Biotech Updates

New Partnership on Cellulosic Ethanol Production in Brazil

October 2, 2013

Press release: http://www.novozymes.com/en/investor/news-and-announcements/Pages/Novozymes-and-Raizen-to-collaborate-on-cellulosic-ethanol.aspx

News article: http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/Novozymes_and_Raizen_to_Collaborate_on_Cellulosic_Ethanol-135276.html


Denmark-based biotechnology company Novozymes has entered into a partnership with Raizen Energia, Brazil's largest sugarcane mill, to produce cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and straw.

As part of the agreement, Novozymes will supply enzyme technology to Raízen's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Brazil, scheduled to be operational by end 2014. The plant will have the capacity to produce 40 million liters of cellulosic ethanol per year from sugarcane bagasse and straw.

To support Raízen in its efforts to advance cellulosic ethanol, Novozymes will develop enzyme technology optimized for Raízen's process. Novozymes also intends to establish new enzyme-manufacturing capacity in Brazil.

The exact size, location and investment budget for this enzyme-manufacturing facility are not yet determined and will depend on the level of estimated demand for enzyme technology in Brazil.