Nov 4 2010
Vertichem announced today that it has signed a Letter of Intent with the Warner Babcock Institute (WBI) in Boston to investigate new applications for green specialty chemicals, specifically those based from lignin and xylose.
The exclusive 50/50 joint venture looks to stimulate demand for natural lignin across the specialty-chemical industry for use in a variety of applications.
WBI was cofounded in 2007 by John Warner, Ph.D., who became known as the father of green chemistry. Dr. Warner is co-author of Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, a book that revolutionized the conventional wisdom on green tech and green chemistry. WBI has an established brand and expertise on the research side of this market, and deep relationships with global manufacturers that require green materials for their products.
“The goal here is to create new, commercially-viable applications for lignin and xylose,” said Bill Kunzweiler, CEO of the Warner Babcock Institute. “We chose Vertichem to be our exclusive partner in the lignin and xylose space because they have a patent and drive in their leadership.”
Vertichem is a green tech company with headquarters in Toronto that creates three specialty chemicals from hardwood chips: lignin, xylose and cellulose.
“With the Warner Babcock Institute by our side, the market knows that we’re serious,” said Vertichem Chairman and Chief Executive David Milroy. “The fact that Vertichem has been able to partner with an organization co-founded by the father of green chemistry is very exciting indeed. Together we will research innovative ways to grow our business and develop and commercialize new applications for our patented process.”
Vertichem has the ability to assist the multi-billion dollar specialty chemical industry in meeting its sustainability objectives. The company holds the exclusive patent for extracting lignin, xylose and cellulose from woody biomass, giving Vertichem a substantial advantage in the $300 billion worldwide specialty-chemicals market.