Kemira and IFF invest €130M in biopolymer plant using enzyme technology in Kotka, Finland; commercial production of plant-based materials to begin end of 2027

May 23, 2025 (M-Brain Nordic News) –

Finnish chemical company Kemira has developed a plant-based biopolymer that is produced using a new Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial (DEB) technology directly from sugars using enzymes. The production method is efficient as high temperatures are not required and the raw materials are very durable and sustainable. The end products have an excellent sustainability profile. The use of enzymes enables the production of different product versions in the same process, allowing the efficient production of products tailored to different applications. Kemira and US company IFF have established a joint venture and invested EUR 130 million in biopolymer production. Commercial production is scheduled to start at the end of 2027. The production plant will be built on Hovinsaari Island in Kotka, Finland , in connection with IFF's biorefinery. It will be the first of its kind in the world. Kemira has the global exclusive right to commercialize the DEB technology developed by IFF in the paper, board and water treatment markets.