Braskem joins Amyris, Michelin to commercialize renewable isoprene

Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced Tuesday that Braskem is joining the ongoing collaboration between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated to develop and commercialize renewable isoprene, sourced from various biomass as an additional sustainable pathway to produce isoprene.

Under the terms of the agreement, Braskem, Michelin and Amyris will work together to develop a technology to utilize plant sugars, such as those found in Brazilian sugarcane or cellulosic feedstocks, to produce renewable isoprene. 

Adding the expertise of Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas and global leader in the production of biopolymers, Amyris and Michelin aim to accelerate the industrialization of renewable isoprene.

Amyris will share its rights to commercialize the renewable isoprene technology developed under this collaboration with Braskem. Michelin will maintain certain preferential, but not exclusive, access to the renewable isoprene to be produced by this technology. 

The companies said they will not disclose details of the agreement, including the financial contributions of each party.

This joint project, with Amyris and Braskem, will give Michelin an additional sustainable sourcing channel for poly-isoprene for the production of quality tires, providing a high-performance, environmentally responsible material.

"With this new partnership, we join forces with Amyris and Michelin in the development of an innovative technology that strengthens our commitment to improve people's lives, creating solutions through sustainable chemistry," said Luciano Guidolin, vice president for polyolefins and renewables of Braskem. 

With a proven track record in research in sustainable chemistry, Braskem notes that it has already an experience in the development of 100% renewable polyethylene.

"Braskem is an ideal partner to join our isoprene project with Michelin," said John Melo, CEO of Amyris. "They bring the right expertise and share in our commitment to transform the chemical industry through sustainable product innovation and superior performance," he added.