Seeding the Biomaterials Industry in Michigan through Organic Waste Solutions
Food scraps, surplus food, byproducts and other residuals from farms and food businesses that are currently being disposed of through municipal solid waste, land application or left unharvested have the potential to reshape Michigan’s economy through regenerative design practices that utilize biomaterials and closed loop manufacturing.
Michigan has readily available feedstock for biobased applications in packaging, textiles, durable goods, building products and more: Coffee grounds and sawdust can be easily remade as coasters and pot stands. Egg shell paste can be formulated for 3D printing. Leather substitutes from apple byproducts or banana peels.
International nonprofit research organization Materiom works with local communities to investigate regenerative value chains and the viability of regional, renewable biomass sources. It was founded on a nature-inspired vision of the future – one where materials are made from abundant natural ingredients that are used, broken down, and used again. Backed by global change agents such as Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Google.org, Materiom is working to develop alternatives to petrochemical plastics.
Demonstrating the potential for bio-based materials in Michigan, Detroit-based Ecosphere Organics is an alternative materials company transforming food and other organic waste into raw materials for different industries. Among other initiatives, the company is currently piloting a closed loop application that develops coasters for local bars and restaurants from citrus peels.
This webinar will introduce the potential for biomaterials as an opportunity for food waste diversion, plastic-reduction and economic development in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
Why You Should Join
- Current State of the Art: Speakers will review common applications for biomaterial development internationally and regionally.
- Accessible Opportunities: Many solutions require only technology readily available in any college lab and most commercial kitchens. Industry and brands are actively seeking food waste and plastic-reduction solutions.
- Introduction to Key Players: We will introduce the stakeholders currently exploring biomaterials opportunities in Michigan and abroad.
- New Project Launch: Learn about Seeding Biomaterials Industry in Michigan, an initiative of Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and Materiom that is identifying opportunities to upcycle food waste from local farms, food processors and food and beverage manufacturers into new products (with support from Wege Foundation and Google.org).
Speakers:
- Alysia Garmulewicz, Co-Owner and Founder, Materiom
- Brittanie Dabney, CEO and Founder, Ecosphere Organics
- Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum