ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) announced that its sister research organization, the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), recognized two industry leaders during the NARA 2024 Convention in Santa Barbara, Calif., in October. Charles Starkey, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for NARA and director of research for FPRF, presented awards to Rhett Smith, Ph.D., professor of Organic Materials Chemistry at Clemson University, and B.J. Bench, Ph.D., director of food safety and quality assurance for Tyson Foods Ingredient Solutions.
Smith was awarded the Fred Bisplinghoff Research Innovation Award for his work on utilizing low-value fats in cements and recycling plastics. His work includes converting agricultural co-products and waste plastics into commercially viable construction materials. He has published studies on sulfur-based copolymers, recyclable polymers and carbon-negative polymer cements, and his research has made an impact on sustainability within the industry.
Founded in 2015 in honor of former FPRF President Bisplinghoff, the Fred Bisplinghoff Research Innovation Award is awarded to an FPRF grant recipient who has performed research on behalf of the rendering industry that has made a contribution to current knowledge, increased the use of rendered products, or developed improvements in operations, product quality and safety.
Bench was awarded a special recognition called the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award. He was recognized for his efforts in assisting NARA on projects including advancements in analytical methodologies and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulatory guidance.
Bench leads quality assurance and method development for animal nutrition and other areas in his role at Tyson. His extensive experience in the field of food safety has allowed him to help improve operational efficiency and ensure product safety across multiple locations. He is also a trusted leader in the food safety field, according to NARA.
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