BioAmber , a renewable chemistry company, has partnered with PTTMCC Biochem for the production of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a renewable and biodegradable polymer, in Thailand.
BioAmber will be the sole supplier of the biobased succinic acid to PTTMCC’s new PBS facility. BioAmber will construct a succinic acid facility in Thailand and it will be located close to PTTMCC's PBS plant. Both the plants are anticipated to commence operation in 2014. Succinic acid is a key material used for PBS production along with 1,4-butanediol.
PTTMCC has selected BioAmber as it offers the lowest technology risk and lowest cost succinic acid. With the use of BioAmber's succinic acid, PTTMCC anticipates to minimize the manufacturing cost of PBS.
BioAmber expects to manufacture 65,000 MT of biobased succinic acid in its new plant and the company has also planned to produce 50,000 MT of 1,4-butanediol on the site. BioAmber will use DuPont’s technology to convert biobased succinic acid into 1,4-butanediol. PTTMCC will help to source the biomass required for BioAmber’s plant operation.
Worawat Pitayasiri, PTTMCC’s Managing Director, stated that the construction of a large-scale succinic acid facility in Thailand is a major investment by BioAmber and this initiative will benefit PTTMCC. CEO of BioAmber, Jean-Francois Huc noted that the partnership with PTTMCC provides a strong position to BioAmber in the rapidly growing market segment.