NZ Startup Wins $150k in International Environment Challenge

NZ Start-Up Wins $150,000 in International Environmental Challenge

CarbonScape in final three for New York contest - $780,000 prize at stake

Blenheim, September 18, 2012 - Carbon-refining company CarbonScape™ became one of three finalists in the international Postcode Lottery Green Challenge in Amsterdam last night, and has already won at least €100,000 (NZ $156,600) to help the company bring its CO2-reducing business plan to market.

CarbonScape™ directors Nick Gerritsen and Tim Langley will travel to New York for the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge 2012 final on September 23, having already beaten off competition from more than 500 other companies to be selected as a finalist by the jury at the PICNIC Festival 2012 in the Netherlands.

Nick Gerritsen spent several days in Amsterdam this week with the judging panel presenting the CarbonScape business case and answering their questions.

At this year’s final, the first to take place in New York, the jury will announce the winner of the €500,000 (NZ$783,000) grand prize at a special dinner organised by the Dutch Postcode Lottery in conjunction with the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting.

CarbonScape™ has developed patented continuous-flow microwave technology in an energy self-sufficient process to convert wood and other waste into high-value Graphite, Activated Carbon (AC), and Metallurgical Coke. All products are made from renewable feed stocks and in the case of both Graphite and Coke replace fossil fuels. AC is a molecular filter used in diverse applications including water treatment and flue gas scrubbing.

The widespread introduction of CarbonScape’s™ renewable “Green Coke” to replace fossil fuels in the steel industry would significantly impact total global Green House Gas emissions.

“This is a real breakthrough for CarbonScape™. This win will give us huge exposure to potential customers and investors. These awards have a big following internationally and the dinner in New York is very much a top drawer affair,” says CarbonScape™ director Nick Gerritsen.

Gerritsen adds that the company is already attracting serious engagement from international investment fund managers looking to invest in sustainable business.

The other finalists are: Molly Morse (United States): Mango Materials
Mango Materials uses bacteria to convert methane into biodegradable plastic, which can be made into products that can ultimately undergo recycling in the same microbial process.

Daan Weddepohl (the Netherlands): Peerby BV
Through an app and website, Peerby puts consumers in touch with neighbours who can rent or loan them goods they need, lessening the need for new products and thus cutting CO2 emissions.

This major award has been presented to leaders in environmental change and innovation every year since 2007.

In December 2010, CarbonScape™ became the first in the world to pioneer a new green technology - a one-step process to cheaply produce AC. The company has begun small-scale production at its South Island, New Zealand pilot site. It is attracting international interest in its technology, particularly from the global steel industry.

www.carbonscape.com

About the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge
The Dutch Postcode Lottery has held the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge every year since 2007 as part of its efforts to help make the world a greener place. The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge is one of the world's largest competitions for sustainable innovation. It is aimed at creative, innovative thinkers. Environmentally friendly products and services that reduce CO2 emissions and score highly on design, user-friendliness and quality are eligible to compete for the €500,000 prize. Each entrant must supply a detailed business plan so that an expert preliminary jury can determine whether his or her idea is viable. Previous winners have gone on to achieve success with their innovative inventions, thanks in part to the publicity and network around the Green Challenge.

Last year, Nick Christy from Australia won with his Water Recycling Shower.
In 2010, the American Scot Frank won for his portable, affordable multipurpose solar collector SolSource.
The 2009 winner was the Englishman Dean Gregory for The Power Collective, a company that makes nearly invisible rooftop wind turbines.
In 2008, Eben Bayer of the United States took the prize for his natural insulation material Greensulate.
And our first winner, in 2007, was Dutchman Igor Kluin, for the Qbox, a device that enables decentralised electricity generation.

For more information, see www.greenchallenge.info.

ENDS

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