The 40 Hottest Technologies of 2018 – as voting gets underway, the nominees in depth

Genomatica’s BDO process technology to make bio-BDO

What does it do, how does it work, who is it aimed at?

GENO BDO process makes 1,4-butanediol from conventional sugars, using proprietary microorganism and fermentation-based process. The bio-BDO is high quality, and is more sustainable than and cost-competitive with BDO made from petroleum-based feedstocks. Commercially *proven*: 30kta plant operating at Novamont; thousands of tons in just weeks as early as 2012 (at Loudon, TN). The process is licensed to a) producers of BDO that want to market a more sustainable product; and b) users of BDO (such as Novamont) that want to back-integrate and produce their own, more sustainable ingredient and differentiate themselves from competitors. Supported by extensive Genomatica technology transfer and startup help.

Competitively, what gives this technology an edge?

It’s real; it really works.  First licensee, Novamont, confirmed that their plant met all contracted performance commitments within *eight months* of startup. Process economics estimated to be in top quartile of all BDO plants worldwide (mid-2018). Process performance and economics continue to improve. Rising oil prices make this process even more competitive. Recognized by the mainstream/conventional chemical industry with the Kirkpatrick award as “the most noteworthy chemical engineering technology commercialized in the world in the last two years”.

What stage of development is this technology at right now?

Further validation from a) Cargill partnership; b) BASF license (subsequently expanded). they expect to announce more licenses over time.

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