BASF, CSM forming bio-chemical JV

Ludwigshafen, Germany - BASF and Purac, part of CSM, are establishing a joint venture. called Succinity GmbH, for the production and sale of bio-based succinic acid. The JV is to start operations in 2013 and be headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany.

BASF and CSM have been conducting research on succinic acid under a joint development agreement since 2009. Their work in fermentation and downstream processing led to the development of a manufacturing process based on a proprietary microorganism.

The bacterium used is Basfia succiniciproducens, which produces succinic acid through natural processes. It is capable of metabolising various renewable feedstocks into succinic acid.

The new process combines high efficiency with the use of renewable raw materials and the fixation of CO2 in the production of succinic acid. This, claims BASF, makes biobased succinic acid an economically and ecologically attractive alternative to petrochemical raw materials.

Demand for succinic acid is set to grow strongly in the years ahead, driven mainly by bioplastics, chemical intermediates, solvents, polyurethanes and plasticisers, according to the JV partners.

BASF and CSM are currently modifying an existing fermentation facility at Purac’s Montmélo site near Barcelona, Spain, for the production of succinic acid.

This plant, which will commence operations in late 2013 with an annual capacity of 10ktpa of succinic acid, will put the new JV in a leading position in the global marketplace, said BASF.

The partners are also planning a second large-scale facility with an annual capacity of 50ktpa of succinic acid to meet an expected increase in demand. A final investment decision for this facility will be made following a successful market introduction.