value to the bioenergy innovation chain. They will also support the development of a Bioenergy Strategy for the InCrops Enterprise Hub. Case study: Biochar - Adding value to bioenergy systems Mike Weaver is a sole trader based in Cambridgeshire who is commercialising a small scale, modular pyrolysis system in the UK. The Pyreg technology, developed at the University of Bingen am Rhein, in Germany, can be used to treat a range of biomass such as green waste, farm residues and sewage sludge. The unit is attractive for decentralised small and mediumscale processing: throughput is about 120 kg of green waste or 150 kg of sewage sludge per hour. About the business and its needs The Pyreg system produces exportable heat and biochar (up to 33% of the input dry weight) and the technology is claimed not to require expensive gas clean up at any stage. In Germany, the technology is commercially viable for application in the sewage sludge industry. To advance with its commercialisation in the UK, Mike required support with market assessment and introduction to potential users and partners.
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Our support InCrops advised Mike Weaver on market opportunities and facilitated introductions to potential end-users for the technology. The introductions led to new collaborations being set up with the University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia and Cranfield University. The results and impact Mike Weaver has reviewed and ranked the various opportunities for applications in the UK and is now working towards implementing a demonstration project in the East of England.
Annual Report 2010/2011
Sustainable design
InCrops is supporting businesses developing and manufacturing household goods, eco-paints, furnishings, fashion and clothing. InCrops is working with artists and designers who would like to integrate natural fibres, biopolymers, and natural pigments into their work practices. The UK is renowned as the birthplace of some of the world’s most creative and innovative designer fashion labels, which have an important economic impact in the UK. The UK’s creative industries employ over 1 million people and brought in £112.5 billion to the UK economy. According to NESTA, there are around 400 active UK designer businesses, from start-ups through to mature companies. The UK fashion retail is valued at £1.6 billion (retail figures, NESTA, 2008). Sustainability issues feature highly on many agendas and increasingly designers are realising the environmental impact of their creative solutions. Research shows that if designers make informed and appropriate design decisions at the outset, then the environmental performance of any product can be improved by up to 80%. The biggest impact in this sector could be achieved through materials selection (biopolymers, natural fibres, plant pigments), and product design that takes into account the product consumption and end-of-life (such as recycling or composting). Designers should play a radical and innovative part in the creation of more environmentally friendly products and services. InCrops has established a relationship with the Textiles Futures Research Group (TFRG) that comprises over
30 leading designers and researchers located across several fashion, design and art colleges in London. Another fruitful collaboration has been developing with Kingston University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. In 2011 InCrops and Kingston University will start a project on creative design concepts for the use of biobased materials in high-end fashion and luxury industries. Successful concepts were exhibited at Vauxhall Fashion Scout in September 2011. In 2010, InCrops worked with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA) on a pilot project ‘Innovation and Art’ that aimed at exploring the benefits of combining creative thinking and skills with sustainable materials and technologies developed by businesses supported by InCrops. Art and Innovation project During April and May 2010, InCrops in partnership with SCVA, initiated a pilot project to connect artists that are particularly interested in environment issues and businesses developing bio-based and renewable materials. The purpose was to raise public perception of renewable materials and provide businesses with a unique opportunity to collaborate with creative industries. Each of the selected artists visited a participating company to view and learn about their materials and practices. The artist then explored the potential, both in terms of the possible impact on their own creative work and in developing ideas for innovative exploitation of the materials. Two of the businesses involved in the pilot scheme commented: “It has been a very positive experience. We have seen our products in many unfamiliar environments. We would like to involve the artist even more with some of our commercial projects to see if they could create artistic opportunities.” “Working with the artist was very encouraging. The artist was enthusiastic and developed the process beyond our applications, with further ideas for future applications.”
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Agronomy and crop improvement
InCrops is supporting the agri-business sector through interaction with growers to identify needs in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of non-food and functional food crops. InCrops activities in this area aim to address existing needs and to explore barriers to the adoption of new or under-utilised crop plants. Case study: Stephen Eyles About the business and its needs One of the main challenges identified by InCrops in the hemp supply chain was the quality of the fibre, which is greatly influenced by the cutting method. Existing methods were not favoured by local growers due to process inefficiencies and high economic and energy costs. InCrops liaised with Stephen Eyles, a local agricultural engineer with close links to the industry, who designed a lightweight, tractor-trailed, multi-blade low energy cutter able to produce standard cut length stems. The machine was built with funding from EEDA and went into operation in summer 2010 on over 250 hectares of crop in Norfolk and Suffolk. Drawing on the expertise of growers over the last few years, the harvester has a considerable advantage over existing methods, especially on difficult ground conditions on the Fens and Breckland areas of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, where most of the UK hemp crop is grown. InCrops Managing Director John French said, “We have a number of SME clients that either grow, process or utilise hemp. InCrops is actively engaged in promoting the development and increased uptake of hemp, both as a crop and also as biomaterial in numerous downstream applications. We commissioned the prototype hemp harvester to help promote the production and commercialisation of hemp products.” Due to its low input, fast growing capabilities and adaptation to most climatic and soil conditions, hemp is a very promising crop. Hemp fibres are increasingly being used in a variety of industrial applications such as the automotive and construction industries. InCrops has been working closely with industrial hemp processors and suppliers, Hemp Technology Ltd based in Halesworth, Suffolk, who will be harvesting the crop with the newly designed cutter.
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Our support InCrops hosted two successful demonstrations: one on site at a farm in Norfolk and a second one at Easton College, which were attended by local growers and representatives from Hemp Technology Ltd. The results and impact Commenting upon the demonstrations, Mike Duckett of Hemp Technology Ltd said: “I’m very impressed with the quality of the machine that Stephen Eyles has built. For a prototype machine almost starting from nothing this is a great achievement. We’ll be working with InCrops to continue the development of the harvester, comparing this with other cutting techniques for the benefit of all the stakeholders in the hemp supply chain.” The hemp harvester was also showcased to the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, during the presentation of the InCrops project at NIAB in February 2011.
Hemp harvester demonstration
Annual Report 2010/2011
Strategic developments
Timber supply chain project
Low Carbon Innovation Network
With support from EEDA, research into the East of England timber supply chains was conducted by InCrops with assistance from BRE, the Forestry Commission and Norwich Business School (NBS). At an initial stakeholder meeting held at Santon Downham near Thetford, over 30 private sector industry representatives ranging from contractors, millers, timber merchants, foresters, social housing providers and landowners, gave valuable insight and feedback which was added to the final report. Outlining the opportunities in using local timber in construction, the report concluded that there is a potential East of England timber market of £100m and that, if used in construction, this can lock up 432,000 tonnes of embodied CO2 by 2020 - the equivalent of 7% of Norfolk’s emissions.
Mark Goddard from British Sugar’s Operations Services team commenced a six month secondment with the InCrops Enterprise Hub in September 2010. Although British Sugar has a Group Development team looking at and developing new processes and potential revenue streams, seconding a member of their technical staff outside the company is a new move.
In late November 2010 InCrops hosted a breakfast meeting in Thetford with representatives from the construction industry, including building contractors, timberframe manufacturers and regional housing associations. The meeting resulted in the agreement to set up a consortium to develop a house building project using local materials with a focus on timber from the East of England. The final report was handed over in a productive meeting with the MP for West Suffolk, Matthew Hancock, in which he promised to deliver the findings to the coalition government.
For British Sugar, the objective was to identify new opportunities in the bio-renewables sector and to try out the format of this type of secondment. EEDA, who supported the secondment, encourages the development of interactions between other EEDAfunded enterprise hubs such as InCrops and established businesses. These interactions and interdisciplinary technology transfers open up opportunities for development of low carbon innovations that could have commercial implementation. Based at the Wissington biorefinery, Mark’s position within British Sugar involves product and process microbiology, quality and food safety systems and technical quality in laboratories. However, under InCrops Mark is now one of the regions bio-renewables network development managers. British Sugar’s experience in large-scale crop processing and co-products marketing, and its drive for lower carbon sustainability fits well with InCrops’ expertise in low carbon innovation over a wide range of market sectors.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
InCrops MBA student projects InCrops has been working with both Norwich Business School (NBS) at the University of East Anglia and the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge to provide an opportunity for MBA students to interact with InCrops activities and businesses in the functional food sector. For NBS, InCrops defined a project for a student team that revolved around the functional drinks market, especially fruit juices and teas, and the introduction of new drink products into this competitive sector. The team of four students, Chin-Chien Yang, Gaurav Patil, Hirozumi Hosoe and Neeraj Kharpate, provided a strategic overview of the potential market for health food drinks in the EU. The team mapped supply chains, analysed market drivers, including legislative impacts, and identified barriers to market development. The potential for products using locally grown ingredients received particular attention, including reduction of food miles and carbon emissions, relative to imported competing products, organic premiums and a detailed financial appraisal. The final 120 page report will be used to help businesses take advantage of the growth within this market.
InCrops pitches sustainable products to major retailer In partnership with BRE, InCrops has been working with a major retailer who has over 21 million shoppers each week, 2000 suppliers and over 600 stores, to improve the sustainability of their multi-million pound supply chain. Looking to replace conventional products in the packaging of their food, flowers, toys, clothing, stationery and shop-fittings to more sustainable materials that are also cost effective, scalable and would provide significant carbon savings from cradle to grave. InCrops contacted around 800 companies and put forward a shortlist of thirteen companies with their sustainable solutions based on cost, readiness to market, scalability, sustainability measures, and benefits to customers, with priority given to regional companies. InCrops worked closely with the selected companies to prepare the pitches of products and supplied the retailer with supplementary information about their materials and products. As a result of our pitch, the retailer invited six companies, four of which were from the East of England, to an introductory meeting with buyers who will evaluate the products and technologies. The invited companies had an opportunity to showcase their products based on biobased materials. If these products demonstrate sustainable benefit, appropriate cost, scalability and any potential for exclusivity for the retailer, successful pitches are likely to result in significant orders from the retailer.
In Cambridge, two groups of MBA students from the Judge Business School have been helping InCrops clients assess the market potential of algal products and technologies in the food and chemical sectors. Henry Li from Seapercup Ltd commented, “The InCrops hopes that this will be the first of many students were very experienced in challenging the sustainable supply chain initiatives with large UK business model and market positions in a professional companies. NBS, InCrops defined a project for a student team thatorganised revolved around the functional drinks market, manner. It was amazing how quickly they ecially fruit the juices and teas, and the introduction of new drink products into this competitive sector. The tasting interviews with a very positive turnout and m of four students, Chin-Chien Yang, Gaurav Patil, Hirozumi Hosoe and Neeraj Kharpate, provided a all objectives were met throughout the event. I was tegic overview of the potential market for health food drinks in the East of England, the UK and the EU. verysupply impressed byanalysed the enthusiasm and technical team mapped chains, market drivers, includingknowlegislative of thebarriers studenttoteam and development. have found their acts, and how identified market The final potential for ducts using presentation locally grown very ingredients received particular attention, including helpful.�
sideration of reduction in food miles and carbon emissions, relative to Recommendations madepremiums by the students already orted competing products, organic and a have detailed financial by used the companies, and raisal. The been final translated 120 page into reportaction will be to help businesses take antage of the growth has within this market. InCrops organised a further presentation of their
findings for January 2011.
Cambridge, two groups of MBA students from the Judge Business ool have been helping InCrops clients assess the market potential of algal ducts and technologies in the food and chemical sectors. Henry Li from percup Ltd commented, "The students were very experienced in lenging the business model and market positions in a professional manner. as amazing how quickly they organised the tasting interviews with a very tive turnout and all objectives were met throughout the event. I was very ressed by the enthusiasm and technical know-how of the student team and 12final presentation very helpful.� e found their
ommendations made by the students have already been translated into action by the companies, and
Annual Report 2010/2011
Profile-raising, business support network and events House of Lords ‘Innovation in EU Agriculture’ inquiry How can the rate of innovation, adoption and exploitation of research be increased in European Agriculture? The House of Lords Sub-Committee D – Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, announced a Call for Evidence in July 2010. The InCrops written submission to the House of Lords Select Committee was made in October on ways in which practical and commercial outcomes could result from the use of research and innovation. This input was well received and, following additional oral and written submissions in November, InCrops was asked to develop and submit plans for the creation of an EU Innovation Network for agriculture. This information was fully included as an appendix to the final Committee report, formally published in July 2011. The EU Commission has engaged in these plans and at the end of 2011 we will be presenting to a joint HOL and EU Commission seminar to help in the development of an effective and workable EU wide network. The submissions and final report can be found on at: www.parliament.uk/hleud.
Creating Futures Awards In October 2010, the InCrops Enterprise Hub was announced as the winner of the ‘Low Carbon Innovation’ category at the Creating Futures Awards. Hosted by EEDA, GO-East and the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA) in Ely; the ceremony acknowledged outstanding achievements in European projects with the award recognising our outstanding level of innovation in pursuit of aiding low carbon business operations. Author and journalist Lucy Siegle presented the award and her thought provoking presentation on ecological and ethical lifestyle matters identified the need to develop successful innovative solutions to encourage sustainable ‘green’ business practice. Events The InCrops team delivered over 20 business support network events in 2010, with team members, project partners and businesses. Over 900 people attended the events. Presentations from our events can be found on the InCrops website, www.incropsproject.co.uk in the Resources section.
Dr John French accepting the Creating Futures award from journalist Lucy Siegle
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Annual Report 2010/2011
The InCrops events diary 2010
February
November
Prof Ananda Chakrabarty ‘Bioengineering Bugs’ - joint event with Cambridge Network Sea buckthorn industry group meeting, Ipswich
Timber Supply Chain – breakfast meeting followed by meeting with Matthew Hancock MP and Lord Iveagh Oiling the Green Economy event, Thetford InCrops Bioenergy working group meetings, Harpenden and Norwich
March Interreg Algae meeting, Cambridge April Bio-based Materials in Sport event, University of Essex May The Challenges of using Natural Fibre Composites – joint event with London Technology Network, London Phytochemicals working group, Norwich Artists and New Materials, joint event with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art, Norwich Timber supply chain in East of England – stakeholders meeting, Santon Downham, Suffolk
‘Hemcrete in construction’ – breakfast event, Norwich December Hemp Growers group meeting In addition to the events we have held ourselves and run with others, our specialist team have given presentations and talks at a range of other events, nationally and internationally and continue to extend their knowledge and expertise though attendance at relevant conferences, seminars and workshops throughout the year.
July
Some of the notable events we have participated in this year, include:
Functional Food for Thought event, Ely
March
August
EcoBuild 2010, London – InCrops delivered a seminar session
Hemp Harvester Demonstration, Hall Farm, Northwold September
May
Hemp Harvester Demonstration, Easton College, Norwich Lecture and visit by Prof Santhanakrishnan, Harpenden, Norwich, Cambridge InCrops Biochar working group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden Eco-hostel supplier event, Norwich
Sustainability 2010 conference, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce (InCrops co-sponsored) InCrops presentation and exhibited
October ‘Build with Care Conference’ reception, Norwich BRE, Forestry Commission, Eleveden Estate and InCrops deliver timber supply report May 2010
June Norfolk Show - exhibition stand in Spirit of Enterprise Marquee and attendance at EEDA business breakfast event July Royal Society Summer exhibition, Southbank Centre, London – InCrops part sponsors October Biosciences KTN conference, Edinburgh - InCrops partsponsor, exhibition and attendance December Inward Mission on Crop Sciences and AgriBiotech (UK TI/IATC), Norwich, Harpenden and Cambridge InCrops support and presentation
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Spotlight on InCrops events:
Biopolymers in sports event On 20 April 2010, InCrops hosted an event on Biobased Materials in Sports at Essex University. The event featured representatives from companies developing plant-based renewable materials for applications in the sports and leisure industry. Presentations and demonstrations of products and materials came from a variety of companies and included the use of renewable biopolymers from Merquinsa and Arkema Group, bamboo by RAW Bamboo Bikes, plant fibres by CelluComp Ltd, and a stamina-boosting beetroot juice from James White Drinks Ltd. Throughout the event attendees were also given a unique opportunity to visit the Centre for Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Essex and were able to learn about the facilities for testing sports equipment. The aim of the event was to inform businesses about the range of available bio-based materials such as biopolymers, natural fibres, biocomposites and nutraceuticals, and bring them together with those in the sports supply chain, from manufacturers and developers to sports professionals. InCrops organised this event because the sport sector is an early adopter of new materials and there are emerging drivers for green materials in sport. With a world market of ÂŁ81 billion and London 2012 pushing the sustainability agenda, significant commercial opportunities will emerge for companies supplying sports clothing, equipment and functional foods based on renewables.
Issues discussed included the public’s perception of bioderived materials and the need for legislation that will encourage and help manufacturers to adopt renewable materials. The matter of final product cost was also debated and whether this was a factor that needed to be considered in the case of high performance sportswear. Conclusions drawn from the event were that the performance properties for sports gear could definitely be met through renewable materials and significant effort is needed to improve the materials and technologies using them. More importantly, the issues of end-of-life and recyclability are the key drivers for adopting these materials. In order to bring renewable materials in to the mainstream sports market, we must first evaluate and recognise the performance of products and make such products affordable. Sustainability 2010 InCrops sponsored the Sustainability 2010 conference, which took place in May and was managed by the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce. InCrops has now negotiated a greater involvement in the 2011 conference and has enabled the event to acquire new sponsorship through British Sugar.
Delegates at the InCrops Biopolymers in Sport event
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Oiling a green economy event
Hemp growers group
In November 2010, InCrops hosted a networking event on biolubricants at the Keystone Innovation Centre in Thetford. Cliff Lea from the multinational ‘Fuchs Lubricants’ gave an overview of the history of biolubricant use and highlighted the major improvements in performance made over the last 10 years. He also presented case studies, including the building of the Eden Project. Simon Nash from ‘Green Oil UK Ltd’ shared his experiences in producing his eco-award winning bicycle biolubricants. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion on the pros and cons of using biolubricants and explored barriers to uptake.
Following discussions with individual hemp growers, it became clear that the agronomic and processing knowledge on the crop was fragmented, and that an organised group would help to bring together this expertise and have a united voice as an emerging industry. Two meetings have been organised so far, with the support of Anglia Farmers. At the last of these meetings in February, the growers agreed to form an online discussion group (in order to minimise the need for travelling), where information on variety choice, agronomy, harvesting and pre-factory processing will be available.
It is clear that biolubricants have undergone significant improvement in performance and cost since they were first introduced 30 years ago, but the message has not yet reached machine manufacturers and operators. The bad publicity created with the unsatisfactory performance of early generation biolubricants has prohibited their introduction more widely. What is needed now? More education, more demonstration projects and more tests are required to help spread the message on the superior performance of current biolubricants, and to ensure there are no warranty issues.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
InCrops team
Dr John French, InCrops Enterprise Hub, Director
Bianca Forte - Business Innovation Manager
Dr John French is the Director of the InCrops Enterprise Hub. John initially created the concept for the InCrops Project and, in 2008 after gaining funding from EEDA and ERDF, the project became live and the InCrops Enterprise Hub was born.
Bianca assists businesses seeking to develop new bioenergy technologies or adopt sustainable solutions for their energy challenges. Most business support activity in 2010 centred around entrepreneurs and high-tech companies involved with the development or commercialisation of new bioenergy technologies. Bianca is based at both the Eco Innovation Centre, in Peterborough, and Rothamsted Research, where she has been working to identify the R&D needs of companies in the bioenergy and agri-biotech supply chain and set up collaborations and new strategic projects to foster activities in the East of England. With a degree in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Environmental Management for Business, Bianca has previously worked for the Centre for Sustainable Engineering as a Bioscientist providing technology and market assessments on advanced biofuels to potential investors, developers and public bodies. As she completes her first year at InCrops, Bianca is very positive about the business case for bioenergy in the UK and is also enthusiastic about the opportunity to develop international opportunities for clients and partners of the Enterprise Hub.
In December 2010 John’s role at UEA was expanded to include CEO of the Low Carbon Innovation Centre and Low Carbon Innovation Fund. Benedict Binns - Business Innovation Manager Based at Building Research Establishment (BRE) and UEA, Ben joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2010. He takes the lead on creating low carbon supply chains using plant-based materials in the built environment. Having studied Economics to MA level at Manchester University, he was previously VicePrincipal of a sixth form college in Manchester and, upon moving to Norwich, set up and ran a successful organic food business. Prior to joining InCrops, he completed a Strategic Carbon Management MBA at UEA. With his experience in generating and developing business, he provides consultancy services, advising and giving business support to clients wanting to develop low carbon products and facilitate access to the supply chain particularly in the built environment.
l-r Mark Coleman, Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Bianca Forte, Ben Binns, Liliya Serazetdinova
Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley - Business Innovation Manager Based at the Department of Plant Sciences within the University of Cambridge and at the University of East Anglia, Beatrix joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in May 2009 and leads InCrops initiatives on biorefineries, algal technologies and biopharming. She studied Biochemistry in Germany and then moved to Cambridge, where she obtained her MPhil and PhD in photosynthesis research. A plant biochemist by background with over 13 years experience, Beatrix’s focus is on unlocking the potential of algal technologies for regional businesses in the areas of food and feed, platform chemicals, bioremediation and energy. Through her base at Cambridge University, Beatrix provides InCrops with a link to a variety of organisations, including the Cambridge Bioenergy Initiative, the Algal Biotechnology Consortium, the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre, Cambridge Enterprise, the Judge Business School and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Julia O’Rourke enjoys a visit to the BRE Innovation Park
Liliya Serazetdinova - Business Innovation Manager Liliya joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2009 with the responsibility of identifying and helping develop market opportunities in bio-renewable derivatives from crop plants. She also takes the lead on biopolymers and bioplastics as well as new consumer markets covering textiles for furnishings, fashion and design and, natural pigments and ecopaints. Located jointly at UEA and the John Innes Centre in Norwich, Liliya works closely with fellow colleagues engaged in knowledge transfer and business support. She has a PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of Hamburg, and with over 14 years scientific expertise in plant breeding, phytopathology, biochemistry and proteomics, Liliya has also built up a substantial amount of practical experience in science commercialisation and has established a wide range of contacts within the UK knowledge transfer sector. Mark Coleman - Business Innovation Manager Mark is jointly based at UEA and at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) where he plays a key role in supporting clients in the natural fibre composites, functional food and bioenergy sectors. Seconded from UEA, Mark retains a 0.2fte role as a member of faculty within the School of Biological Sciences where he is a lecturer in plant biology on both undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses. With a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD, both from Imperial College, London, Mark has over twenty years research experience in the areas of plant-pathogen interactions, plant biology and biofuels. He has collaborated with various institutions on a number of projects and as a member of the Norwich Research Park-based British Bioalcohols Group. Within InCrops, Mark is actively involved with clients seeking to introduce novel berry crops in the region and has helped with the introduction of sea buckthorn by developing links with the Lisavenko Institute in Russia.
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Carlos Gonzalez-Esquivel - Agri-Business Officer Carlos’ role as Agri-Business Officer is to help promote alternative crops and their uses among farmers and SMEs. Based at Easton College, he conducts experimental and demonstration trials with the help of students from both UEA and Easton College. Carlos’ expertise lies in Agroecology with a degree in Animal Production from the University of the State of Mexico and a PhD in sustainable agriculture from Wye College, London. His previous appointments have included the evaluation of agroecosystem sustainability and he has also directed participatory, on-farm research on associated forage crops, organic horticulture, integrated aquaculture, biological pest control and rural tourism. His key role within InCrops is to link the agribusiness industry with the academics within the InCrops partnership and his demonstration trials allow the InCrops team to build a knowledge base on the technical feasibility and agronomic performance of alternative crops, which in turn, benefits InCrops clients. Penny Wright - Project Administrator Penny Wright is based at the head office at UEA. With a background in business and financial management Penny handles all of the office and project administrative systems. Penny’s career has ranged from working in start-up internet companies through to developing regional creative learning programmes for a national public sector organisation. Outside work Penny has a keen interest in environmental issues and sustainability, including organic vegetable growing and permaculture. Julia O’Rourke - Events Co-ordinator With a background in events and marketing, Julia has worked in a wide range of organisations, including working for six years as part of the communications team at EEDA. Prior to joining InCrops, Julia was the event co-ordinator at Prowess, the UK association of organisations and individuals who support the growth of women’s business ownership. At Prowess Julia managed the organisation of a range of business support events across the country, a national award programme and supported the organisation of an annual national conference. Julia is a UEA graduate.
Annual Report 2010/2011
Working collaboratively
Partners BRE BRE and InCrops have been working on a number of projects including the following: East of England Timber Supply Chain project, an NHBC report into cellulose based materials and an Information Paper on eco-homes. Other projects have included working on sustainable shop fitting and testing of innovative materials. For 2011, BRE will be working closely with InCrops on the development of an Exemplar Low Carbon Building project.
April 2011, with commercial berry production expected in 3 - 4 years. Institute of Food Research (IFR) InCrops has been working with IFR in a number of areas including facilitating interaction between IFR’s Food and Health Network and InCrops client companies, facilitating interaction between, and exploring funding opportunities for the IFR Sustainability of the Food Chain Platform and InCrops clients in the areas of bioenergy from food waste and aquatic crops.
Easton College
John Innes Centre (JIC)
The field trials on alternative crops continued in 2010, with new varieties of hemp and linseed added for the evaluation of seed and fibre production, including an organic hemp variety. Working closely with Easton staff, it was possible to obtain cold pressed linseed oil from the 2009 trials, which was tested by a small natural paints manufacturing company. In September, Easton hosted a demonstration of the InCrops hemp harvester, with speakers from academia and industry, attended by growers, processors and members of the press.
John Innes Centre scientists are working collaboratively with InCrops client Barrier Biotech Ltd on the project to develop “Novel nematicides based upon plant oil formulations” funded by the Technology Strategy Board. InCrops has assisted JIC and Barrier Biotech in preparation of the application and is currently working with all project partners as project manager.
Forestry Commission InCrops has signed an agreement with the Forestry Commission to undertake a trial of sea buckthorn varieties at Thetford Forest. The results will be used to assess the suitability of this crop for the sandy soils common in the area, and to assess its potential use as a commercially viable alternative to conifers. Over 800 plants from seven different varieties, which arrived from Russia in October 2010 and were kept under glasshouses over the winter, will be transplanted in
This year has also seen JIC hosting a new facility for InCrops - a germplasm bank for the storage of seed from alternative and non-food crops. National Institute for Agricultural Botany (NIAB) Collaboration between NIAB and InCrops has increased to include the growing of crops promoted by InCrops at the Innovation Farm site in Cambridge. These include hemp and sea buckhorn. Two events, a symposium and a guided tour of the Innovation Farm, were organised jointly with Cambridge-based InCrops Business Innovation Manager Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, with the Cambridge Partnership in Plant Sciences as the target audience. InCrops also introduced an animal feed company to NIAB, whose expertise and connections are highly relevant to the development of a pipeline of new products in this sector. As a consequence, the company has reviewed and ranked the various opportunities, and is working towards a new feed product.
David Cameron meets with Peter Bonfield, Chief Executive of the BRE Group in the InCrops office at BRE Watford
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Norwich Research Park (NRP)
Rothamsted Research
InCrops is exploring a new location at the NRP for their business clients, who are interested in re-locating to the East of England. In August 2010, the NRP Innovation Centre was opened for business following a £5m investment from a variety of funders and other NRP partners. The NRP Innovation Centre, a brand new laboratory and office facility, is the first phase of the Norwich Research Park’s ambitious plans to create 5000 jobs in the next 10 years. The facilities have been designed to attract world-class businesses working in science and science-related disciplines. The NRP Innovation Centre project co-ordinator, John Irving, visited InCrops and explained the attractions of the new facility and its role in local business growth and innovation.
The mission of Rothamsted Research’s Bioenergy and Climate Centre is closely aligned with the bioenergy and biofuels activities of the InCrops Enterprise Hub. InCrops Business Innovation Manager Bianca Forte is partly based at Rothamsted and this year worked with researchers to transfer knowledge and innovation on perennial energy crops and engaged with researchers to explore opportunities for innovation in that sector. Other areas of collaboration of relevance to the InCrops project included support for knowledge transfer on natural approaches to plant parasitic nematode control and a novel method of reducing nitrate leaching from soils. As a hub of significant international activity Rothamsted welcomed the opportunity to work with Bianca to ensure its world-class capabilities could be internationally exploited to maximise the benefits for the UK economy and contribute to sustainability and climate change mitigation across the world.
University of East Anglia InCrops set up the Phytochemicals Working Group, which brings together research capability in the area of phytochemicals and human health. The group includes seven biomedical research labs with models of human diseases and these are currently investigating the activities of plant extracts from (or with relevance to) InCrops’ client businesses. Renewables East Renewables East has been a valuable partner for the InCrops project through its participation in the InCrops Bioenergy Steering Group and in meetings with partners and other regional stakeholders interested in renewable energy technologies. Richard Parker’s experience in the bioenergy sector is very valuable in advising clients on routes to market and engaging with regulators and Local Authorities to help them understand how to address the barriers for technology adoption and deployment in the East of England.
University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge University hosts Dr Beatrix SchlarbRidley, InCrops Business Innovation Manager leading the sectors of Biorefining and Algal Technologies. In the Department of Plant Sciences, academic staff participate in InCrops Strategic Initiatives on biochar and on algal technologies. The latter also includes members of the Algal Biotechnology Initiative from the Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Strategic links also exist with the Judge Business School, where InCrops has facilitated two Cambridge Venture MBA projects for client companies.
l-r Bianca Forte, Dr Santhanakrishan, Stephen James, Bruce Tofield, John French at Rothamsted Research
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Annual Report 2010/2011
University of Essex In April 2010, Essex University hosted an InCrops event, “Bio-based materials in Sports”. This event was supported by the Division of Sport Science and the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Essex. Dr Dominic Micklewright, from the Department of Biological Sciences, spoke at the event.
National Biocomposites Centre, Bangor www.bc.bangor.ac.uk InCrops is building links with Biocomposite Centre in Bangor and TWI with a view to develop joint collaborative projects. Graham Ormondroyd and Morwenna Spear of the Bangor Biocomposite Centre and Nigel Keen of the TWI attended the InCrops Thematic Workshop on Natural Composites in September 2010 at BRE. TWI www.twi.co.uk InCrops was invited to visit TWI in January 2010. The visit resulted in a foundation for mutually beneficial collaboration between InCrops and TWI in the area of biocomposites. TWI has acknowledged the InCrops expertise in the area of biocomposites and offered its extensive facilities and expertise in testing composites in collaboration with InCrops and its clients. TWI is linked to the activities of several KTNs and the visit resulted in the setting up of closer links between InCrops and the Materials KTN and Healthcare KTN.
Integrated Biorefining Research and Technology Initiative (IBTI) www.bbsrc.ac.uk InCrops represents the interests of regional SMEs among the IBTI Club members, and interacts with the academics who are funded through IBTI, several of whom belong to InCrops partner organisations. In 2010 InCrops gave input into the shaping of the second and third funding calls of IBTI, and participated in dissemination events. Biosciences KTN www.innovateuk.org Two staff members represented InCrops at the Annual Conference of Biosciences KTN in Edinburgh in October 2010, and formed valuable links with companies who presented and exhibited at the event. As a consequence joint funding applications for TSB and European funding were pursued, and the companies were linked into InCrops’ strategic initiative on algal technologies. NNFCC and TWGs www.nnfcc.co.uk InCrops is a member of several NNFCC Thematic Working Groups. The Composites Thematic Working Group (TWG) is an active group of NNFCC members, which exists to facilitate the development of the supply chains in the UK. The Renewable Polymers Thematic Working Group (TWG) covers activities in polymers, packaging and waste and recycling. The UK Renewable Packaging Group is a sub-group of The Renewable Polymers Thematic Working Group (TWG) designed to encourage the development of more sustainable materials and packaging.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
INTERREG IVB Europe Strategic Initiative ‘Energetic Algae’
International Europe International collaborations continue with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. Andreas Krombholz and Sven Wuestenhagen from the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials in Halle (Fraunhofer IWM) visited InCrops in March 2010. Liliya Serazetdinova, InCrops Business Innovation Manager, then visited Halle and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two organisations with the aim of collaboration in the areas of natural composite and bioderived materials. The collaboration with Fraunhofer IWM resulted in Stephanie Jung, European Business Development Manager of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Headquarters, visiting InCrops in November 2010. Opportunities for setting up a wider collaboration with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and opportunities for setting up a UK based Fraunhofer Centre were discussed.
The 19 strong partnership for this initiative was formed in 2010; InCrops is a full partner, with British Sugar, BioGroup and Cambridge University acting as subpartners. Three work packages are to be carried out during the 4.5 year life-span of this project, which is to commence in May 2011. A network of pilot and demonstration sites will be set up, collecting data on algal growth across all participating EU states (WP1), a detailed SWOT analysis for algal commercialisation in our climate (WP2), and a modelling tool which will make the data collected in WP1 accessible via an interactive website. This work will help those who are interested in adopting algal technologies to assess their potential, using real data collected in the region. InCrops will make the outcomes of this programme accessible to all its clients and partners. European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA)
Bio-based materials for testing at Fraunhofer
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InCrops was represented at the annual conference of the EIHA in May 2010 in Cologne. It was a fertile ground for networking and led to collaboration with, among others, the German company HempPro, which is interested in purchasing UK grown hemp seeds and has expertise in manufacturing hemp fabrics. This collaboration will support InCrops clients in hemp production and processing. Contact was also established with the Latvian Industrial Hemp Association, leading to them subsequently visiting InCrops and Easton College. At the conference a novel bamboo bike was exhibited, and InCrops connected the designers with an innovative British bike company, with the view to manufacturing hemp bikes in the UK. Although this has proven too ambitious, the bike manufacturer - with InCrops support - has developed a novel hemp pannier instead, and is preparing to adopt other hemp-based products.
Annual Report 2010/2011
InCrops Ltd
The InCrops Enterprise Hub is operated by InCrops Ltd, a not-for-profit company wholly owned by UEA. Established in August 2008, the company now has seven directors from a range of different backgrounds who govern and manage the strategic direction of the InCrops Enterprise Hub. The work of the Board of Directors is supported by the InCrops Strategy Group which has representatives from our 13 partners. Board of Directors Marie Francis, John Casey from Unilever and Lydia Smith from NIAB joined the InCrops Ltd Board of Directors during 2010. Non-Executive Chair: Marie Francis, OBE Previously Board Member for EEDA, agricultural journalist and arable farmer, Marie has had key roles in the agricultural and food industry from trade organisations to Defra and levy boards. In 2004, she was awarded an OBE for services to agriculture and the rural economy. Marie provides a strong link between the InCrops Enterprise Hub and both the research and business communities.
UEA Directors: Professor Trevor Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and Engagement Prior to being appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Davies had a six year term as Dean of the School of Environmental Studies and was Director of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU). The Headquarters of the Tyndall Centre, the UK’s research centre for the identification of sustainable options for climate change, was set up in the School of Environmental Sciences during his Deanship and he also founded CRed, the carbon reduction programme based at UEA. Professor David Richardson, Dean of Science David Richardson is Dean of Science and Professor of Microbial Biochemistry in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. Stephen Donaldson, Company Secretary As Director of Finance, Stephen leads the Finance Division at UEA.
Managing Director: Dr John French With a BSc in Applied Biology from London University and a PhD from Cambridge University, John has enjoyed a diverse career in both academia and business including Head of Science and Dean of Science & Technology. In the past decade he has specialised in fundraising for major infrastructure projects and to date has raised over ÂŁ8 million in external funding.
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Annual Report 2010/2011
Industry representatives: John Casey, Platform Leader Bioscience, Nutrition & Health, Unilever After a PhD in biochemistry, John Casey went into industrial research for the Distillers Company in Scotland. In 1984 he joined Unilever where, after a few years, he became the lead for the Speciality Chemicals Research Group. In 2008 Unilever reorganised its R&D function to reflect its growth ambitions. In the new system John took the role of VP Bioscience, Nutrition and Health.
The InCrops Strategy Group is advisory to the Board and is made up of representatives from the InCrops Partners. It is chaired by John French, Managing Director. During 2010 the InCrops strategy group met at a range of locations from project partners BRE and UEA to collaborative partners British Sugar and at Adnams. Comprised of representatives from the 13 InCrops partner institutions and chaired by InCrops Managing Director, John French, the group’s emphasis is placed on discussing InCrops activities, strategic initiatives and how the project can be moved forward.
Beyond Unilever he was a team member of the last government Science and Technology Foresight Survey. Additionally John was a founder member of the East of England Science and Industry Council. Lydia Smith, Novel and Non Food Crops lead, NIAB – InCrops Partner Representative Dr Lydia Smith has led the Novel and Non Food Crops area at NIAB for the past seven years. A plant ecologist by training, with a particular interest in reclamation of damaged or contaminated land to agricultural or amenity use, Dr Smith has extensive experience in plant microbial interactions and in the application of ecological principles to the farming environment. Lydia has a particular interest in diversification of farm species and has sought to foster interaction with both academics and business within the East of England, particularly through the Cambridge Partnership of Plant Scientists. Full accounts are available on request to the InCrops office administrator – info@incropsproject.co.uk.
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InCrops Strategy Group visits the site of a new AD plant at Adnams
Annual Report 2010/2011
Partner organisation
Representative
NIAB
Lydia Smith
University of Cambridge, Dept of Plant Sciences
Alison Smith
Forestry Commission England
Steve Scott
Rothamsted Research
Stephen James
BRE
Niall Trafford
Easton College
David Lawrence
UEA School of Biological Sciences
John Turner
LCIC
Simon Gerrard
IFR
Keith Waldron
Renewables East
Richard Parker
NRP
Matt Hills
John Innes Centre
Jon Clarke
University of Essex
Paul Thomas
Inside the University of East Anglia CHP plant
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InCrops Enterprise Hub University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ T: +44 (0)1603 591765 F: +44 (0)1603 597186 E: info@incropsproject.co.uk www.incropsproject.co.uk
University Company registered in England: InCrops Enterprise Hub (Company Registration No. 06677095). Operated by InCrops Ltd, a subsidiary of the University of East Anglia. Registered Office: The Registry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ