Amyris is now partnering with Kuraray Co. to develop innovative polymers from Biofene, a renewable hydrocarbon building block that is produced from their technology. As part of the partnership, Kuraray will use Biofene to replace petroleum-derived feedstock such as butadiene and isoprene in the production of certain polymers. Upon the success of the product, the two companies will then enter into a supply agreement for Kuraray’s exclusive use of Biofene in these polymer products.

“We are very excited to partner with Amyris, a leading renewable products company, to develop innovative polymer products with Biofene,” said Yasuhiro Yamamoto, director and senior executive officer of Kuraray. “We are confident the new Biofene polymer products will become important additions to our product portfolio and be an integral part of our growth strategy.”

Amyris CEO John Melo added, “We are committed to bringing innovative, high-performing and sustainable products to the polymers market. Partnering with an industry leader like Kuraray allows us to expand the use of Biofene to produce high-performance polymers as well as strengthen our timely and successful route to market.”