This I-Corps project will explore the commercial feasibility of production of bio-adhesive from swine manure. If successful, this technology will lead to bio-adhesive products that can act as substitutes for petroleum-based adhesive products, and be precursors for novel bio-based products from animal waste. The proof-of-concept demonstration to be achieved by this I-Corps project is the production of bio-adhesive with specified viscosity from swine manure using a modular filtration-vacuum distillation prototype unit. Successful implementation of the project will translate the knowledge created through a prior NSF funding into new products. Successful commercialization of this technology will allow 40.2 million tons of swine manure produced annually in the U.S. to be used to supply about 28 million tons of bio-adhesive for industrial carpeting, packaging, soil stabilization, crack sealing, roofing, pavement construction and fertilizer coating applications. Therefore, the mission of this proof-of-concept is to bring the rapid, scalable, and cost-efficient bio-adhesive production capabilities of the technology platform outside of the research lab and closer to the market.
This project offers a unique, simultaneous approach to 1) develop sustainable construction adhesives as a commercial product, 2) sequester carbon from manure into bio-adhesive, 3) address problems associated with manure management while creating a source of revenue for farmers, and 4) create new jobs related to the production and application of bio-adhesive. Currently, the ability to safely dispose of large amounts of manure limits the growth of swine farms. Development of bio-adhesive from manure will offer a solution for swine manure management while providing a renewable construction material. Therefore, this technology can result in major, positive environmental and economic impacts in both the agricultural and construction sectors.
The main objective of this I-Corps project was to explore the commercial feasibility of production of bio-adhesive from swine manure via customer discovery as well as completing the Innovation-Corps program training workshop. As part of the project the team successfully completed the entrepreneurship workshop organized by NSF and held in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a result of the workshop activities, the team also managed to interview with 122 customers. The workshops was a major learning experience for the team leading to development of the business plan, incorporation of the company (Bio-Adhesive Alliance Inc.) and development of partnership with two Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) companies who will also play the role of distribution channel for the resulting bio-adhesive. As part of the project, the team managed to pivot several times and ultimately identify four new markets with much higher margin compared to initial intended asphalt market. It was also found that these new specialty products markets (emulsion, sealant, carpeting, roofing) are less regulated and easier which make the market entrance easier. In addition, the fact the bio-adhesive has lower VOC content is values much more in these newly recognized markets. Therefore, the value proposition was revised to include the low VOC content feature along with lower cost and higher durability of the product. The results of our market analysis led the university to file a provisional patent in September 2012 and a utility patent application in March 2013 (U.S. Serial No. USSN 61/785,547). Finally, Bio-Adhesive Alliance Inc., a spin-off company from NC A&T, was incorporated in February 2013 and received exclusive rights to use the technology worldwide.
