Many key players working with harakeke will be speaking at the event on February 20. Photo / NZME.
Many key players working with harakeke will be speaking at the event on February 20. Photo / NZME.
Innovative and commercial uses of harakeke (New Zealand flax) will be the focus of a forum held in Rotorua next year.
The forum will present research and development by Rotorua-based company Biopolymer Network, as well as studies undertaken by other researchers and companies.
Biopolymer Network chief executive Sarah Heine saidthe aim was to bring together people interested in the commercial potential of harakeke and to cover the extensive work done on the plant during the past decade.
Many key players working with harakeke will be speaking at the event on February 20. Their presentations will cover topics including species selection, plantations, industrial processing, muka (traditional fibre preparation) innovation, composites, natural skincare and other uses.
"This motivating forum will provide a platform for those seeking to commercialise an idea, concept or existing product and to allow discussion facilitated by Callaghan Innovation on the potential of harakeke and its future direction," she said.
"The event is open to the public, in particular small business developers, researchers, scientists, natural skincare companies and anyone interested in the commercial opportunities of harakeke within New Zealand."
