Genomatica announces the first commercial production of its Brontide™ butylene glycol
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
In August 2017, Genomatica unveiled a new biobased
route to produce 1,3-butylene glycol: the GENO BGTM process. This
compound is widely appreciated as a multifunctional emollient and humectant in
skin-care and haircare formulations and other personal care applications. Its
brand name is Brontide™
and is made from plant-based sugars using sustainable fermentation-based
process technology. Last week, the Californian company announced the first large-scale
commercial production of Brontide.
Press release: “Genomatica
Produces The First 600 Tons of Brontide Natural Butylene Glycol”, 15/1/2019.
Related post: “GENO
BG – Genomatica unveils new biobased route to produce 1,3-butylene glycol”,
23/8/2017.
Figure 1. The first truckload of Genomatica’s
commercial production of Brontide butylene glycol (taken form the press
release)
Over 600 tons of high-purity butylene glycol were
produced in under five weeks and packaged in thousands of drums. According to
the press release, both quality and consistency were exceptional, with purity varying
by less than 0.08%, across 21 production lots. This large volume of Brontide has
been eagerly welcomed by Genomatica’s marketing partners (Daicel, Azelis and
Viachem) and by over 250 formulators that have received product samples to date
to evaluate it. It is a way for the personal care industry to address consumer
demand for more natural ingredients and improved sustainability.
Genomatica produces Brontide at a Novamont
fermentation-based production plant in Italy, it is the only butylene glycol produced
in Europe. It is also the only one made directly from sugars in the world. Godavari
Biorefineries manufactures biobased 1,3-butylene glycol but the process is not
direct, it uses acetaldehyde produced from bioethanol. An independent life cycle
analysis has confirmed that Brontide has 50% lower global warming potential
than petroleum-based butylene glycol (see summary
in the November 2018 issue of SOFW Journal).