Amyris, Michelin partner to commercialize isoprene

In California, Amyris and Michelin have signed a definitive agreement to collaborate in the development and commercialization of Amyris’ renewable isoprene, a chemical building block in rubber tires and other products that use synthetic and natural rubbers.  Under the agreement, Amyris and Michelin will partner to contribute funding and technical resources to develop Amyris’ technology to produce isoprene from renewable feedstocks.

Amyris expects to begin commercializing this isoprene in 2015 for use in tire and other specialty chemical applications such as adhesives, coatings and sealants. Michelin is committed to off-take volumes on a ten-year basis. In addition, Amyris retains the right to market its renewable isoprene to other customers.