H.E. Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Dr. Somvong Tragoonrung, BIOTEC Executive Director and Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana, NSTDA Executive Vice President led a group of delegation to visit the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP, Germany. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the utilization of technology in conversion of agricultural waste into value-added polymer, bio-based materials and biochemical for industrial applications which is vital to a transition towards bioeconomy in Thailand.
Fraunhofer CBP bridges the gap between the labs and industrial sector. The availability of infrastructure and pilot-scale plant at CBP makes it possible for partners from both research institutes and industry to develop and scale up biotechnological and chemical processes based on the utilization of raw materials from renewable sources to industrial scale. Agricultural waste eg. corn cop, barley and wheat straw, chip wood are screened and isolated. Then, the enzyme is supplied into the system to facilitate degradation. Starting materials will be derived and could be used for raw materials for different application eg. polymer, bio-based materials and biochemicals. The concepts could be adopt in the context of Thailand where agricultural waste is abundant.
