LANXESS, BioAmber to partner on bioplasticizers
European specialty chemicals producer LANXESS and sustainable chemicals firm BioAmber have partnered to develop succinic acid-based plasticizers that are both renewable and phthalate-free, the companies announced on Thursday.
Under the terms of their joint development agreement, LANXESS and BioAmber are developing a portfolio of renewable succinic-based plasticizers that can exceed the performance of phthalates at competitive prices.
The partnership leverages both companies' strengths, the companies say. LANXESS has a global commercial network that sells phthalate-free plasticizers including MESAMOLL, ADIMOLL, ULTRAMOLL and UNIMOLL.
LANXESS also has plasticizer manufacturing expertise and capacity, it says.
BioAmber produces and sells bio-based succinic acid in a 3,000 metric ton capacity plant in France and expects to bring on an additional 17,000 metric ton of succinic acid capacity in 2013 at a new facility in Sarnia, Canada, located on a site within LANXESS' Bio-industrial Park.
BioAmber and LANXESS have been working together for over two years assessing the performance and opportunities of succinate based esters in the plasticizer market.
Based on the results seen to date, LANXESS and BioAmber said they believe that succinic acid based plasticizers can deliver the sustainability, performance and safety that the global plasticizer market is seeking.
Samples are now available and the companies expect to begin commercialization in 2012.
"LANXESS systematically seeks advanced technologies to enhance the value of its offering,” said Jorge Nogueira, senior vice president for the functional chemicals business unit with LANXESS. “BioAmber's biobased succinic acid is a unique opportunity to develop a new generation of plasticizers combining full regulatory compliance with superior environmental background.”
"Our partnership with LANXESS will accelerate penetration of the global plasticizer market and secure a first mover advantage for both companies,” said Jean-Francois Huc, CEO of BioAmber. “BioAmber's succinic acid offers a safe, sustainable alternative to phthalates and our additional plants in Sarnia and Thailand will ensure our customers have reliable, competitive supply.”
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