Scion is celebrating the recognition of two of its supported innovations—ZealaFoam® and Cetogenix—as finalists in the prestigious 2024 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.

These Breakthrough Projects demonstrate how research-driven ingenuity can unlock sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Scion’s general manager for Forests to Biobased Products, Dr Florian Graichen, underscores the significance of these achievements.

"At Scion, we are focused on partnerships that supports New Zealand’s efforts to achieve a net-zero carbon future and drive economic growth.

“It’s a future where waste is minimised, and renewable resources are maximised. Both ZealaFoam and Cetogenix exemplify this vision—transforming plant-based and organic waste into valuable materials and energy. It's a proud moment for our research teams to see these innovations on the national stage."

ZealaFoam®: Breaking the mould in sustainable packaging

ZealaFoam® was developed within the Biopolymer Network Limited (BPN) – a joint venture between AgResearch, Plant & Food Research and Scion and has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional expanded polystyrene. This 100% plant-based material, derived from crops such as maize and cassava, mirrors the strength and insulative properties of traditional polystyrene while offering substantial environmental benefits. Not only is ZealaFoam industrially compostable, but it can also be manufactured using existing polystyrene equipment, minimizing costs for businesses transitioning to greener options​.

Scion played a pivotal role in the development of ZealaFoam by leveraging its expertise in biopolymer and materials science and helped advance ZealaFoam from an idea to a commercially viable product. The journey began with trials funded by KiwiNet, which validated the material's performance on standard production machinery. With initial products like EcoBeans® (a sustainable beanbag fill) now available in New Zealand and Australia, ZealaFoam is poised to expand into the global packaging market—an industry projected to reach USD $3.6 billion by 2025​. The new company, ZealaFoam Holdings Limited, will now focus on further commercial opportunities for the plastic replacement. The Biopolymer Network Limited (BPN) will retain a shareholding in ZealaFoam Holdings, with investment from New Zealand and overseas investors allowing the company to take the technology into commercial production worldwide.

"ZealaFoam is an exciting step forward for sustainable packaging,” says Dr Graichen. “It showcases how research collaborations can create eco-friendly alternatives that don't compromise on performance.

“Our work with ZealaFoam is not just about reducing waste but ensuring that sustainable innovations remain economically viable and accessible to industries worldwide."

Cetogenix: Turning waste into renewable energy

The second Scion-supported finalist, Cetogenix, is tackling the challenge of organic waste on a global scale. Every year, over 100 billion tonnes of carbon-rich waste are generated from sources such as food production, agriculture, and sewage treatment​. Cetogenix’s Ceto-Boost™ system harnesses the potential of this organic waste, converting it into renewable energy in the form of biomethane, alongside fertilisers and biomaterials.

Cetogenix’s patented hydrothermal oxidation technology is a groundbreaking solution that deconstructs organic waste efficiently, reducing its volume by 95% and eliminating contaminants such as microplastics and pathogens. The technology has the potential to replace up to 12% of global fossil natural gas production, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions​.

Scion’s foundational role in Cetogenix’s development cannot be overstated. After over a decade of science and engineering research at Scion, Cetogenix was launched in 2022, following a successful NZD $4.8 million capital raise. The company has maintained strong ties to Scion, collaborating closely on ongoing research and development while scaling up its Ceto-Boost™ prototype system​.

"Cetogenix is a prime example of how science can lead to real-world solutions with a positive impact on both the environment and the economy,"says Dr Graichen. "The ability to turn waste into renewable energy and useful byproducts is crucial for achieving global sustainability goals.

“We are excited to continue supporting Cetogenix as they expand their technology both domestically and internationally."

Driving the future of sustainability

The success of ZealaFoam and Cetogenix highlights the value of long-term investment in research and collaboration. For Scion, this recognition reinforces its commitment to leading innovations that create sustainable futures for New Zealand and the world.

Dr Graichen says Scion is immensely proud of these two projects and the teams behind them.

"They represent what can be achieved when science, technology, and industry come together with a shared vision for a greener future. At Scion, we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, driving innovation in biobased products and circular economy solutions."

As both ZealaFoam and Cetogenix continue their journey towards commercial success, their progress serves as a testament to the power of research-led innovation in addressing global sustainability challenges. With Scion’s expertise and support, these groundbreaking technologies are poised to make a lasting impact on industries worldwide, showcasing New Zealand's leadership in the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

The 2024 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 9 October.