John Baldus, WIST director of laboratory services

WIST Laboratory Services has put together a team to analyze market potential for two products made from waste streams of a pulp mill.

  

With funding provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce, Cosmo Specialty Fibers, in western Washington, commissioned the study to determine market potential for acetic acid condensate and cellulose-derived sugars.

  

The market study follows up on earlier work completed for Cosmo by WIST researchers and laboratory specialists. In 2013 WIST analyzed the sugar content of residual fiber and liquor generated at the Cosmo mill. The analysis found four sources of sugar at the mill that could be ideal for conversion to biomaterials. The market study will provide an overview of bioproduct options, identify potential new customer supply chains and discuss overall economic impacts.

  

The work with Cosmo is an important step for WIST, which has been developing new ways to create biofuels and bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass. The goal is to move the work from laboratory to commercialization. Currently under development by WIST and partners is a Cellulose Pilot and Processing Laboratory to explore new sources of cellulose and new ways to process cellulose into chemicals, textiles, packaging, and fuels. The pilot-scale facility and research center will allow businesses to test processes in collaboration with UW-Stevens Point researchers.

  

For more information about the project or to learn how your business may gain from working with the Cellulose Pilot and Processing Lab, contact Eric Singsaas, WIST director of research by email at Eric.Singsaas@uwsp.edu or by phone at 715-346-4259.

  

To discuss WIST laboratory services contact John Baldus, WIST director of laboratory services, by email at John.Baldus@uwsp.edu or by phone at 715-346-3265.

  

Focal Point 2014: Packaging at the Leading Edge will target the latest challenges and solutions in packaging and converting right across the value chain. Industry experts will discuss efforts to evidence sustainable sourcing of feedstocks, advances in production techniques, developments in specialty packaging materials, and end-of-life management challenges and choices. The conference provides networking opportunities throughout the day.

  

The conference builds on the successful Focal Point 2013 event, which addressed manufacturing, converting, end-use, and regulatory concerns in plastics, corrugated carton board and specialty paper. Watch for additional details including session descriptions and speaker profiles. But for now, mark your calendar to be at UW-Stevens Point October 14.

  

Bookmark the Focal Point conference website here to track conference updates.

  

  

In connection with development of a new cellulose pilot and processing laboratory, WIST is currently taking applications for two research associate positions.

  

A post-doctoral research associate in chemical engineering will work primarily on research into production of lignocellulose-derived sugars from cellulosic material and optimal product recovery from pilot plant scale bacterial and yeast fermentations. 

  

A post-doctoral research associate in microbiology will conduct research into conversion of lignocellulosic sugars into bio-based products by bacterial and yeast fermentations and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to fermentable sugars.

  

An economic development incentive grant from UW-System is providing major funding to create a cellulose pilot and processing lab. WIST is working with American Science and Technology in Wausau on the 18-month project. For complete position announcement and information on how to apply, see the UW-Stevens Point job vacancies listing.