BioAmber, an industrial biotechnology company producing sustainable chemicals, has initiated commissioning activities for its 30,000 metric ton-capacity bio-succinic acid plant — the world’s largest — located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
Succinic acid can be used to make a broad range of products including polyurethanes, paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, artificial leathers, food and flavor additives, cosmetics and personal care products, biodegradable plastics, nylons, industrial lubricants, phthalate-free plasticizers, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceutical compounds.
The global market for bio-succinic acid is expected to grow to $1.1 billion by 2020, according to an Allied Market Research report.
BioAmber expects commissioning and start-up to take about five months, with the $125 million facility being in commercial operation in Q3 2015. At that time, the company says it will be ready to supply bio-succinic acid to customers, including take-or-pay contracts.
BioAmber has signed take-or-pay agreements with Vinmar and PTTMCC (a joint venture between PTT PLC and Mitsubishi Chemical) that represent sales volumes of more than 5,000 metric tons in 2015 and 15,000 tons in each of 2016 and 2017. BioAmber has also signed a number of supply agreements with non-binding volume commitments that collectively exceed the available capacity in the plant.
