Abstract
The goal of this project is to develop a bio-based product thanks to the recent improvements done in the processes of chemical molecule extraction from biomass. This expanding sector is quite thriving and opportunities are wide-open. Norman SMEs are obviously privileged in our study. The key direction is to explore this emerging «green» markets and to determine a bio- based product that it is likely to be exported to the United States.
Bearing that in mind, the product development has been performed in three steps:
- the biomass' uses (from corn, soybean, algae and so on.)
- the exploration of the different possibilities offered by bio-refineries and the new chemical molecule extraction processes.
- looked for a non-food and non-biofuel product.
A business-trip in the United-States is the only way to confirm our technical and commercial assumptions. During this business trip, the team is visiting strategic places and reporting on the actual feasibility of our project.
Firstly, we have tried to get an overview of what the green-business is, by determining the key players, the main common bio-based products and the possibilities offered by scientific improvements.
Secondly, we have taken into consideration which bio-mass could be used for a manufactured item. We have understandably chosen to set cereals and soya aside to only focus ourselves on algae. This latter indeed offers a bunch of opportunities in terms of innovation, development and marketing.The algae's features are subjectively more promising than cereals and soya does. Our decision has been based upon the following information.
Many research have lately demonstrated that the alternative use of grains, to make bio- fuels, might generate rough consequences. This green backlash may have an important impact on the worldwide food industry. It will dramatically shatter the cereals' global markets by soaring crop's prices. This price's volatility makes it uncertain and the project will be jeopardized.
In addition, most of the soya crops are tilled in the United States. An American challenger will be more competitive than Norman firms because of their experience and cheaper costs. Moreover, this raw material is scarcely used. Thousands and thousands of algae have been listed so far and few of them are tapped. As everyone agrees that each type of algae has inherent properties (or therapeutic virtues), the research and development programs are endless.
Extracting particular molecules from algae is extremely technical and few French firms are specialized in this field. After having interviewed some scientists and fully understood the whole process, we have commonly decided to focus ourselves on the most promising molecules.
The cosmetic branch has seemed to be the most expanding sector for our project. For instance, Shiseido which is a worldwide leader in the high quality cosmetic's market uses algae to develop its most efficient sideline. A high added-value product, displaying the “made in France”, are the best guarantees to create a successful item. The sector of high-quality suntan cream has been untapped up to now. We saw the opportunity to penetrate this market.
