IFF and Kemira Launch Joint Venture Alpha Bio for Sustainable Biobased Materials

Set to commence production in late 2027, the Alpha Bio facility will convert up to 44,000 metric tons (MT) of plant sugars into bioproducts. The primary output will be high-performance biopolymers, which can be utilized across various sectors, including home and personal care, as well as industrial solutions. The production process will integrate IFF's innovative Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial™ (DEB) platform technology, which will be implemented at IFF's biorefinery located in Kotka, Finland.

Erik Fyrwald, CEO of IFF, expressed his enthusiasm about the joint venture, stating, "Our partnership with Kemira has reached a significant milestone, enabling us to scale the production of groundbreaking biobased materials to meet the large and growing demand for high-performing and sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived polymers." Fyrwald emphasized that the DEB technology ensures superior purity and consistency while enhancing performance across diverse applications, allowing for a sustainable blend of biodegradability and material efficiency.

Antti Salminen, CEO of Kemira, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Since 2020, we’ve been collaborating with IFF using the DEB platform technology, which has allowed us to bring sustainable innovation to our key markets." Salminen highlighted that the new joint venture builds on their previous successes and will facilitate the scaling of production to deliver performance-competitive alternatives to fossil-based products in sectors such as paper and board packaging, paper coatings, and water treatment.

IFF's DEB platform leverages biotechnology, utilizing plant-based sugars and enzymes under mild process conditions. This method facilitates the creation of biobased materials that can replace traditional fossil-based synthetic polymers with more sustainable options. The enzymatic polymerization process is not only efficient but also produces biopolymers with superior purity and consistency compared to conventional synthetic counterparts.

The establishment of Alpha Bio is anticipated to create approximately 30 direct jobs in the Kotka region, with additional employment opportunities arising during the construction phase of the project. This initiative not only signifies a commitment to sustainability but also promises to bolster the local economy.

The formation of Alpha Bio marks a pivotal step towards advancing the production of sustainable biobased materials. As the demand for eco-friendly alternatives continues to rise, the collaboration between IFF and Kemira represents a strategic response to this challenge. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, both companies are poised to lead the charge in transforming the materials landscape, contributing to a greener future.

For more information on IFF and its initiatives, visit www.iff.com.

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health, and biosciences, dedicated to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the human experience.

Kemira, on the other hand, specializes in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, focusing on improving product quality and resource efficiency for its diverse customer base. Both companies are committed to sustainability and innovation, positioning themselves at the forefront of their respective industries.