BASF and Purac establish 50/50 JV for bio-based succinic acid

Subject to filing with the relevant competition authorities, the new company will be named Succinity GmbH and will be operational in 2013. The company headquarters will be in Düsseldorf, Germany. BASF and CSM have been conducting research on succinic acid under a joint development agreement since 2009, which has led to a biotechnological manufacturing process based on the bacterium Basfia succiniciproducens. The partners are currently modifying an existing fermentation facility at Purac’s Montmélo site near Barcelona, Spain, for the production of succinic acid. The plant is expected to commence operations in late 2013 with an annual capacity of 10,000 t of succinic acid. This is complemented by plans for a second large-scale facility with an annual capacity of 50,000 t of succinic acid. According to the companies, the final investment decision for this facility will be made following a successful market introduction.