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The Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) is a new research initiative that integrates academia and industry toward the development of renewable specialty chemicals, polymers/plastics and advanced materials. The Center was funded in 2005 by the Ohio Department of Development through an $11.5 million Wright Center of Innovation (Third Frontier) award, leveraged with matching funds from external partners. See video describing OBIC created by The Ohio Channel here.
OBIC is a unique endeavor because it builds on the strength of Ohio's two largest industries — agriculture and the chemicals, plastics and rubber materials sector — as well as the significant involvement of Battelle Memorial Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In an effort to provide value to industry partners, OBIC operates through a Cell-to-Sell approach: a market-pull business model designed to link genetics, biotechnology, chemical conversion and product development for the commercialization of bioproducts. WHO ARE WE? OBIC is an alliance of industry and academic organizations and institutions focused on the commercialization of biobased technologies and products. OBIC links Ohio's two major business sectors - the agricultural industry and the polymer/advanced-materials sector Dr. Stephen Myers is the OBIC Director. Alex Kawczak, vice president for bioproducts at Battelle, serves as chairman of the Board of Advisors. Members of the Board of Advisers include: - ADM
- The Andersons
- Ashland
- Battelle
- Cargill
- Cooper Tire
- Ohio Agribusiness Association
- Ohio Corn Growers Association
- Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
- Ohio Plant Biotechnology Consortium
- Ohio Seed Improvement Association
- Ohio Soybean Council
- The Ohio State University, including Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and OSU Extension
- Owens Corning
- Procter & Gamble
- PolyOne
- Scotts Miracle-Gro
- Sherwin Williams
- USDA ARS
 Why BioProducts? Heightened global demand for oil and increased volatility in supply are major driving forces for the bioproducts industry. A U.S. Department of Energy report targets plant-derived renewables to supply 50 percent of "chemical building blocks" by 2050.  
The global bioeconomy is accelerating. Bio-based materials and renewable products are becoming cost-effective alternatives to petroleum-based counterparts. Technology has improved performance characteristics. Biotechnology and plant breeding will develop crops with higher yields and desirable plant composition for bioproducts applications (e.g., soybean seed with desired fatty acid composition).
Why Ohio? Ohio’s agriculture industry is among the nation’s leaders in corn and soybean production Ohio’s polymer industry is #1 in the U.S, with strengths in polymers, specialty chemicals, paints, coatings, adhesives, detergents and rubber. Geographic location, transportation systems, abundance of natural resources, industry infrastructure, education and research institutions, business leadership, workforce and history of innovation are all assets that can help Ohio build a strong bioeconomy. Innovation will be essential to preserve jobs in Ohio. Biobased polymers are a major source of innovation.
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