BASF and Genomatica Expand Renewable BDO Pact

German chemical giant BASF and US biotech firm Genomatica have expanded the scope of their license agreement for production of renewable 1,4-butanediol using Genomatica’s patented process, adding countries in Southeast Asia to their initial agreement focused on North America.

Terms of the pact allow BASF to build a world-scale production facility for up to 75,000 t/y of renewable BDO, using the California company’s process.

BASF is already offering commercial volumes of the renewable product to its customers for testing and commercial use. It says the quality is comparable to petrochemical-based butane diol. The group also has expanded its portfolio to include PolyTHF made from renewable BDO.

“We are happy to expand our license agreement with Genomatica to the dynamic Asia-Pacific region,” said Stefan Blank, president of BASF’s Intermediates division, He said the arrangement provides greater flexibility to respond to market requirements.