UK-based Green Biologics has shipped its first customer order of biobased n-butanol and acetone from its manufacturing biorefinery in Little Falls, Minnesota. The company has developed several partnerships that include distribution agreements with Acme Hardesty, Nexeo Solutions, and Caldic, and has also developed a strategic partnership with HOC Industries. The facility was purchased by Green Biologics in December 2014 from Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative and was renamed to Central MN Renewables (CMR). Over the past 18 months, the company retrofitted the 21 million gallon per year ethanol plant with advanced fermentation technology to produce biobased n-butanol and acetone and expects the facility to be producing at full capacity in the next 12-18 months.
Photo Credit Green Biologics
“The start of our first commercial facility is a critical milestone in building our position within the industry as a global renewable speciality chemicals company,” said Sean Sutcliffe, Chief Executive of Green Biologics. “We’re very proud to announce the start of shipments to key customers in highvalue markets and look forward to working with existing and new collaborators to bring a wide range of sustainable, environmentally-friendly products to shelves.”
The company brands its biobased products, alternatives to petrochemical materials including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care and consumer products. Green Biologics sells its products under the name BioPure, which has received USDA BioPreferred status. The company offers a wide portfolio of 100 percent bio-based products in addition to n-butanol and acetone, including high purity 100 percent bio-based isopropyl alcohol and a range of specialty esters of n-butanol, isopropanol and other biobased alcohols.
David Anderson, global vice president of marketing for Green Biologics, added, “There’s a clear and urgent demand within consumer and industrial markets for more sustainable products that can deliver improved performance over traditional petro-based commodities. We’re meeting this need by creating high-value, performance-driven speciality chemicals and formulated products, all sourced from the chemicals produced at our commercial facility, and continuing to work in collaboration with industry leaders who share our vision.”