Genomatica has partnered with M&G's Chemtex to develop a complete process of producing Bio-BDO from biomass. This second-generation production of Bio-DD will integrate the Chemtex PROESA technology with Bio-BDO process of Genomatica.
The Chemtex PROESA technology is used for converting cellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars. Genomatica will be given the sole rights to utilize the PROESA technology for the manufacture of Bio-BDO.
The PROESA method is in pilot level production at Chemtex's Research and Development facility located in Rivalta. A cellulosic ethanol plant is under construction in Crescentino and is likely to begin operations in H1, 2012. At the Rivalta plant, Bio-BDO will be manufactured at a demo scale from sugars obtained from biomass, followed by the manufacture of Bio-BDO from standard sugars at demo scale in 2011 via collaboration with Tate & Lyle.
For first as well as second generation biomass, Chemtex will offer design and development services for Genomatica’s commercial bio-based chemical facilities.
The Vice President of Corporate Operations and Research of Gruppo M&G, Guido Ghisolfi stated that the company’s established manufacturing methods and the PROESA biomass technology will augment the growth of bio-products and facilitate quicker global adoption. He added that the European market is highly focused on shifting to bio-related products and the business strategy of Genomatica provides an easy approach to realize it.
According to Christophe Schilling, Chief Executive Officer of Genomatica, the partnership with M&G has further extends the company’s feedstock adaptability. He mentioned that as per the geographical location, the firm’s chemical segment partners can easily sell high quality chemicals from their preference of traditional starches, sugars and cellulosic biomass, resulting in high profit when compared to petrochemical methods and enabling the use of small scale facilities.