Amyris has signed a major deal in Brazil to produce a sugar cane-based additive.
Farnesene fermenters Image: Amyris |
The Californian chemicals specialist has signed a deal with Biomin do BrasilNiutrciao to produce farnesene on an industrial scale. Production is set to start in June and has rapidly accelerated Amyris' plans for farnesene operations.
Farnesene is used as an additive for a range of products, in particular hydrocarbon chemicals for lubricants. The deal with Biomin will see Amyris providing sugar cane syrup and the company's lubricant specific yeast, while the Brazilian specialist will manage the production and provide its industrial fermenters to create the additive at around 100-200,000 litres annually.
Although Amyris already has a joint venture agreement in place to build its own fermentation facility in Brazil, this is not slated for completion in late 2012. In the meantime, the deal with Biomin will allow a rapid start for Amyris' Biofene branded product, as well as allowing the company to provide un-branded specially adapted additives for other lubes producers.
Amyris believes it is the first organisation to produce fermented farnesene on an industrial scale and will help boost the biofuels market by replacing petroleum or other natural oil-based additives in lubricants with a more environmentally-friendly alternative.