Genomatica, Tate & Lyle partner for demonstration of Bio-BDO

In California, Genomatica and Tate & Lyle signed a joint development agreement for the demonstration-scale production of Genomatica’s Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol).    BDO, an intermediate chemical with a $4 billion market worldwide, is used to make spandex, automotive plastics, running shoes, and insulation.

Under the agreement, Tate & Lyle will dedicate a demonstration-scale production facility in Decatur, Illinois, for exclusive use by Genomatica.  Genomatica is ramping its process to 13,000-liter fermenters followed by an integrated  downstream process for BDO recovery and purification.

The demonstration plant is co-located with a corn wet mill owned and operated by Tate & Lyle. The BDO produced by the plant will be used for large-volume sampling to BDO customers eager to serve market-leading brands and retailers with green, sustainably-produced polymers and materials. Genomatica plans to be operating at its first world-scale plant in late 2013.

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