A joint venture between Circa Group and Norske-Skog to build a commercial demonstration plant manufacturing bio-solvents at the Boyer paper mill site in Tasmania is welcome news for the forestry industry. Source: Timberbiz
Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Ross Hampton, said the new project would deliver significant economic benefits and was an excellent example of a breakthrough development in the emerging global market for the use of sustainable bio-chemicals using the IP developed by Circa Group.
“However, there remain regulatory and trade access barriers for the commercialisation of the product in key markets such as Europe and the United States in terms of the international assessment and accreditation of new products such as Cyrene in the market place,” he said.
Circa Group Chief Executive Officer, Tony Duncan said that by using certified plantation sourced biomass and processing waste the new plant would produce Cyrene, a non-toxic, clean alternative to fossil-fuel based solvents.
“If we can secure international market access, Circa plans to move its pre-commercial facilities and equipment from its Melbourne base to the Boyer site in the new year,” Mr Duncan said.
The Federal Member for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson, said State Government support for the build phase of the project was to be applauded.
“This project will provide much needed jobs and investment in the Tasmanian economy,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Addressing the regulatory access issue in international markets is the next key priority. I am working to assist in any way I can, particularly through the commercialisation process to deliver what I think could be a new biochemical technology industry in Tasmania.”
