February 28, 2012

Alternative Energy Solutions

Idea to reality: The Kriedermacher family needed a more cost-efficient way to heat their 65,000 square-foot greenhouse, Pork and Plants. Brothers Eric and Paul decided to make biomass pellets that could be burned in boilers to heat the greenhouses. AURI’s role: AURI Scientist Al Doering worked with the Kreidermachers in AURI’s Coproducts Lab in Waseca to develop biomass pellet blends using crop residue and grasses. Outcome: The Kreidermachers now use… Continue Reading Alternative Energy Solutions

Smude’s Sunflower Oil

Idea: After the hot, dry summer of 2007 took a toll on Tom Smude’s corn and soybean crops, he learned that hardy sunflower plants could thrive in such adverse conditions, and he began to explore the idea of producing sunflower oil. AURI’s role: Nutritional analysis, product development, troubleshooting and innovation networking. Outcomes: Today, Smude’s is on shelves in major grocery chains, has a loyal customer base, is expanding its offerings to include flavor-infused sunflower… Continue Reading Smude’s Sunflower Oil

Klean Soap

Idea to reality: A Minnesota family company wanted to use recycled vegetable oil and glycerin from their small biodiesel plant to make green cleaning products. They needed help with glycerin purification and product formulation and testing. AURI’s role: AURI scientists helped purify the crude glycerin and perfect the product recipes and manufacturing process for Klean Soap. Outcome: Klean Soap now makes five all-natural cleaning products, which are being tested at… Continue Reading Klean Soap