Listen to some of the people who do business in Ontario.

EcoSynthetix Inc.

Moving all its R&D activities from Michigan to Ontario was a no-brainer for EcoSynthetix Inc., the world's only manufacturer of "green" binder products that paper producers need to colour-coat glossy magazines, brochures and packaging. "Ontario is a great place to do business," says company co-founder and CEO John van Leeuwen. "For one thing, production taxes are lower here than in Michigan." More...

Rentech Inc.

With airlines worldwide clamouring for 'green' jet fuel, California-based Rentech Inc. has partnered with Ontario to build the world's first commercial-scale facility to produce certified-renewable jet fuel from wood fibre. More...

Anaergia

Anaergia, which develops and uses cutting-edge technologies to turn organic waste into biogas, chose Ontario as the site for its global operations centre. The $70 million facility, which is receiving $16 million from the Ontario government, will include the company’s head office, R&D and manufacturing plant. Anaergia operates in a sector still in its infancy and the company is positioning itself to become the world leader.

"Ontario is the right location to help us achieve our goal. It’s a North American business hub, with easy access to the huge U.S. market. It also has a large talent pool and a government that understands the importance of growing a bio industry – and supporting it." Andrew Benedek, Chairman and CEO, Anaergia.

For more information, visit: www.anaergia.com.

BioAmber

More than 100 North American sites were considered before U.S.-based BioAmber chose Sarnia for its first North American biosuccinic acid plant. The $80 million plant, which is receiving a loan of $15 million from the Ontario government, will produce bio-based succinic acid derived from corn to make things such as plastics, cosmetics, construction materials and pharmaceuticals. It will be up and running in 2013.

"Sarnia was our top choice. It offers us an abundance of corn, nearby facilities that make glucose, easy access to shipping channels, a skilled workforce, existing infrastructure and strong government support."  Mike Hartmann, Executive Vice President, BioAmber.

For more information, visit: www.bio-amber.com/.

LANXESS

In June 2011, German-based LANXESS opened its new butyl rubber R&D centre at the University of Western Ontario Research Park in London, Ontario. The centre, which employs 60 scientists, is focused on materials research and emerging technologies. One of the most promising areas is its development of bio-butyl rubber, which is made from biomass rather than petroleum-based raw materials.

"The London Research Park is the place to be for us. It's close to Sarnia, our largest production site, and gives us access to research talent from Ontario and abroad. We're also surrounded by start-up companies and research institutes focused on materials research, which will help us advance our culture of innovation." Dr. Ralf I. Schenkel, Head of Global Research and Development, LANXESS Butyl Rubber Unit.

For more information, visit: www.lanxess.com.

Rentech

In partnership with the province of Ontario, California-based Rentech will establish the world's first plant to product jet fuel from wood fibre in White River. Rentech's proprietary technologies will turn 1.1 million metric tons (1.2 million U.S. tons) of forest waste a year into 85 litres of low-carbon, biodegradable synthetic jet fuel. It will be delivered by rail  to Toronto's Pearson International Airport for use on outbound flights.

"We had federal, provincial and First Nations support all coming together in record time. They've shown how you get business done."  - Hunt Ramsbottom, CEO, Rentech.

For more information, visit: www.rentechinc.com.

The Woodbridge Group

The Woodbridge Group, an Ontario-based company, introduced its revolutionary BioFoam technology at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. Derived from various biomass sources, BioFoam offers the highest green content available, and quickly caught the attention of OEMs worldwide. BioFoam is now used in seat cushions, head restraints and armrests in vehicles manufactured by the world's leading carmakers.

"Ontario is the ideal place to develop bio-based solutions. It offers tremendous engineering talent, generous R&D tax credits and strong government support." Martin Mazza, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Global Sales, The Woodbridge Group.

For more information, visit: www.woodbridgegroup.com/home.html.