BASF and CSM explore bio-based succinic acid joint venture

Driven by anticipations of an increasing global demand for bioplastics, chemical intermediates, solvents, polyurethanes and plasticizers, BASF and green chemical developer CSM‘s subsidiary Purac are discussing forming a joint venture that will produce bio-based succinic acid.

Succinic acid is used to make adipic-based polyurethanes, phthalate-based plasticisers and acetate-based de-icing products. BASF and Purac have been conducting research on succinic acid under a joint development agreement since 2009.

“Until now our partnership has been very successful, and moving towards a joint venture will strengthen our goal to become the leading supplier in the succinic acid market,” said Andreas Kreimeyer, research executive director at BASF.

“We aim to be the first commercial producer in the market with a 25,000 tons capacity fermentation production plant at the Purac site near Barcelona, Spain, with the intention to start up by 2013 at the latest,” said Gerard Hoetmer, CEO of CSM

Purac has operations in 16 countries in Europe, the U.S., Latin America and Asia, generating annual sales of EUR400 million with a workforce of 900 people.