API, an Italian company specialized in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bioplastics, which was acquired by global materials company Trinseo in July 2017, and ICM (Industria Chimica Mediterranea), a key player in the footwear and leather goods industry, joined forces to develop innovative and sustainable technical fabrics.
Business
Bio-on and GimaTT together for the bio-based packaging of products derived from tobacco
Italian industrial biotech company Bio-on, specialized in the sector of bioplastic of high quality, organic and biodegradable at 100%, set up AMT Labs S.p.A., a newco dedicated to the study, development and production of innovative materials for the tobacco world. Now AMT Labs company, capitalised with 10 million euros, sees the entry of GimaTT, with a 20% share for an investment of 2.2 million euros. GimaTT is a leader in the design and assembly of automatic machines on eletronic basis for the the packaging of products derived from tobacco and, in particular, those of new generation at reduced risk. Gima TT is controlled by IMA S.p.A. and is listed on the Star segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since October 2017.
Green Biologics and Kreussler to develop a new biobased alternative for dry cleaners
A new bio-based alternative solution is now available for dry cleaners. Working with UK company Green Biologics and their facility in Minnesota, German chemical company Kreussler Inc. is now making dry cleaning solvent from corn grown by about 500 family-owned farms in the heartland of America. SOLVONK4 offers one single ultrapure solvent that cleans better than Perc without any of the environmental or health-related concerns.
Neste acquired animal fat trader IH Demeter to grow in the bioeconomy
Neste, the Finnish producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues, acquired sole control and 51% of the shares of animal fat trader IH Demeter B.V., making Neste the controlling shareholder. The current owners shall remain as co-owners. The transaction is awaiting for and is subject to regulatory approval.
Metsä Group established Metsä Spring to develop the sustainable forest-based bioeconomy
There is a new company in the world bioeconomy: Metsä Spring Ltd, the new innovation company established by Metsä Group. The company will, together with partner organisations, invest in new endeavours with the target to identify and develop new business opportunities in sustainable forest-based bioeconomy and circular economy. Niklas von Weymarn has been appointed CEO of the company. He transferred to Metsä Spring from the position of VP, Research in Metsä Fibre, also part of Metsä Group. The office of Metsä Spring is in the heart of the internationally-acknowledged Otaniemi innovation campus in Espoo, Finland. The establishment of the new innovation company – the Finnish multinational company underlines – does not affect the current research and development activities of Metsä Group’s current business areas.
Amyris and Chevron Products join forces to develop novel renewable base oil technologies
Amyris, Inc., the U.S. industrial bioscience company, and Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., announced that Novvi LLC and Chevron have entered into an agreement to jointly develop and bring to market novel renewable base oil technologies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Global Bioenergies to convert currently poorly valorised softwood residues into second generation renewable isobutene
Global Bioenergies started a 3-year project to demonstrate a new value chain combining its isobutene process with technologies developed by Sekab and Neste Engineering Solutions, two of Europe’s leading technology developers. The aim is to convert currently poorly valorised softwood residues into second generation renewable isobutene for subsequent conversion into gasoline and jetfuel. A €13.9m grant agreement was signed with INEA on behalf of the European commission.
Avantium and R&F Chemical joined forces in South Korea
Dutch biochemical company Avantium joined forces with South Korea-based R&F Chemical to boost its Catalysis business in the region. “South Korea – Avantium said in a note – has a highly-advanced technology and chemical sector, and several established national research facilities offering the perfect environment for Avantium’s Catalysis business with a strong focus on catalysis research”.
BioAmber Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
BioAmber Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and that its two Canadian subsidiaries, BioAmber Sarnia Inc. and BioAmber Canada Inc., filed a Notice of Intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), with a view to strengthening the company’s financial health and solidifying its long-term business prospects.
Amyris and Firmenich to develop bio-based fragrance ingredient
Amyris, Inc., the industrial bioscience company headquartered in Emeryville, California, has successfully collaborated with its fragrance partner, Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and flavor company, to support the development and commercialization of Z11.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 