May 5 2010
DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, LLC, a joint venture between DuPont and Tate & Lyle, recently announced an expansion to their Loudon, Tenn., facility to increase production of bio-based 1,3 propanediol (Bio-PDO) by 35%. Construction is scheduled to start in June, and the expansion is expected to be complete by second quarter 2011. The expansion will bring more than 130 construction and engineering jobs to the region.
Formed in 2004, DuPont Tate & Lyle produces Bio-PDO from corn instead of petroleum-based feedstock using a proprietary fermentation process. Bio-PDO is used as an ingredient in materials in a variety of applications that have traditionally been based on petroleum. These range from cosmetics and personal care formulations to fluids and polymers, most notably DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer. Bio-PDO is sold under the Zemea and Susterra brands.
DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Bio-PDO™ facility in Loudon, Tenn.
"We are seeing strong demand for our renewable products," said Steve Mirshak, president - DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. "We had record sales last year and already are anticipating the need for additional capacity after just three years of operation. This expansion is proof that cutting-edge industrial biotechnology can deliver products that meet the needs of industry and consumers while contributing to a smaller environmental footprint."
"In 2004, DuPont and Tate & Lyle formed a partnership because of a shared vision of bringing renewably sourced products to market," said Craig Binetti, president - DuPont Applied BioSciences. "This expansion is an important milestone in how superior performing, cost-effective products that reduce reliance on fossil fuels are creating a viable bio-based business."
"The continued success of the joint venture is built upon not only groundbreaking technology, but also excellent operational capabilities," said Matthew Wineinger, president - Tate & Lyle Food and Industrial Ingredients, Americas. "Combining the strengths of both parents allows the joint venture to focus on their vision of bringing renewable ingredients to their customers across the globe."