DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, LLC, a joint venture between DuPont and Tate & Lyle, plan expansion at their Loudon, facility to increase production of bio-based 1,3 propanediol (Bio-PDO) by 35%. Construction is scheduled to start in June, and the expansion is expected to be complete by second quarter 2011. The JV produces Bio-PDO from corn instead of petroleum-based feedstock using a proprietary fermentation process. Bio-PDO finds application in cosmetics, personal care formulations, fluids, polymers, most notably DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer. Bio-PDO is sold under the Zemea and Susterra brands.
We are seeing strong demand for our renewable products," said Steve Mirshak, president - DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. "We had record sales last year and already are anticipating the need for additional capacity after just three years of operation. This expansion is proof that cutting-edge industrial biotechnology can deliver products that meet the needs of industry and consumers while contributing to a smaller environmental footprint." Craig Binetti, president - DuPont Applied BioSciences said, "This expansion is an important milestone in how superior performing, cost-effective products that reduce reliance on fossil fuels are creating a viable bio-based business."