In January 2008
DSM and the French starch and starch-derivatives company Roquette joined
forces to implement and commercialize the fermentative production of
biorenewable succinic acid, which – amongst other applications - opens the
possibility to produce bio-based performance materials. By the end of 2009 a
demonstration plant in Lestrem (France) will be operational.
Fermentation processes with the use of renewable resources are sustainable and
will in this case lead to an energy saving of 30-40% compared to a typical
chemical process, thus reducing CO2 emissions. As this is the first bio-based
production process in which CO2 is actively used in the production, it creates
an even bigger positive impact on CO2 emission levels. Fermentative production
processes not only lead to positive effects on the environment, they also save
money by reducing the need for energy. Thus the bio-based succinic acid is
beneficial for both planet and profit.
