Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Dwight Rust

Then:   I had just retired as of July 2, 2007, and I had begun consulting for a number of organizations.  That week was a busy week as I had cataract surgery in one eye, my retiree send-off party, and consulting for an organization.  That Friday, I was doing market research for one of my new clients.  I know this as I keep a Franklin Day Planner!

Now:  While in industry, I got involved in making composite resins from soybean oil and ethanol, that led me into consulting in the bio-based chemical market.  I have moved from polymers to projects involved with fermentation, applications in the personal care market with bio-based chemicals, and use of biobased materials in thermoset and thermoplastics.

Inspirations:  If one believes in the science of global warming or the potential for that, the bioeconomy offers a solution or at least a partial solution to that subject.  The development of new technologies and understanding how biobased materials are made or can be made is an exciting area for future generations.

Challenges: I think the challenge is perception.  The first thing that comes up is cost and the price of crude oil.   Back when I was in industry in 2005, we thought that when the price of crude oil got above $35 a barrel, bio-based materials would be very competitive!   Now that crude has been over $100 and now $50 or below, people are singing the blues about how bio-based materials are not competitive.   Second thing, is that by not looking at non-drop in chemistry, people are missing a lot of benefits that are not found unless one investigates these new materials.