Bunge-Solazyme JV for renewable tailored oils

Solazyme and Bunge have formed a joint venture in Brazil to build, own and operate a commercial-scale renewable tailored oils production facility to develop opportunities in sugar, bioenergy, and fuel.

The JV – Solazyme Bunge Produtos Renováveis Ltda – will have a facility adjacent to Bunge’s Moema sugarcane mill in Brazil and will have an expected annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tons of oil.

Utilizing Solazyme’s renewable tailored oil production technology and Bunge’s sugarcane supply and processing capabilities, the facility will produce sustainable tailored triglyceride oils for use in oleochemical and fuel applications in the Brazilian domestic market.

“The tailored oils we expect to produce will not only expand our portfolio and address the growing demand of the fuels and oleochemicals industries, but also increase our capabilities to leverage new technologies for future opportunities in sugar and bioenergy,” said Ben Pearcy, Managing Director, Sugar & Bioenergy, and Chief Development Officer, Bunge Limited.

Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme, said: “As a leader in oilseed processing and sugarcane milling, Bunge brings crucial expertise and scale to the table.

“Their global presence in sugar and vegetable oil markets, large-scale processing experience and significant footprint in Brazil, coupled with our advanced fermentation technology, creates a powerful alliance in the rapidly emerging area of tailored oils.”