SCD-iBIO, an industrial biotechnology group associated with the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), announced that DSM’s vice president of bio-based chemicals and materials, Dr. Marcel Lubben, will be the keynote speaker at its Second International Forum on Commercializing Global Green: Markets from the Value Chain Perspective. The event will be held November 11-13, 2013, at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) in Philadelphia, PA.

Marcel Lubben joined DSM in 1994, and since 2012 takes responsibility for the global activities of the company’s Bio-Based Chemicals and Materials business – a group that brings together several global innovation teams focused on developing and commercializing renewable chemicals and downstream compounds. His technical and commercial leadership experience stems from a broad variety of industries including nutrition, pharma and materials. Lubben a/o serves as a board member of Reverdia, a large-scale facility for the commercial production of biobased succinic acid, which is a joint venture between DSM and Roquette.

“We are slowly, but certainly, starting the switch from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy,” said Lubben. “Still at an early stage, it is clear there is no such thing as a silver bullet approach to force your way in. At DSM we believe that a profound understanding of the value chain and the integral relationship between biomass, products and applications are the most important keys to success in this emerging industry.”

The Second International Forum is a three-day interactive event focusing on markets from the value chain perspective. End markets like packaging, automotive, aviation and personal care will be explored, as well as intermediate markets like composites, coatings and adhesives. Sponsors for this year’s event include the American Chemical Society, Advanced Biofuels Association, BRAG, Bergeson & Campbell PC, Chemical & Engineering News, AIChE, Adhesive and Sealant Council, BioChemInsights, Inc., CHF and SOCMA.