Until now succinic acid, used in a variety of industry applications, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive, and as an intermediate for the production of several polymers and resins, could only be produced from crude oil and natural gas. However, Reverdia announced that it is licensing Biosuccinium™, a succinic acid produced via fermentation of sustainable, bio-based feedstocks. About 10,000 tonnes/year Biosuccinium™ are produced in Cassano Spinola, Italy.

According to a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, the low pH yeast fermentation process of Reverdia has best-in-class carbon performance.

Succinic acid is a building block for the production of polymers and chemicals, including bioplastic polybutylene succinate (PBS), resins for paints and coatings, phthalate-free plasticizers, and polyester polyols for polyurethanes.

Reverdia is a joint venture by Royal DSM N.V., The Netherlands, and Roquette Frères, France for the production, commercialization, and market development of Biosuccinium™, sustainable succinic acid.

• Reverdia, Geleen, The Netherlands