The companies will offer a package of second-generation (2G) ethanol technology licenses and engineering procurement and construction (EPC) services, which Clariant said will enable customers in China to successfully design, build and operate their own full-scale plants.

Clariant will offer its sunliquid technology licenses, technical services and the supply of starter cultures from its proprietary enzyme and yeast platform, while Chemtex will be responsible for EPC activities.

Under a proposed nationwide blending mandate, all gasoline used for motor vehicles in China must contain bioethanol as an additive. Clariant said its sunliquid technology supports the mandate by offering an efficient process for converting agricultural residues into low-emission, carbon negative biofuel.

“China represents one of the key growth markets for Clariant. This strategic partnership with Chemtex is another milestone reached in our continued pursuit of the corporate goal of Adding Value with Sustainability,” said Christian Librera, head of the Swiss specialty chemical producer’s business line biofuels and derivatives, adding that the deal is “also pivotal in further strengthening our position in the national 2G biofuels market.”

In January this year, Clariant signed its first license agreement for sunliquid in China with Chemtex and Anhui Guozhen, a local green energy company. The partners intend to build a full-scale commercial plant with a capacity of 50,000 t/y cellulosic ethanol in Fuyang City, Anhui province.

For its sunliquid technology, Clariant has three other license agreements, with companies in Slovakia, Poland and Bulgaria.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist