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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The commercialization of products derived from natural materials is not a simple, straightforward process. It obviously requires a sound technical base in terms of a product that will perform as advertised in a given application, but there are numerous tasks to complete before even beginning laboratory research, and a great deal of work remaining after satisfactorily completing all laboratory studies. A case study of such a commercialization will be presented, using the example of methyl glucosides derived from cornstarch. Pre-commercialization factors such as chemical possibilities, market size and geography will be examined, with examples of mistakes/pitfalls that can easily occur. Post-laboratory tasks, such as marketing/technical presentations, the all-important plant trial, extra factors, such as who buys the donuts, and quality control of the now commercialized product will all be described using the methyl glucoside example. The wood adhesive application will be emphasized, but some experiences in textile and other applications, as well as, scale-up experiences, will also be described. Advantages/disadvantages of differing approaches to all of these commercialization topics will be enumerated, with the aim of better preparing those who would assume that to commercialize a product from renewable resources is a simple accomplishment. |
