UPC, Myriant and Sojitz jointly develop bio-succinic acid based plasticizers

Chemical manufacturers are turning to Myriant's bio-succinic acid as a key feedstock for producing high-value, bio-based specialty chemicals and bio-products

Quincy, MA (December 1, 2014) Myriant Corporation today announced it has formed a three-way joint development agreement with UPC and Sojitz to promote bio-succinic acid based plasticizers. UPC Group, the global leading producer of plasticizers, will utilize Myriant’s bio-succinic acid in the manufacture of bio-based, phthalate-free plasticizers. Simultaneously, the companies announced that Sojitz Corporation, Myriant’s sales and marketing partner, will closely work with UPC in sales of UPC’s branded bio-based plasticizers.

UPC aims to be a total service provider to the chemical industry including investing in new product development and innovative applications. Bio-based, phthalate-free plasticizers will meet the needs of those customers seeking high-performing, high-quality renewable chemicals to produce environmentally friendly products including plastics and plastic wraps.

“Increasingly, chemical manufacturers are turning to Myriant’s bio-succinic acid as a key feedstock for producing high-value, bio-based specialty chemicals and bio-products,” said David LeBlanc, Head of Global Sales and Marketing for Myriant. “We believe this significant recognition and increase in demand validates the quality of our product as well as our ability to be a reliable supplier of biochemicals to the petrochemicals industry.”

“General and specialty plasticizers are the cornerstone of UPC’s business and therefore, we pride ourselves on continual innovation to meet the dynamic needs of our customers,” said CJ Maa, Senior Manager of Research & Development, Technical & Marketing Support Dept. at UPC Group. “There is a definitive increase in demand for bio-plasticizers as eco awareness becomes mainstream with consumers. As such, we evaluated several options for bio-succinic acid and ultimately, we selected Myriant for the quality and consistency of the product they produce.”

“By establishing our partnership with UPC and Myriant for bio-plasticizers development, Sojitz is enhancing its presence in the ‘green’ chemicals industry in Asia,” said Munehisa Osato, General Manager of Specialty Chemicals Dept. Chemicals Unit, Chemicals Division at Sojitz Corporation. “Bio-plasticizers made from Myriant’s bio-succinic acid by UPC would be more eco friendly, long sustainable products substitute to conventional plasticizers, delivering the good satisfaction to the market which is our aim and long term responsibility.”

 

About Myriant Corporation

Myriant is a global leader innovating and commercializing bio-based chemical intermediates with a current focus on bio-succinic and derivatives. Myriant is currently producing and globally marketing bio-succinic acid from its flagship plant in Lake Providence, LA.

About UPC

UPC (Taiwan Stock Exchange: code 1313) is a global leading producer of bulk and specialty chemicals including plasticizers, phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, polyvinyl chloride resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyester polyols, epoxy resins, fatty esters and lubricant esters. It is part of the MiTAC-SYNNEX Group, a global conglomerate of more than 40 companies involved in petrochemicals, industrial gases, IT/consumer electronics design and manufacturing, IT channel, system integration, software development, and food processing industry. The Group has more than 80,000 employees worldwide.

About Sojitz Corporation

Sojitz Corporation is a trading house based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates globally in a wide range of business through its Machinery Division, Energy & Metal Division, Chemical Division, and Consumer Lifestyle Business Division. Sojitz Corporation, consists of 439 companies including 117 subsidiaries and affiliates in Japan and 322 overseas. The number of consolidated employees totaled 15,915 (as of Apr 1st, 2014).

Source

Myriant Corporation, press release, 2014-12-01.

Supplier

Myriant Technologies LLC
Sojitz Corporation
UPC Group

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