Innovate, Validate, Commercialize
The PDC is a shared collaboration facility where researchers, entrepreneurs,
and industry leaders work together to develop new products and improve
manufacturing processes. We work closely with our partners to meet the
emerging and constantly shifting needs of the marketplace. This sharing of
resources has led to important technological advances, cleaner and more
efficient processes, and products that improve quality of life. Some of the
PDC’s focus areas include:
Basic Research in Support of the Forest- and Agriculturally-Based Products
Sector
Basic research at the PDC has helped our clients to optimize refining and
stock preparation, bleaching methods, and coating formulations. This work
has improved operations and has led to more sustainable products and
practices. The flexibility and open access to the PDC’s research staff and
facilities enables rapid and strategic responses to market, manufacturing,
and environmental demands.
New Product Development
Changing markets and shifting economic conditions affect the vitality of the
forest and allied products industry, offering both challenges and
opportunities. The PDC has a long track record of collaborating with
partners to support traditional manufacturing as well as to create entirely
new products from forest-based raw materials. We are currently working on
advanced fiber processing technologies, developing specialized, scalable
nanotechnologies, and co-developing “green” products to meet market demands
for sustainable products. To learn about UMaine's efforts to help
launch a new bioplastics industry and to engineer plastic from potatoes
and/or wood by-products,
click here.
The Path to Commercialization
Advancing a product from concept to commercial success can sometimes seem a
daunting prospect. This is especially true for start-up companies who may
not have the facilities or the staff to bring their idea to market. The
staff and facility at UMaine and the PDC offers you open access to all of
our resources. We will support you throughout the entire process – from
concept development, validation, pilot demonstration, and through to
successful commercialization. Some examples of recently licensed
technologies include a bio-based, non-toxic oil and grease resistant coating
for food-packaging, a flame resistant fiberboard used in commercial roofing
applications, and a biodegradable landfill cover that controls fugitive
odors.
