Ecovia Expands Fermentation Capacity for Production of Biobased Ingredients & Materials
Ecovia Renewables increases capacity for production of natural polymers, having met all key milestones during the first year of a previously announced joint-development agreement. The company continues to seek development partners for its family of biobased superabsorbents for applications in hygiene, agriculture and medicine.
ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, is pleased to announce progress on the construction of its in-house pilot plant located at their R&D facility at Michigan Innovation Headquarters in Ann Arbor.
With 40% more square footage dedicated to process scale-up, this new capacity includes both fermentation and downstream capabilities. Likewise, it supports ongoing sampling efforts for Ecovia's suite of biopolymers, including AzuraBase and AzuraGel, which can be used as soil additives for water retention to superabsorbent cores for infant diapers to thickeners for food, among many others.
"Demonstrating Ecovia's bioprocess platform at pilot scale will be an important and exciting milestone for the company, representing a key step in de-risking our technology and preparing for commercial production", explained Dr. Jeremy Minty, President and CEO of Ecovia Renewables Inc.
In addition to Ecovia's sampling program, due for a wider launch later this year, this scale-up infrastructure accommodates ongoing progress achieved under Ecovia's multi-year joint development agreement (JDA) with Seppic Inc., a subsidiary of Air Liquide. Announced in April 2018, this partnership focuses on the development of topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients. Recent R&D milestones achieved by Ecovia Renewables under the JDA supports construction of the pilot plant.
"One year after the beginning of our partnership, significant progress has already been achieved by Ecovia's and Seppic's teams. So far, we have hit all key development milestones on the path toward innovative biopolymers for topical applications", stated Sébastien Duprat de Paule, Innovation Director for Seppic.
Ecovia Biopolymers are created from a proprietary fermentation process and are 100% USDA-certified biobased. They are biobased, biodegradable, and functional alternatives to conventional synthetic polymers and starch-based natural polymers. Ecovia Renewables Inc. employs eight full time employees and, with the fully implemented expansion, will have over 4,800 square feet of laboratory space and 1,550 square feet of office space at their headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
About Ecovia Renewables:
Ecovia Renewables Inc. is a privately-held biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased ingredients and materials. It was spun-out from the University of Michigan in 2014 to commercialize Dr. Nina Lin and Dr. Jeremy Minty's pioneering research on engineering custom microbial systems. http://www.ecoviarenewables.com.
About Seppic:
Seppic Inc. is a member of the Seppic Group, a company of Air Liquide Healthcare. Seppic designs and markets a wide range of specialty ingredients for health and beauty. Present in 100 countries through its subsidiaries and its network of distributors, Seppic employs more than 700 people worldwide, including 100 employees dedicated to innovation. http://www.seppic.com.
SOURCE Ecovia Renewables
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