Clean energy firm Viaspace says launch of first biomass product, Green Log fireplace logs, made from its Giant King Grass, shows commercial potential of crop as feedstock for power plants, biofuels
Pauline Vu
IRVINE, California
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May 25, 2010
(press release)
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VIASPACE Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VSPC), a clean energy company growing Giant King™ Grass as a low-carbon, renewable energy crop, launched its first renewable energy/biomass product for sale: Green Log™ fireplace and campfire logs manufactured from Giant King Grass.
Green Logs were introduced on May 4-6, 2010, at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, which was attended by buyers from hardware stores, big box stores, grocery stores, drugstore chains and other retailers. The U.S. distributor of Green Logs is Georgia-based JJ International, Inc., since 1988 a nationwide supplier of indoor and outdoor products for the home.
VIASPACE Chief Executive Dr. Carl Kukkonen stated: "We believe Green Logs are the first manufactured fire logs to be produced solely from a dedicated renewable energy crop. Green Logs have a zero net-carbon footprint, completely avoid the use of petroleum products which also produce net carbon emissions, and burn up to 66% longer compared to conventional manufactured logs currently being sold. Since VIASPACE is vertically integrated-- both growing Giant King Grass and manufacturing Green Logs-- we can offer Green Logs as a superior product and at a lower price than competitors."
Green Logs are VIASPACE's first product for the renewable energy market and, according to Kukkonen, exemplify the Company's ability to convert the vast commercial potential of Giant King Grass into beneficial, competitive biomass products.
According to Kukkonen, manufactured fire logs represent a $400 million annual market in North America. With more than 100 million logs—made primarily of wood chips and sawdust—burned each year, he sees a substantial opportunity for Green Logs, which offer the most environmentally friendly manufactured log available. Green Logs also generate greater heat output than conventional logs, and its non-chemical, natural campfire aroma makes it an even more appealing alternative.
Green Logs are manufactured at the Company's grass plantation and processing facility in China's Guangdong province. The factory was completed and manufacturing equipment was installed in April. Kukkonen said that Green Log samples have been provided to potential customers with good response. Orders are being taken with deliveries starting in August.
Kukkonen added that entering the commercialization stage for Giant King Grass is a timely step for VIASPACE and its majority-owned subsidiary, VIASPACE Green Energy Inc. (VGE), under which the Company's renewable energy business is managed. "Green Logs represent a new retail marketplace for Giant King Grass," Kukkonen stated. "Green Logs and other uses of Giant King Grass to provide heat complement our strategy to use Giant King Grass to generate clean electricity from biomass power plants and as feedstock for liquid biofuels known as grassoline to power cars and trucks."
Further information on Green Logs including pictures and specifications is available on the bottom of the homepage of the VIASPACE website www.VIASPACE.com .
Green Log distributor JJ International, Inc. is located at 131 Bells Ferry Lane, Marietta, Georgia, 30066. Telephone: 1-800-999-6036. Email: sales@jjinternationalinc.com. JJ International sells only to retailers and not to the general public.
About VIASPACE Inc.
VIASPACE is a clean energy company providing products and technology for renewable and alternative energy that reduce or eliminate dependence on fossil and high-pollutant energy sources. Through its majority-owned subsidiary VIASPACE Green Energy Inc., the Company grows Giant King Grass as a low carbon fuel for electricity generating power plants, as a feedstock for bio methane production and cellulosic biofuels, and for other low-carbon, renewable energy products. For more information, please go to www.viaspace.com or contact Dr. Jan Vandersande, Director of Communications, at 800-517-8050 or IR@VIASPACE.com.
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