Braskem and LBDS Launch Bio-Acetone Platform for Corn-Ethanol Industry

Braskem and Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) have launched a bio-acetone production platform for the corn-ethanol industry. This innovative solution enables biorefineries to generate a new coproduct alongside ethanol, providing a new revenue stream while maintaining ethanol production performance.

The companies combined their expertise in yeast and fermentation with biochemicals and biopolymers to create this technology. LBDS engineered an innovative yeast strain to enable bio-acetone production during fermentation without affecting performance. Braskem developed the bolt-on technology to separate the resulting bio-acetone from ethanol, and will be responsible for all bio-acetone sales and market development.

Acetone is a mature market with global demand of over 8 million tons per year, serving segments that are seeking new solutions from renewable sources. Bio-acetone is a drop-in replacement for fossil-based acetone and can be used in cosmetics, paints and coatings, acrylics, adhesives, and personal care applications.

Cirilo Vieira, Business Development Director - Renewables & Biochemicals at Braskem, says the collaboration was a success due to the combination of LBDS' expertise in yeast and ethanol industry knowledge with Braskem's experience in chemicals and bioproducts. He adds that the team is eager to offer this sustainable acetone alternative to customers.