Wood crop specialist FuturaGene has established its first biomass research and development centre in Shanghai, China, to help the country "meet its demand for sustainable fibre production and renewable energy sources."
FuturaGene has been operating in China through partnerships with a number of universities and research institutes for the last 6 years and the company now feels the need for a strategic base in China.
Stanley Hirsch, Chief Executive of FuturaGene, says: "China, with continuously growing demand for fibre and renewable energy sources provides a huge challenge and opportunity. Our forest biotech capability can provide sustainable alternatives in helping to meet these enormous demands.
"We have worked for a number of years through public-private partnerships to develop some of these solutions in China. The establishment of our own facility will serve as the focal point for driving these partnerships in the local environment. Through this facility and a more direct presence, we can leverage the experience of FuturaGene and our parent Suzano in meeting significant industrial demands whilst helping to preserve natural resource inventories and reducing pressure on fragile ecosystems in China."
