Food Technologist brings together the food and petrochemical industries
Bhushan Yengade (University of Reading Food Sciences, 2010) outlines his journey as a food technology entrepreneur, and how he pivoted his business. Bhushan shared with us his story in light of the Henley Challenges event we ran in 2021 Pivoting for Societal Impact
Introduction
Bhushan Yengade is an alumnus of the University of Reading. He is a Food Technologist entrepreneur. Following his studies, he gained valuable experience working in both the private and public sectors of the food industry. He is the founder of Binder Technology Consultancy focused on the following services to help clients to succeed in the food industry.
• Project Management to setup food industries
• Technical Consultation for food R&D and regulatory
• Training in Food Safety and Entrepreneurship
• Market Research advisory to identify international trade patterns
Understanding the market needs Binder Technology Consultancy entered into the emerging sector of ethanol. Here he explains his innovation journey.
Pivoting from food to petrochemical
by Bhushan Yengade
In recent times, there has been a global surge in petrol prices, prompting governments worldwide to explore ways of reducing carbon emissions. India is the third largest importer and consumer of crude oil. India began a pilot program to blend sugarcane-based ethanol with petrol in 2001. India's current Biofuels National Policy endeavours to fortify the nation's energy security, diminish the dependence on imported fuels, conserve foreign exchange reserves, mitigate environmental challenges, and invigorate the growth of the domestic agricultural sector. This policy aims to leverage surplus and damaged grains for ethanol production. India aims to double the amount of ethanol blended with petrol from 10% to 20% by 2025. Binder technology consultancy has been researching food supply chain trends and recently completed a few market research projects for the ethanol industry.
The team conducted market research and survey to determine the viability of potential locations for the ethanol industry. This scientific evaluation involved an in-depth analysis of the maize and rice supply chain, including research into the surplus and damaged grain sector. As a result of this project, they gained valuable skills in areas such as ethanol supply chain management, irrigation studies, and byproduct analysis.
They collaborated with farmers, traders, buyers, sellers, and factories to design a model for the grain supply chain. The proposed model would facilitate research into the fluctuations occurring in the supply chain. A special emphasis is being placed on researching the usability of damaged grains, broken grains, and husks of grains for the production of ethanol.
Given that ethanol is a water-based product, the team has been researching the groundwater and water reservoirs to comprehend the irrigation situation. They also have predominantly focused on surveying the feasibility of government-designated ethanol blending points to determine the potential to reduce transportation and logistics costs.
Dried Distillers Grains with Soluble (DDGS) is the main byproduct obtained from the production of ethanol, and it serves as a protein-rich feed for animals such as poultry, cattle, and marine species. To further understand the feeding patterns of the animals in different regions, they have been surveying the consumption patterns of regional animals.
Using the collected facts, data, and market surveys, they have constructed a feasibility model to determine the viability of ethanol projects in central, southern and western India.
They have recently concluded a project for a marine processing company that is venturing into the ethanol sector. The produced ethanol will be utilized in the petrochemical industry, and DDGS will serve as marine feed within the company, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for the client.
Binder Technology Consultancy continues to provide services for the food processing industry. With this ethanol strategic diversification from food to petrochemical, the research and projects in the ethanol industry highlight the importance of leveraging surplus and damaged grains for ethanol production, especially in the context of rising petrol prices and carbon emissions reduction. Their team's expertise in food supply chain analysis and related areas has enabled to make meaningful contributions to the ethanol emerging industry. This move is expected to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels, enhance farmers' economies, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
