Cobalt Technologies, a leading developer of next generation bio-based chemicals and Rhodia, a specialty chemical company, signed agreements for a strategic alliance to develop bio n-butanol refineries throughout Latin America.
 
Under the terms of the alliance, Cobalt and Rhodia will work together to deploy Cobalt's technology for the conversion of sugar cane bagasse into n-butanol for the chemicals and fuels market.  The parties will initially develop options for deploying Cobalt's technology at a sugar mill.

Following this first step, the partners will jointly develop a demonstration plant to demonstrate Cobalt's technology on site in Brazil.  Following the demonstration plant the parties intend to construct multiple bio-refineries co-located with sugar mills, first in Brazil and then in other Latin American countries.

Rick Wilson, Ph.D., and CEO of Cobalt Technologies said; "The relationship establishes a clear path to commercialization for Cobalt’s technology.  Rhodia is the perfect partner for expansion into Brazil and Latin America.”  

“Rhodia has a long history of successful operations in Brazil and have significant experience in sugar mill operations through their ownership of a bagasse-based power plant co-located with a sugar mill.  Additionally, Rhodia is a renowned global chemical company, providing Cobalt a unique opportunity to market its products internationally through the partnership," said Wilson.

Commenting separately, Vincent Kamel, president of Rhodia Coatis Business Unit said; "Bio n-butanol based on bagasse will enlarge Rhosia’s Augeo® range of biosourced solvents and perfectly fits with Rhodia's sustainable development strategy.”

“Rhodia is convinced that Cobalt's bagasse-based leading-edge technology will provide an unmatched cost advantage over the long term. There is undoubtedly a huge potential for bio n-butanol in Latin America and beyond and Rhodia is looking forward to building a large international business with Cobalt,” said Kamel.

Cobalt is the leading company in the production of low cost bio n-butanol, a platform molecule for the production of renewable chemicals and fuels, from cellulosic feedstocks.
 
Bio n-butanol is a widely used industrial chemical found in paints, lacquers and other surface coatings, with a global market of over $5 billion, approximately eight times the size of the market for isobutanol.  

Rhodia is an international chemical company and leader in its businesses. The Group aims to improve its customers' performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. The Group employs around 14,000 people worldwide and generated sales of euro 5.23 billion in 2010.

20th October 2011