An integrated renewable products firm, Amyris has planned to partner with Wilmar International, one of the leading agribusiness groups in Asia, to develop and commercialize surfactants.
The surfactants are produced from Amyris’ Biofene product and their applications include personal care products, consumer packaged goods and other industrial uses.
Both companies anticipate that Biofene-derived surfactants can act as effective alternatives to nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants (NPEs). At present, the global use of NPEs is highly restricted due to environmental and health issues.
Amyris and Wilmar have planned to carry out a feasibility study related to the technical development of the Biofene-derived surfactants. In addition, both companies will engage in testing procedures to determine the performance of the products and customer acceptance. They will also work together to receive regulatory approvals for manufacturing and distributing the surfactants.
Amyris will establish a joint venture with Wilmar, once the feasibility study is completed. Under the venture, both companies will manufacture the products, which will be distributed by Wilmar via its network. The partnership with Wilmar signifies growth for Amyris’ renewable products business. Also, Wilmar’s distribution network in Asia, its fast growth mode and integrated business model will offer on opportunity for Amyris to capture a position in the global surfactants market.