Amsterdam hosts EFIB2011

This, the fourth Annual European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology & Biobased Economy (EFIB2011), will reflect the growing context and significance of this sector. For environmental, political and economic security in Europe industry, policy-makers and academia must come together to provide viable bio-alternatives for materials, energy and products. Europe’s knowledge and infrastructure makes it uniquely positioned to lead the industrial biotechnology revolution and bring the bio-based economy to the mainstream. EFIB2011 is one of the leading conferences in this sector with high profile speakers and a comprehensive exhibition.

EFIB 2011 will take place on 18-20 October 2011 at the Novotel Amsterdam City Hotel and is organised by SusChem co-founders EuropaBio, in partnership with IntertechPira.

EFIB 2011 will feature over 60 speakers in two plenary and six parallel tracks evaluating the evolving context and growing significance of the industrial biotechnology sector. Two plenary sessions will discuss timely topics including the role of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy reform in the bioeconomy, the bioplastics markets, the use of the bio-based products by mainstream consumer brands, and the utilisation of biofuels by the aviation industry. SusChem’s Peter Nagler of Evonik will contribute to the closing plenary session.

The closing plenary keynote speech will be delivered by Dr Roger Wyse from the leading biotechnology investment firm, Burrill & Company, who will outline challenges to financing a global biobased economy and opportunities for emerging markets.

The six parallel conference tracks cover research, the NGO perspective, innovation, strategy, policy, financing and business in sets of three each day. The Research session will look into breakthroughs in industrial biotechnology and biorefinery research.

The NGO discussion session will involve representatives from NGOs, industry and policy makers and will discuss how sustainability can be measured, visualised and implemented in sourcing and the value chain. It will provide a platform for NGOs involved in the development of policy in these fields to express their views and positions on where the challenges, threats and opportunities lie for Europe.

Innovation
EFIB 2011 will feature two Innovation sessions, one on each day, and will examine different innovative biobased products. SusChem board members Marcel Wubbolts of DSM and Wim Soetaert of Ghent University will contribute to the innovation session on the second day.

The Strategy track will discuss the importance of improving awareness and understanding of the bio-economy through targeted communications. Five presentations will be followed by a panel debate on the subject of 'Communicating the Knowledge-Based Bio-economy (KBBE)'.

The Policy, Financing & Business session will explore how to profitably develop biobased products from feedstock to end product.

Joanna Dupont-Inglis, Industrial Biotechnology Director at EuropaBio says: "We are pleased to bring EFIB to Amsterdam this year and to organise it in co-operation with NIABA, the Netherlands' Biotechnology Industry Association. Although EFIB focuses largely on European industry, it has captured the interest from attendees around the world, including North America, Asia and Australia, which we are delighted about. We aim to continue attracting a truly international audience to help foster global cooperation."

More information
Full details of all presentations can be found on the event's official website and the conference brochure can be downloaded here.

EuropaBio and Cefic members are eligible for a discounted registration for EFIB2011 as members of partnering organisations. Details on how to register for the conference can be found here.