Genomatica announces the first commercial production of its Brontide™ butylene glycol

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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).

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