In a significant development for sustainable chemistry, BASF and Acies Bio have announced a transformative partnership aimed at advancing methanol fermentation technology for the production of fatty alcohols. This collaboration, revealed on November 18, 2024, is set to enhance the availability of essential ingredients for household and personal care products, particularly surfactants.
The innovative platform, named 'OneCarbonBio,' developed by Acies Bio, will convert renewable methanol derived from captured CO emissions into a variety of chemical feedstocks. The partnership will leverage specialized microbes to optimize the fermentation process for producing fatty acids and derivatives, essential for various chemical compounds.
Dr. Matthias Maase, Global Director of Sustainability at BASF, emphasized the importance of biotechnology in creating a sustainable future, stating, "We are excited to have found the right partner in Acies Bio to further develop this innovation. Our research partnership covers the entire chain from production strain development to large-scale production, benefiting our customers in personal care, home care, and industrial formulations worldwide."
Acies Bio's expertise in microbial biotechnology aligns with BASF's commitment to innovative solutions, promising a broader reach and flexibility in their portfolio of renewable raw materials. This collaboration is expected to bolster the resilience of the global supply chain for care chemicals.
Dr. Gregor Kosec, Head of R&D at Acies Bio, remarked on the significance of this partnership, noting, "Combining our advanced microbial production strains with BASF's proven process development expertise allows us to deploy our technologies on a global scale. This collaboration showcases the transformative potential of microbial innovations to drive net-zero production of specialty and industrial chemicals."
As a leading provider of ingredients for personal care, home care, and industrial cleaning applications, BASF aims to integrate economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The company's extensive portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, and cosmetic active ingredients, supporting customers across various industries worldwide.
This strategic alliance marks a pivotal step towards achieving a sustainable future through innovative chemical production methods, underscoring the significance of collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges.