InCrops

Our work fits into these main areas: 

Algal technologies
Bio-based chemicals
Bio-based materials
Bioenergy and biofuels
Fashion, design and art
Food, health and wellbeing
Sustainable agriculture
Overview of expertise

 

Which work area fits my business?

You may find our overview of expertise useful in deciding which area best suits your products or plans. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us. We specialise in providing bespoke and tailored advice and would be delighted to discuss opportunities for your business with you.

Overview of expertise

Here is a summary of the areas in which we currently support businesses. You can also access extra detail, relevant case studies and information on how InCrops can help your business.

 

Algal technologies

Algae are a large group of simple aquatic organisms with important environmental functions. They have long been grown and harvested for many different uses. Algae can be found in a variety of food and beauty products on the supermarket shelves. At InCrops, we work with industry and academia to develop algae for feed, energy and valuable chemicals, and as a means to mop-up pollutants.

 

Bio-based chemicals

Bio-based chemicals can be produced from biomass, via a process called biorefining, for example. Biorefining is similar to petroleum refining, in that biomass is converted into a wide range of valuable products, including chemicals. Examples of bio-based chemicals include fuels, paints, varnishes, polymers, lubricants, solvents, fine chemicals, pharmaceutical ingredients and essential oils.

 

Bio-based materials

The last few years have seen a market shift towards bio-based and sustainable materials as the rising cost of crude oil continues to narrow the price gap between bio-based and petrochemical-based materials. InCrops supports businesses that use biomaterials, such as natural fibres, natural fibre composites, biopolymers and bioplastics in a number of industry sectors, including automotive, the built environment, consumer products, medicine, catering and packaging.

 

Bioenergy and biofuels

There is a growing demand for renewable energy for heat, power and transport fuel. InCrops works at the forefront of the bioenergy industry, to support the development of feedstocks, biomass pre-treatment and conversion processes, and to ensure sustainable production. 

 

Fashion, design and art

Designers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their creative decisions. The use of renewable and low impact materials presents an exciting solution to environmental concerns, as well as opening up new creative opportunities. These materials include natural fibres for textiles used for furnishings and fashion, eco-paints and bioresins. We also work with designers and architects on innovative concepts for the built environment.

 

Food, health and wellbeing

Certain foods can be described as ‘functional’ because they are rich in nutritional bioactives, which are biological compounds that can provide health benefits. This can include the prevention, management and treatment of chronic disease, as well as application in beauty products. We are working with businesses developing functional food, plant-derived medicines and cosmetics.

 

Sustainable agriculture 

InCrops works with the agricultural industry in a variety of ways to ensure the most efficient use ofresources. We also work to identify needs in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of non-food crops and to explore barriers to the growing of new or under-utilised crop plants.