Sustainable business models
DSM has unique expertise in both Life Sciences and Materials Sciences, and we are well positioned for the change towards a bio-based economy. Today, we are creating breakthroughs in biofuel production and bio-based materials. And we are using our innovative capabilities to find further alternatives for today’s fossil-fuel-based society.
Developments in biofuels
Agricultural waste and by-products can be an attractive alternative to fossil fuel. DSM has developed a technology for cost-effectively producing bio-ethanol from plant-based raw materials, waste and by-products that are not used for food or feed. Our enzyme systems further lower conversion costs, taking us beyond state-of-the-art solutions.
Bio-based materials
The DSM Innovation Center is currently developing a platform of bio-based performance materials. Examples include investment in the green-chemistry company Segetis, an agreement with Novomer to develop the first green resin for coatings, and the launch of EcoPaXX™, a bio-based, high-performance engineering plastic polymer.
Approximately 70% of EcoPaXX™ consists of building blocks derived from castor oil – a renewable resource. This results in a carbon footprint of zero, ‘from cradle to the DSM gate.’ It’s a strong selling point in today’s plastics market, as well as being fully compatible with our strategy of sustainable innovation.
Industrial (white) biotechnology
DSM is actively building a leading position in the fast-growing industrial (white) biotechnology market. We are doing this by initiating and investing in new developments at the crossroads of Life Sciences and Materials Sciences. This is the perfect place to create new products and technologies to meet existing and emerging market needs.
For instance, we have partnered with Roquette to develop a biotechnological process for producing succinic acid, a versatile bio-based building block with a low ecological footprint.
