Dale Steichen, AkzoNobel, to Keynote at Biobased Chemicals Conference (Sep 18-19, 2014 in SF, CA)

San Francisco, CA, June 17, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Dale S. Steichen, Vice President, Director Business Development Specialty Chemicals at AkzoNobel, will give a keynote presentation on, “The Bridge to Biobased Realities-One Partnership at a Time,” at the 5th Biobased Chemicals Commercialization & Partnering Conference to be held on September 18-19, 2014 in San Francisco, CA.

For a large company, moving to an enhanced biobased raw material supply requires a clear strategy, agreed to by the Board, and dedicated personnel to drive the strategy. AkzoNobel currently uses significant volumes of biobased raw materials with ambitions to increase the biobased content of its products. A biobased materials strategy for the company was developed and the decision was taken to leverage market innovations via partnerships as one of the key vehicles of implementation versus in house developments. The economic realities were well-understood and identifying technologies that are cost competitive versus current raw materials is a critical success factor. Working with partners to create an alternative raw material supply base requires patience and a constant focus on win-win opportunities. It is critical to identify technologies that when implemented, will create sufficient value for both partners. When mutually-profitable technologies are identified, the discussions simplify and agreements, even on complicated subjects such as IP ownership, can be reached. The trip is not short but the destination is worth the journey.

Dr. Dale Steichen is currently Director of Business Development at AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. Additionally, he is the North American RDI leader and serves on AkzoNobel’s North American Management Team. Dr. Steichen worked in the consumer packaged goods business for 11 years managing product, process and packaging development groups. Returning to the United States, he managed the Global Fabric and Personal Care business based in Chicago.

This two-day conference brings together top representatives who are engaged in establishing a major transformation in the global chemical and energy industries from petroleum to biobased. The conference will look to examine new supply chain developments and business models being adopted for biobased chemicals products. Topics covered include novel chemical production platforms, advantageous feedstock, securing funding and strategic partnerships, trends and challenges in commercial scale up, end user applications, and consumer products. Renewable chemical companies, biofuel companies and end-market consumers will be discussing innovations in the science, technology and end-market development of biobased chemicals, polymers and plastics.

Sessions for 2014 Agenda:
I. Novel Technologies & Platforms in Biochemical Production
II. Advantageous Feedstock for Biochemical Commercialization
III. Panel Discussion: Funding Opportunities
IV. Strategic Partnerships
V. Panel Discussion: Strategic Partnerships
VI. Panel Discussion: The Role of Government in Commercializing Biochemicals
VII. End User Applications & Consumer Products

For more information, please visit www.gtcbio.com/biobasedchemicals