Aduro Biopolymers appoints CEO following strong growth
Hamilton, 26 March 2014 - Aduro Biopolymers, a Hamilton-based research, development and manufacturing company, today
announced the appointment of Darren Harpur as Chief Executive. The appointment follows investment from Wallace
Corporation Limited alongside founding shareholder WaikatoLink.
Aduro Biopolymers was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a key part of a greener solution being sought by companies
around the world. Manufacturers and consumers alike are interested in reducing the impact of plastics in the
environment, and of industrial processes in their local communities. The enterprise is a spin-out of WaikatoLink
Limited, the commercialisation and technology transfer company of the University of Waikato.
Aduro Biopolymers Chairman Graham Shortland says, “Darren has led the company through some very significant milestones
as Acting Chief Executive. We’re very pleased to appoint him to the role full time.”
Harpur, formerly a Commercial Manager at WaikatoLink says, “2013 was a pivotal year for the company. I’m very pleased to
take up the role of Aduro Biopolymers’ first Chief Executive as we work to commercialise our first products for the
market.”
“The company is now in a unique position to capitalise on recent research in the field of bioplastics as well as
developments in the use of imprinted polymers for industrial waste remediation, and the targeted filtration and recovery
of chemicals, metals and other substances. We’re working on a number of exciting opportunities.”
Aduro Biopolymers is investigating the feasibility of establishing a New Zealand plant to process poultry feathers into
a range of products, including polypropylene and polyethylene filled resins with an international company. The company
is also in the final stages of a product development program using its proprietary Novatein® bioplastic resin, for
applications within the red meat industry.
Aduro Biopolymers has also recently signed agreements with Scion for the commercialisation of bioplastic resins using
fruit residues, and with Hamilton based company Ligar Polymers to manufacture imprinted polymers.
Aduro’s proprietary bioplastic resin Novatein® was developed at the University of Waikato’s School of Engineering by
Chemical Engineer Dr Johan Verbeek and his team. Verbeek was recently named as the winner of the University’s inaugural
Commercial Research Excellence Award, and is Aduro Biopolymers’ R & D Manager.
Duncan Mackintosh, Chief Executive of WaikatoLink says, “It’s really satisfying to play a role in transferring highly
innovative science from the University to the marketplace. Aduro Biopolymers’ has created a compelling proposition for
potential partners and customers and attracted strong commercial interest. This appointment represents the next growth
phase for the company.”
According to Harpur the potential of the company is significant. “The global plastics market alone is worth over a
trillion dollars and currently bioplastics represent 5-10% of that market and is growing quickly.”
About Aduro Biopolymers
Aduro Biopolymers is a research, development and manufacturing company. Aduro Biopolymers is working to develop and
manufacture a diverse range of bio-derived polymers and materials for use in plastics, composites, agriculture and
horticulture, manufacturing and construction sectors. Their proprietary product is Novatein® resin, a bioplastic that
uses bloodmeal which is a co-product of the red meat industry. Aduro Biopolymers is a partnership between Wallace
Corporation and WaikatoLink Limited, the technology transfer office of the University of Waikato. For more on Novatein
and Aduro Biopolymers see www.adurobiopolymers.com
About WaikatoLink
WaikatoLink Limited is a world class technology development and investment company, with a strong track record in
translating research outcomes into commercial applications and technologies. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
University of Waikato, it achieves this by identifying, managing and commercialising the University’s intellectual
property. WaikatoLink works closely with industry, investors and researchers to identify and develop market
opportunities for new technologies, and plays a key role in University knowledge transfer for economic transformation.
ENDS