TECH OFFERS

Offshore land reclamation has been an important strategy for Singapore to meet its land needs. However, the ultra-soft soil in the surrounding waters makes land reclamation extremely difficult. Besides, many infrastructure projects (i.e., tunnelling, deep excavation, etc.) are also challenging when encountering soft marine clay due to its poor engineering properties, such as high water content, high compressibility, and low shear strength. Currently, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the most common binder used for soft clay stabilisation through deep mixing or jet grouting. However, OPC is not very effective for the stabilisation of marine soft clay with high water content. In addition, the production of OPC leads to negative environmental impacts such as non-renewable resources, high energy consumption, and high carbon emissions. The technology owner has developed a sustainable novel binder, entirely from industrial by-products, that has high stabilisation efficiency for marine soft clay. Using the same binder content, the 28-day strength of the novel binder-stabilised soft clay can be 2–3 times higher than that of the OPC-stabilised clay. In addition, the novel binder has a lower cost and less environmental impact, making it an economical and sustainable alternative to OPC. This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The features of this technology are: Renewable sources: entirely from industry by-products High strength: the 28-day strength is 2–3 times higher than that of OPC-stabilised soft clay Low permeability: one order of magnitude lower than that of OPC-stabilised soft clay Cost-effective: the total binder cost is 30–40% lower than that of OPC Low energy consumption: about 70% lower than that of OPC production Low carbon emissions: about 90% lower than those of OPC production The novel binder can be used in deep mixing and jet grouting processes for a variety of construction and infrastructure projects to improve the strength and stability of soft clay. The potential applications are as follows: Densification of granular soils Underground tunnelling Support for deep excavations Underpinning of existing foundations Settlement control Liquefaction mitigation The technology offers the following unique features: Extremely high stabilisation efficiency Low binder cost (30–40% lower than OPC) Renewable resources (from industrial by-products) Low energy consumption and CO2 emissions Easy adaptation to existing soil stabilisation processes This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Sustainable Binder, Sofy Clay Stabilization, Deep Mixing, Jet Grouting Materials, Composites, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Liquid fuels from biogas are a promising source of renewable and clean energy as they give a lower emission of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and soot than conventional fossil fuels. They are sustainable and economically viable as they can be obtained from agricultural waste. However, transforming biogas into a high-value liquid fuel equivalent to diesel or gasoline requires a costly two-step process.  The technology developer has developed a novel enhanced capsule catalysts with unique core-shell structures that enable the production of high value-added liquid fuels from biogas in a single step with only one reactor. These capsule catalysts directly convert synthetic gas (syngas) into liquid fuels, which have improved petrol-like qualities. Therefore, these liquid fuels can be used either as diesel or gasoline substitutes without any modification to engines and existing refuelling facilities. The technology developer seeks companies looking for renewable and clean energy through the gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology to license and commercialise this technology.  The novel enhanced capsule catalysts have a unique core-shell structures to produce liquid fuels from biogas in a single step. The capsule catalysts have the following properties: Dual functionalities, which bring about gas-to-liquid reactions while enabling catalytic cracking and isomerisation, thus achieving a one-step process Excellent durability and high surface area, enabling a higher yield of liquid fuel A robust mesoporous framework that is optimised for the conversion rate of reaction High selectivity for shorter-chain or light hydrocarbon (C5-C10) and a high CO conversion, allowing biogas to be converted more efficiently into high-value liquid fuels within a shorter period of time The direct conversion of syngas allows liquid fuels to be obtained with properties similar to diesel or gasoline, as a renewable and clean energy source, without any modification to engines and existing refuelling facilities. The technology developed for catalyst production and syngas conversion to liquid transport fuels is highly scalable. This technology has the potential to reduce the overall cost of the process as only one reactor is required with these novel catalysts as compared to two reactors using the existing technology. Biogas has been identified as one of the sustainable and economically viable solutions because the feedstock can be obtained from agricultural wastes and wastewater from industries, either locally or from neighbouring regions. Therefore, this technology has the potential to penetrate the market for catalytic materials in the gas-to-liquid processes.  Suitable for: Poultry farms Food waste treatment plants Wastewater treatment industries  Companies who are looking for renewable and clean energy through the gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology to diversify their energy sources. Applications: Diesel or gasoline substitutes  Reduce gas-to-liquid production costs as only one reactor is required Ability to obtain liquid fuels with properties similar to diesel or gasoline without further modifications Scalable More efficient compared to the existing technology with a single-step process conversion to liquid fuel biogas, clean energy, renewable energy, sustainable fuel, bioenergy Energy, Biofuels & Biomass, Waste-to-Energy, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Low Carbon Economy

Biodegradable adhesives are a class of adhesives derived from natural materials such as as plant-based polymers or proteins, and they do not contain any synthetic plastics or other harmful chemicals. They are more environmentally friendly, as they do not release harmful pollutants into the environment when they break down. They are also often compostable, which means that they can be disposed of in a way that is beneficial to the environment. This technology is a patented environmentally friendly, biodegradable adhesive that overcomes the limitations of fossil-fuel based adhesives. Made from a natural polymer and other natural materials, this bio-adhesive can exhibit 100% biodegradability within 30 days, does not contaminate the environment and can be separated by water. The adhesive can be applied onto a variety of substrates including paper, leather, foams, and wood to name a few. The technology owner is interested in joint R&D projects with companies who require a biodegradable and sustainable adhesive solution. This biodegradable adhesive technology is based on 100% natural polymers and ingredients. Some features of the adhesive are as follows: Exhibits biodegradation in 30 days (99% decomposition rate) Comprises of 90% bio-based carbon content Can be easily separated from the substrate by water Non-toxic and safe for the environment Good operating temperature range (-4°C to 80°C) The adhesive technology is certified by DIN-CERTCO and received 'non-toxic' results in a plant ecological toxicity test. In addition, the fresh bio-ratio of plant compost is higher than the healthy production of plant seeds and seedlings. Potential applications of this biodegradable adhesive include (but not limited to): Packaging Construction Interior furniture Commercial products  This technology has been validated on various substrates including wood, paper pulp, styrofoam, cotton, leather, and ceramics. Non-toxic and made from 100% natural materials Does not release harmful pollutants when broken down – adhesive has been certified to show no negative impact on the environment ecosystem (soil, fish, water fleas, algae) Uses water to separate from the substrate The technology owner is interested in joint R&D projects with companies who require a biodegradable and sustainable adhesive solution. adhesive, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, water-soluble, natural, polymer, bio-based Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Chemicals, Polymers, Bio-based, Sustainability, Circular Economy

This new packaging is a flexible packaging that is an all-encompassing option for several applications including cosmetics, food, consumer, and industrial products. Typically constructed with multi-layer materials to provide the necessary properties for structural integrity and protection of the packaged contents, these packaging products are not recyclable due to the variety of materials used. This technology offers a unique packaging solution that gathers all the advantages of existing packaging options (stand-up pouches, doypacks, bottles and tubes) while overcoming their limitations. Based on the concept of a pastry bag, the technology is a conical flexible pouch which is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. Made of a mono-material, this eco-designed packaging utilises lesser materials (up to 70%), is ultra-compressible and suitable for all types of products from liquids to solids, making it adaptable to every sector’s needs. With an optimal restitution rate (no loss of contents), it can reduce wastage of the packaged contents and has been certified to reduce 70% of greenhouse gas emissions as compared to a conventional plastic bottle. The technology owner is interested to work with Singapore companies on R&D projects for sustainable packaging and out licensing opportunities to manufacture this patented eco-designed packaging product. This technology is a sustainable and innovative packaging product. Here are some key features of the packaging: Made from monomaterial (PE or PP) Designed to require less material than another packaging of equivalent volume (saves up to 70% less material) 100% recyclable, and can be compressed to take up very little space at the end of its life A paper version compatible with the paper recycling stream is under development Very high restitution rate, so there is very little product loss. Emits 2 to 5 times less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional packaging Suitable to package solids, pastes and liquid content Fully customisable Patented production process that was developed specifically for this packaging This innovative packaging technology allows businesses to reduce their environmental impact while still providing consumers with high-quality products. The eco-designed packaging solution can be customised (size, spout, materials, printing etc) according to the intended applications including (but not limited to): Food Cosmetics Industrial products Pharmaceutical Home care Personal care The plastic packaging market is a rapidly growing market, with a value of US$389.5 billion in 2021 and expected to reach US$559.1 billion by 2028. The 5.3% CAGR is being driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for convenience, the growth of e-commerce, and the rising awareness of environmental issues. This packaging is a real technological innovation in the packaging industry. It is the first packaging to combine three key factors: a recyclable material, a unique process, and a new product design. This makes it a truly unique and sustainable solution that can help to reduce plastic pollution. Fully sustainable packaging solution that comprises of a recyclable material, a unique process, and a new product design Contributes to the circular economy: the packaging is recyclable in current recycling streams (PP or PE) at its end of life. A paper version of the packaging is under development, and will be compatible with the paper recycling stream Proprietary process to produce the packaging reduces the amount of energy used Able to combine all the advantages of existing packaging products available whilst tackling inherent limitation The technology owner is interested to work with Singapore companies on R&D projects for sustainable packaging and out licensing opportunities to manufacture this patented eco-designed packaging product. recyclable, eco-friendly, packaging, flexible, pouch, bottle, tube, monomaterial, eco-design, cosmetics, food, pastry, personal care, home care, chemicals, materials, plastics, compressible, recycling Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Chemicals, Polymers, Foods, Packaging & Storage, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Blowflies are insects often used for scientific research in fields such as forensics, veterinary science, ecology, and biology. Scientists study them at different stages of their lives, including maggots and adult blowflies.This technology relates to a fully operational and scalable multi-species insectary (Arthropod Containment Level 2) which focuses on harnessing the potential of non-medical blowflies for agricultural and waste management sectors. Firstly, blowfly maggots can be produced at scale to act as biodigesters to break down and convert agri-food waste or side streams to valuable blowfly insect protein. With additional processing, bioactive compounds can be extracted from these insect proteins with diverse applications in medicine and industry. When maggots mature into blowflies, they can be deployed for all-year-round insect pollination instead of bees. This can be conducted in controlled environments, including Indoor Vertical Farms, Greenhouses, and Polytunnels. This application has been validated with state-of-the-art UV lighting technology where blowflies are adept at locating flowers and conducting crucial pollination activities. The technology provider is actively seeking collaborative partnerships with stakeholders from the agriculture sector to enhance crop yields for farmers, while also aiming to collaborate with the waste management industry in order to minimize waste generation and transform it into valuable products through recycling. The insectary is designed with modularity and scalability, allowing for easy expansion or modification of the facility to accommodate various insect populations. It provides a fully contained environment that caters to all stages of the blowfly's life cycle, as well as other insects, ensuring proper housing and management. The insectary maintains a highly controlled environment that complies with Arthropod Containment Level 2 standards, operating as a no-odor facility with negative pressure, approved by National Environment Agency (Singapore). To optimize space utilization within the insectary and maintain separation between different insect populations, insects are carefully housed within netted cages stacked vertically. A specialized diet consisting of homogenized, strictly heterogeneous protein waste is provided to convert waste into valuable insect protein for diverse purposes. The insectary produces a substantial quantity of eggs necessary to sustain a closed-loop protein biodigester system, ensuring a continuous supply of insects for the biodigester. The insectary facilitates the emergence of newly developed blowflies, which can serve as alternative pollinators in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), diversifying and enhancing pollination strategies for improved agricultural productivity. When complemented with a patented UV lighting technology, the insectary creates optimal environmental conditions for flower pollination, stimulating blowflies' active participation in the pollination process. Biodigesters: Blowfly maggots play a crucial role as biodigesters, efficiently converting waste protein into valuable insect protein. This sustainable process not only effectively manages waste but also yields a valuable protein source with diverse applications. Insect Pollinators: Blowflies can serve as effective insect pollinators, detecting flowers that are ready for pollination and being selectively recaptured and removed from indoor farming arenas after completing the pollination process. This innovative approach offers an alternative method of pollination, ensuring optimal crop production and enhancing agricultural sustainability. By harnessing the potential of blowfly maggots in these areas, there is an opportunity to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for both pollination and waste management. This exploration can lead to significant improvements in agricultural practices and resource utilization, contributing to enhanced sustainability in the agricultural sector. This technology also aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry by eliminating disposables cost associated with waste management in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Waste Management Capability: The blowfly system is adept at handling high-protein waste, including offal and by-products generated from animal processing facilities like aquaculture. Unlike black soldier flies, blowflies excel specifically in breaking down protein waste. Their effectiveness in degrading protein-rich by-products makes them highly valuable for waste management in industries dealing with such materials. Continuous Supply and Expansion: The continuous supply of blowfly eggs ensures the expansion of current capabilities and guarantees long-term sustainability in waste management practices. This steady availability enables efficient and scalable operations. Ecological Compatibility: The insectary is designed to utilize native blowfly species in any country where it is established, ensuring ecological compatibility. By using local blowfly species, the system maintains harmony with the local ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Versatile Applications of Insect Protein: Insect protein derived from blowflies serves as a sustainable source of fertilizers and can be further processed to extract bioactive compounds and enzymes. These valuable components meet the demands of medicinal and industrial sectors, expanding the potential uses and commercial value of insect protein beyond waste management. Year-round Pollination: Introducing blowflies as alternative pollinators enables year-round pollination activities, supporting agricultural production regardless of seasonal limitations. This consistent pollination fosters continuous crop growth and yield, contributing to agricultural sustainability. Enhanced Crop Quality and Value: Blowflies, as pollinators, contribute to the generation of better-quality crops, particularly fruiting crops, which command higher value in the market. This enhances the profitability of agricultural producers while meeting the growing demands for high-quality produce, resulting in improved economic outcomes for farmers.         Insectary, Pollination, Waste Valorisation, Agriculture, Biodigestor Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Waste Management & Recycling, Food & Agriculture Waste Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Lignocellulosic biomass side streams derived from the agri-food value chain such as agricultural residues, have the potential to be converted into high-value products, including biofuel, bio-composite construction materials, and sustainable packaging. Among the various conversion processes, pre-treatment plays a crucial role in maximizing the value of lignocellulosic biomass. The primary objective of pre-treatment is to address the complex and heterogeneous structure of the biomass by removing lignin, reducing biomass size, and increasing the surface area for hydrolysis. Unfortunately, current pre-treatment methods for lignocellulosic biomass are energy-intensive, costly, and produce inhibitory compounds that impact subsequent production stages. To overcome these challenges, this technology offers a catalytic oxidation pre-treatment process. This innovative approach operates under ambient or mild conditions, with a short reaction time, resulting in reduced energy consumption and treatment costs. The technology provider is seeking interested parties from the agricultural, biofuels, or biogas industry to license this catalytic oxidation pre-treatment process to enhance their operations and achieve a more sustainable and cost-effective production of valuable products from lignocellulosic biomass. The pre-treatment technology incorporates alkaline solutions, oxidizing agents, and synthetic catalysts to break down the recalcitrant structure of biomass and release soluble lignin. Mild operating conditions @ 1 atm pressure and 40-50oC Requires lower concentration & smaller volume of chemicals @ < 1% (w/v) Short reaction time (2-3 hours) Inhibitory compounds such as furfural and 5-HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) are removed in the process through oxidation This technology is mainly applied to pre-treat residual biomass but can be extended to the following applications: Lignin extraction Municipal sludge Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) treatment Recalcitrant wastewater treatment The biofuel industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% by 2033. As companies look for more sustainable fuels for vehicles that cannot be easily electrised, biofuels will be the most suitable alternative to fossil fuels to cut down on carbon emissions. Valorization of agricultural waste that is rich in lignocellulosic cells as second-generation biofuels is also gaining prominence. Hence, this pre-treatment technology will be highly relevant in the coming years. Up to 90% energy savings @ ambient working conditions No inhibitory products produced High selectivity on aromatic compounds such as lignin increases the delignification effectiveness Lignocellulose, biomass, agrifood, Residual biomass pre-treatment, agriculture waste valorization, side stream Waste Management & Recycling, Waste-to-Energy, Food & Agriculture Waste Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Plywood is a preferred material used in furniture and home building for its durability since the Egyptian and Roman times. In 2019, the world consumed 165 million cm3 of plywood and was responsible for the creation of more than 3 billion tons of CO2. Applications for plywood are widespread including construction, home, retail, and office interior works and furnishings such as cabinetry, woodworking, renovations, and outfitting. Regulations and protectionism to slow down deforestation plus the tightening of sustainable forestry management lessen the supply of logging for plywood.  As global demand continues to be strong, the search for a viable replacement for plywood has become more pressing. More importantly, it is important to find a non-wood-based replacement with similar performance to plywood. Plywood is desirable because of its superior performance properties. Alternatives like medium-density boards (mdf) and particle boards are made from recycled wood waste. Unfortunately, plywood can only be made from virgin wood and there are no direct replacements for plywood currently. This technology leverages the global abundance of lignocellulosic fibre waste which is the discarded waste material after the harvesting and production of palm oil, rice, and wheat. The technology transforms these lignocellulosic fibre wastes into a direct replacement for conventional plywood.  This provides a sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly solution to the continuing demand for plywood and the resolution to the growing lignocellulosic fiber waste problem in agri-food-based countries all over the world. The technology owner is open to various forms of collaboration including IP licensing, R&D collaboration, and test-bedding with different types of agrifood sidestreams. In the case of palm biomass waste, rice, and wheat straw waste, the technology is ready for commercialization. Produced material comparable to Grade A plywood in all performance parameters including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and water swelling Lower CAPEX & OPEX compared to producing conventional plywood Conversion process able to utilize standard commercial manufacturing equipment Activates the lignin within the agricultural biomass and transforms it into a 'natural superglue’ without commonly used formaldehyde-based binders Utilizes a series of hot presses under swinging and cyclical pressures and temperatures Construction Furniture Packaging Sports Equipment Automotive Industry Marine Industry Based on market research, the plywood industry is projected to experience significant growth from $54.79 billion in the current year to $85.26 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. With the increasing demand for sustainable materials and the valorization of agricultural waste, there is a potential opportunity for technology to emerge as a sustainable substitute for plywood in this expanding market. Sustainable solution as a direct replacement to plywood that reduces deforestation and recovers tremendous amounts of CO2 Non-added formaldehyde (NAF) Valorized plywood replacement comparable to Grade A plywood A credible global solution that contributes to reversing climate change Valorisation, agrifood, waste to worth, high value Waste Management & Recycling, Food & Agriculture Waste Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are viscous resins that are designed to adhere to various substrates under light pressure. Majority of commercially available PSAs are derived from non-renewable petroleum sources such as acrylics and silicones, providing the required bonding performance for either permanent or removable applications for use in labels and packaging. However, conventional PSAs present environmental concerns at their end of life, even when its substrate is biodegradable. The technology on offer is a patented bio-based, compostable PSAs comprising of 95% soy and other bio-derived materials that costs less than petroleum adhesives. These PSAs can bond to a variety of substrates (including paper and foams), contains no solvent or water, lowers CO2 emissions when compared to conventional PSA. It can be applied using standard application techniques (slot die or gravure systems) and upon curing will result in a light, cream coloured film. The technology owner is seeking for R&D collaborations and IP licensing opportunities with Singapore partners to manufacture/utilise the technology in packaging and non-structural applications. The technology is a soy-based, hot melt PSA that enables excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates. Some features of the technology include: Does not contain water or solvent Comparable adhesive performance to petroleum-based PSAs Net negative CO2 emissions - 0.79kg CO2 sequestered per 1 kg manufactured Costs 20% less than competing petroleum-based PSAs Home compostable (ASTM 6400/EN 13432) and industrial compostable (ASTM 5511) Applied using standard application techniques such as slot die and gravure systems Can be UV or thermal cured Can be designed to be removable or permanent for labels and tapes Potential applications include (but are not limited to): Packaging such as flexible and paper-based Tapes Labels Protective films Commercial applications that require compostable, bio-based alternatives to acrylic The pressure sensitive adhesives market is projected to grow from USD 13.2 billion in 2022 to USD 16.9 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2022 and 2027. With this technology, companies will be able to move away from fossil-based PSAs and achieve their environmental, social and governance goals to combat climate change. Use of renewable, bio-based raw materials that is compostable Cost-effective solution that meets the performance of conventional PSAs Helps corporations meet sustainability objectives by reducing carbon footprint The technology owner is seeking for R&D collaborations and IP licensing opportunities with Singapore partners to manufacture/utilise the technology in packaging and non-structural applications. adhesive, packaging, compostable, bio-based, environmentally friendly, sustainable, pressure sensitive, soy, bonding, tape, label, eco-friendly, films, paper, plastic packaging, circular economy, reduced carbon emissions Manufacturing, Chemical Processes, Chemicals, Organic, Bio-based, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Bioplastics have gained significant attention due to the environmental issues of fossil-based plastics and the realisation of limited petroleum resources. On the other side, industrial and agricultural organic wastes are produced in huge quantities worldwide, resulting in serious environmental and economic impacts. To solve the above problems, the technology owner has developed a 100% natural biotechnological process to convert industrial and agricultural organic waste into bioplastics. Bioplastics are fully biodegradable and biocompatible, with no harm to humans and environment. These bioplastics are applicable to industrial plastic processes and potentailly replace conventional plastics in short lifespan applications. The use of industrial and agricultural waste as cheaper sources not only makes the production process more economic but also helps in the management of organic waste, contributing to the goal of a circular economy. This technology is available for IP licensing and R&D collaboration with industrial partners who are interested in the sustainable production of bioplastics using organic waste. The bioplastics produced entirely from renewable resources can replace conventional fossil-based plastics in short lifespan applications. The features of this technology are as follows: Produced from industrial and agricultural organic waste 100% biodegradable in a natural environment (in 6 to 12 months) Excellent biocompatibility with no harm to humans and environment Improved mechanical properties by in-house modifications Customised formulations to meet different requirements (BioPE, BioPET, etc.) Up to 5 years lifespan (depending on the circumstances) Adaptable to existing plastic processes without additional equipment The bioplastics produced using this technology can potentially substitute almost all major plastics in single-use products and short lifespan applications. The potential applications are as follows: Rigid and flexible packaging: food containers, bottles, boxes, bags, films Disposable utensils: straws, chopsticks, cutleries Households: tableware, sanitary wares, sunglasses frames, stationary items Sports equipment: fishing tools, surfboards, helmets Medical applications: sutures, scaffolds, bone plates Other sectors: agricultural foils, device casings, machinery housings The technology offers the following unique features: 100% biodegradability in a nature environment Conversion of organic waste into bioplastics for a circular economy Eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics Applicable to existing plastic processes and production lines Scalable and cost-efficient production with organic waste as feedstock This technology is available for IP licensing and R&D collaboration with industrial partners who are interested in the sustainable production of bioplastics using organic waste.   Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Waste Management & Recycling, Food & Agriculture Waste Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy