Genomatica bio-BDO process reaches 10K tons as Novamont says “A-OK” on new plant

In Italy, Novamont confirmed that its Bottrighe plant meets performance parameters including overall process performance and production volume to date for bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The plant is designed to use Genomatica’s licensed process technology to produce BDO from renewable feedstocks. Following startup in late 2016 the plant operations have been notably smooth.

Genomatica also confirmed that more than 10,000 tons of Bio-BDO have been produced worldwide using its GENO BDO process. Novamont’s new Bio-BDO plant has added to volumes previously generated during production campaigns in 2012 and 2013. The earlier campaigns generated a few thousand tons and validated commercial scale performance. They helped pave the way for the first dedicated Bio-BDO plant that uses the GENO BDO licensed technology.

“Our GENO BDO technology is fully de-risked and is continuously producing at scale,” said Christophe Schilling, Genomatica’s CEO. “Its reliability, attractive economics, sustainability advantages and continually-improving performance make GENO BDO a leading choice for new BDO plants. GENO BDO plants look even better given four straight quarters of increasing costs to produce petroleum-based BDO. Bio-BDO is here for brands and consumers of derivative products increasingly looking for greater sustainability and performance.” More molecules are on the way as Genomatica develops and commercializes additional processes to produce existing and new molecules using advanced biotechnology.