BP, DuPont's JV Butamax Advanced Biofuels opens biobutanol technology laboratory in Paulinia, Brazil, to accelerate commercial launch of sugarcane biobutanol production in 2012-2013

Rachel Carter

PAULINIA, Brazil , November 3, 2010 (press release) – ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC today announced the opening of a biobutanol technology laboratory in Brazil. Located at the City of Paulínia, São Paulo state. Tim Potter, CEO Butamax, was joined by Ricardo Vellutini, DuPont do Brasil's President and Vice President of Agricultural Products for Latin America for the ribbon cutting and media tour of the new facility.

“The new laboratory was built to accelerate the path to commercial market entry for cane-to-biobutanol production,” explained Potter. Sugarcane is the most efficient feedstock for the production of biofuels and the laboratory will optimize the cane fermentation process. Brazil’s strong economy and existing strengths in the biofuels market make it a strategically fundamental location for the production of biobutanol. Potter added, “Developing biobutanol production as an export product will add diversification to Brazil’s sugarcane industry.”

Biobutanol complements the success of the ethanol industry and offers several key advantages. Biobutanol can be blended at higher concentrations than ethanol delivering twice the renewable energy in every liter of gasoline. In addition, no modifications are needed to automobiles or infrastructure. Butamax has developed an all new technology which will enable economic production of biobutanol through existing sugarcane mills. Butamax has filed a portfolio of patent applications directed to its proprietary technology across the biofuel value chain including biocatalyst, manufacturing process, and fuel applications.

Butamax is conducting biobutanol research across the globe as it prepares for commercial launch. In addition to Brazil, research is being conducted in India, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. “Biofuel demand is growing globally and Butamax is working in multiple countries to bring the advantages of biobutanol to key transport fuel markets,” explained Potter.

About ButamaxTM

ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC was formed to develop and commercialize biobutanol as a next generation renewable biofuel for the transport market. The company benefits from the synergy of DuPont’s proven industrial biotechnology experience and BP’s global fuels market knowledge. Butamax’s proprietary technology offers a cost- advantaged manufacturing process with value from field to pump. Globally focused with operations on four continents, Butamax is poised for commercial launch from 2012/2013.

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