This month, we spotlight Solenis, a global specialty chemical supplier. Read our interview with Allen. M. Ziegler, director of global biorefining and marketing at Solenis.

Q. Please tell us about Solenis.

A. Solenis is the new company formed via the recent purchase of Ashland Water Technologies, formally a commercial business unit of Ashland Inc., by the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Solenis, rooted in “solutions” and “genesis,” underscoring the company’s mission to be at the source – genesis – of solutions for customers.

This standalone company continues a 94-year reputation as a respected manufacturer of specialty chemicals for biorefining, pulp, paper, oil & gas, chemical processing, mining, power and municipal markets.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Solenis operates 30 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of 3,500 professionals in 118 countries across five continents. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com.

Q. Please tell us your company’s role within the ethanol industry in Minnesota and why the company is committed to supporting the ethanol industry now and in the future?

A. Solenis has designated Biorefining as one of the six specific market areas we will concentrate both research & development and commercial resources going forward. Specific patented/patent pending process chemistries currently in commercialization such as corn oil extraction aids, regulated scale inhibitors and new technologies slated for introduction in 2015 are the result of years of development work and financial commitment.

Q. From your perspective, what would you like consumers to know about the ethanol industry and the fuel it produces?

A. I have a unique perspective in that I have experience in the industry from that of an agriculture producer, investor and supplier to the industry. I cannot stress enough the economic and environmental significance this industry had provided and will continue to provide long into the future.

Q. What do you think is needed for the availability of E15 to grow?

A. Providing the consumer choice via blender pumps and in addition, regulation to allow retailers under the auspices of oil companies a pathway to provide.

Q. What do you see as the ethanol industry’s biggest challenge?

A. Volatility of demand.

Q. What does your company see for the future of ethanol and advanced biofuels?

A. The global projected growth of biofuels to as far out as 2040 is healthy with advanced biofuels contributing a significant portion. Solenis process technologies in conjunction with the water treatment programs are designed to address - not only the current demands but anticipated regulatory, feedstock and water usage challenges.