Carbonscape Singled Out In Global Future Book

MEDIA RELEASE

May 31, 2011

Carbonscape Singled Out In Global Future
Technology Book

British science writer says NZ charcoal technology is a
“way of the future”

Charcoal technology company CarbonScape™ has been singled out on the world scientific stage.

The Blenheim-based company is the only New Zealand enterprise to be featured in British futurologist Mark Stevenson’s acclaimed new book, An Optimist’s Tour of the Future: One Curious Man Sets Out to Answer “What’s Next?”

In Stevenson’s internationally-distributed book, CarbonScape™ is featured alongside Nobel prize-winners, presidents and the leading scientists of the day at Harvard, MIT and Cornell universities.

Stevenson trekked around the world in search of new technologies that could transform the way our world looks. He talked to leading scientists and thinkers in fields as diverse as genetics, robotics and nanotechnology, and he visited New Zealand just to see CarbonScape™.

CarbonScape™ uses patented continuous-flow microwave technology to convert wood and other waste into high-value Activated Carbon (AC), plus oil and gas by-products. AC has a diverse range of uses, including cleaning contaminated soil and water, and capturing significant amounts of carbon dioxide emissions from power stations.

“We are delighted and honoured that Mark has chosen to include us in his book alongside some of the world’s key technologies. It’s also a great tribute to New Zealand,” comments CarbonScape director Tim Langley.

In his chapter on CarbonScape™, Stevenson describes New Zealand as “the world’s friendliest country”.

“That might have something to do with a night in Picton when we discussed serious world issues and invented a new cocktail called An Optimist,” says Langley.

In December 2010, CarbonScape™ announced it had become the first in the world to pioneer a new green technology - a one-step process to cheaply produce AC. The company has now begun batch scale production at its South Island, New Zealand pilot site and is attracting international interest in its technology.

Throughout the world AC is used in such diverse industries as metallurgy, chemistry, agriculture, timber processing, gold extraction, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, medicine and food processing.

Stevenson’s book has received great reviews. The Wall Street Journal describes it as “sharp and fascinating” and the New Statesman says “it’s the best science book I’ve read for a long time”.

www.carbonscape.com

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About Mark Stevenson
Mark Stevenson is a writer, futurologist, standup comedian, and cultural education consultant. The Irish Independent has called him “a uniquely funny and unashamedly intelligent comedic talent.” After graduating with firstclass honours from the Information Technology Institute at Salford University,
Stevenson became an editor at an IT industry think tank before mixing two careers as a musician and an expert in prime number cryptography.
As codirector of Flow Associates, Britain’s most respected cultural learning consultancy and
ReAgency, a leading agency for science communication talent, he works with museums, galleries, and archives around the globe to promote learning. He has recently been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Manufacture, and Commerce, Stevenson lives in London.
Blog: www.optimistontour.com / Website: www.anoptimiststourofthefuture.com

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