Braskem Unveils Bioacetone Technology from Corn Ethanol

Braskem has developed an innovative technology for producing bioacetone from corn ethanol in partnership with Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS). The new process enables ethanol plants to generate a high-value co-product without compromising fuel production efficiency.

The technology combines LBDS's yeast expertise with Braskem's proprietary separation process, which can be added to existing facilities. Braskem will focus on market development and commercialization in the US and Europe.

Bioacetone is an alternative for applications requiring a lower carbon footprint due to its drop-in characteristics. Global demand exceeds 8 million tonnes per annum, with sectors such as cosmetics, paints, and adhesives seeking sustainability.

'Combining Braskem's expertise in biochemicals with Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits' fermentation expertise represents a significant step for the petrochemical industry toward a more sustainable future,' said Cirilo Vieira, Braskem's Director of Business Development for Renewables and Biochemicals.

The technology is expected to be commercially available on an industrial scale in 2028. This project aligns with Braskem's innovation ecosystem, which allocated 49% of its R&D resources to sustainability-focused projects in 2025.