Origin Materials, the world's leading carbon negative materials company, has announced the start of commercial-scale production at Origin 1, its first commercial plant located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. The plant utilizes the company's technology platform to convert sustainable wood residues into intermediate chemicals, enabling the production of versatile chemical building-blocks that can decarbonize and improve the performance of various end-products. These products include bio-based apparel and textiles, green tires for the automotive industry, and bio-based and fully recyclable packaging. Origin Materials aims to address a $1 trillion market with its sustainable materials. The company's technology platform has the potential to revolutionize the production of a wide range of products while capturing carbon in the process. Origin Materials is supported by major global customers and investors and is focused on enabling the world's transition to sustainable materials.
Atomic, a ski equipment manufacturer, is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their products. They have conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to analyze the environmental impact of their skis, focusing on carbon emissions. The results showed that fiberglass and resin components were the main contributors to the carbon footprint. In response, Atomic's product designers developed prototypes with reduced amounts of these materials, resulting in an average 30% reduction in CO2 emissions. They have committed to conducting LCAs for all new products to ensure a low environmental impact. The new Backland ski model is an example of their efforts, featuring a locally sourced poplar wood core and significantly reduced fiberglass, resin, and metal components. Atomic recognizes the importance of reducing emissions in the ski industry and aims to improve both performance and environmental impact through innovative design.
The University of Maine will host Maine Forest Biomaterials Week from Aug. 27-29 at the Wells Conference Center in Orono. The event will showcase the latest innovations and research in forest biomaterials, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and students. It is organized by the University of Maine's Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement (SPIRE), the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The event will feature presentations, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and entrepreneurial pitches. It will also include Manufacturing RENEW3D and the Process Development Center's 6th Annual Cellulose Nanomaterials Forum. Maine secured the designation of a Tech Hub in Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing in October 2023. Maine Forest Biomaterials Week aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the biomaterials sector and support Maine's economy. The event is open to the public. [37fbc3e1]