Lallemand and Braskem Unveil Bio-Acetone Platform

Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits and Braskem have introduced a platform that enables US corn ethanol producers to manufacture bio-acetone alongside ethanol, creating a potential new revenue stream.

The technology combines Lallemand's proprietary yeast technology with Braskem's bio-acetone separation process, which was developed over five years of joint collaboration and validation.

Bio-acetone is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-derived acetone and can be used in products including cosmetics, paints and coatings, acrylics, adhesives and personal care items. According to the companies, the global acetone market exceeds 8 million metric tons annually.

Craig Ammann, vice president of business development at Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits, said that this technology can help ethanol producers diversify revenue and reduce exposure to market volatility.