Kemira and IFF Forge Pioneering Partnership, Unveiling Breakthrough Renewable Materials

Kemira and IFF are taking a quantum leap into the future with the expansion of their partnership to usher in a new era of sustainable materials. Brace yourselves as we dive into the heart of this cutting-edge collaboration, revealing the Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial platform—a biotechnological marvel set to redefine the landscape of renewable polymers.

The collaborative efforts of Kemira and IFF have birthed a revolutionary process of enzymatic polymerization, allowing the creation of renewable materials on an industrial scale. This monumental leap forward is not just a step; it’s a sprint toward a greener, more sustainable future. The excitement in the air is palpable as we anticipate the integration of a state-of-the-art production facility into an existing biorefinery in Finland, operated by Finnamyl Oy/Chemitage Ltd, a proud member of the Berner Group. The wheels are already in motion, and this manufacturing marvel is set to be operational by late 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the names Kemira and IFF, they have been the architects of change, weaving an exclusive partnership aimed at thrusting new, renewable products into Kemira’s strategic markets. These markets, spanning pulp, paper, packaging, as well as industrial and municipal water treatment, are on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. Kemira, a leading force in the chemical industry, has been diligently steering application development programs with key customers, laying the groundwork for a seismic shift in demand. The focus? Strength, dewatering, and barrier applications are poised to reshape the packaging industry.

Sampo Lahtinen, the Senior Vice President of Growth Accelerator at Kemira Oyj, captures the essence of this milestone: “This is a major step in our growth strategy implementation and our journey to build the leading renewable materials portfolio for our customers.” Lahtinen is quick to highlight the innovative prowess of the DEB platform, emphasizing the marriage of high performance with sustainability. “We are very excited to scale up new alternatives to the fossil-based products, without compromising performance and competitiveness.”

Indeed, in a world where conversations about sustainability permeate nearly every business meeting, the intersection of innovation and environmental consciousness becomes crucial. Christian Lenges, IFF Venture Director, weighs in on the historic nature of their achievement: “In today’s world, innovation must go hand-in-hand with sustainability. For years, ‘green’ products were deemed inferior in performance and affordability to fossil-based alternatives. We are very proud that by using our unmatched strengths in bioscience we have been able to develop the DEB technology platform and can provide first commercial scale increments for our partners and customers.”

But the narrative doesn’t end there. Tom Schauman, CEO of Chemigate, emphasizes the local impact of implementing this world-class biotechnological innovation within the Chemigate biorefinery. “Implementing new world-class biotechnology innovation within the Chemigate biorefinery leverages the local capabilities and is aligned with our strategic goals to support sustainable material manufacture.”

As we navigate these exciting developments, it’s crucial to understand the broader implications of this partnership. The DEB platform is not just about creating materials; it’s about ushering in a new age of responsible production. These renewable polymers boast a sustainability profile that extends beyond performance, with features like recyclability and biodegradability taking center stage. It’s a testament to the commitment of Kemira and IFF to push the boundaries of what’s possible, challenging the status quo and providing tangible solutions to the global call for sustainability.

The excitement surrounding this partnership extends beyond corporate boardrooms; it resonates with a global audience hungry for stories of positive change. As we eagerly await the operationalization of the new facility in late 2024, the world watches as Kemira and IFF set a new standard for corporate responsibility and innovation.

The Kemira and IFF partnership is not just a collaboration; it’s a beacon of hope in a world grappling with environmental challenges. Their journey to commercialize the DEB platform is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to building a sustainable future.

Source: Kemira and IFF