HGCA has announced plans to invest £250,000 in market opportunities for arable products in the global chemical market

Increasing pressure to reduce reliance on fossil reserves in the global chemicals industry has seen markets emerge for renewable raw materials in chemical production.

“Due to environmental concerns, increasing prices, market volatility, security of supply and the limited nature of fossil resources, markets are emerging for arable co- and by-products. These can be used as renewable raw materials in the production of a variety of chemicals and materials for use within the chemical industry,” stated Harley Stoddart, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager.

HGCA is calling for the research community to submit ideas for projects that could help clarify the opportunities – including the potential products, product performance, market demand and economic viability.

It is hoped the work will contribute to the amount and variety of chemicals and materials coming from renewable sources.

Researchers are requested to submit their initial ideas to the HGCA by 3 January 2013. Further information is available from www.hgca.com/calls