Genencor and Goodyear to co-develop renewable alternative to petroleum-derived isoprene

Collaborative research marks a leap forward for the biochemicals market segment and the biobased economy

18-Sep-2008 - Denmark

Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced a research collaboration to develop a breakthrough biobased process for producing isoprene using renewable raw materials.

Goodyear and Genencor are developing BioIsoprene™, a biobased alternative for the petroleum-derived chemical compound isoprene. BioIsoprene™ can be used for the production of synthetic rubber — -which in turn is an alternative for natural rubber — and other elastomers. The development of BioIsoprene™ could make the tire and rubber industry less dependent on oil-derived products, such as synthetic rubber made from petroleum-derived isoprene monomer.

Danisco bases its investment on conservative estimates, placing the annual world market potential for high purity isoprene at a value of US $1-2 billion. BioIsopreneTM will address this market as a renewable and cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived isoprene which is currently used in the production of synthetic rubber for tire applications, adhesives, elastomers and other styrene applications.

Genencor plans to manufacture and supply Goodyear with BioIsopreneTM through a strategic supply arrangement. According to the company, Goodyear is one of the world’s largest users of isoprene for the production of synthetic rubber and other elastomers. Sales of BioIsopreneTM by Genencor to third parties are also anticipated for all market applications of high purity isoprene.

Danisco and Goodyear have been investing jointly for more than a year to validate the project, establish the teams, and secure intellectual property assets. To date, our technical progress has exceeded expectations. Over the next three years, Danisco will invest approximately $50 million to continue technology development, scale-up and deliver manufacturing cost targets. Additional investments to establish pilot plant operations and manufacturing infrastructure are expected. We expect technical readiness by 2010 and commission of the first large-scale manufacturing plant by 2012.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/87226/genencor-and-goodyear-to-co-develop-renewable-alternative-to-petroleum-derived-isoprene.html