BioSAP plant for Sri Lanka

Chemcel is a new joint venture company between Archer Daniels Midland and CIC Holdings which plans to build and operate a a new plant near Colombo in Sri Lanka to manufacture bio-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).

The drive to commercialise bio-based SAPs – as a key component in nonwoven-based hygienic disposables – is certainly hotting up. In recent weeks, Evonik has announced a link-up with OPX Biotechnologies, a company also working with Dow Chemical to bring BioAcrylic – as the basis for SAPs – to market, while  BASF, Cargill and Novozymes are jointly pursuing the same goal.

ADM will be the majority owner of the new Chemcel venture and plans to market the plant’s production of ADM’s BioSAP-brand superabsorbents.

The company’s patented technology using modified starch results in a high-quality, SAP that is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, safe and made from renewable resources. Its bio-based SAPs have physical properties similar to those of petroleum-based superabsorbents, and thus, do not require changes in the manufacturing process.

“The marketplace is eager for renewable, high-performance alternatives to petroleum-based superabsorbents,” said Chris Cuddy, president at ADM Sweeteners and Starches. “The participants in this joint venture have considerable experience developing, manufacturing and marketing renewable chemicals from agricultural sources, so we’re optimistic about the value our collaboration will create for our customers.”

“Our companies have consistently looked at ways to add value to both domestic and imported agricultural products,” said B.R.L. Fernando, chairman of CIC Holdings. “This new joint venture offers us a technology platform that combines the research and development expertise of a major global agricultural processor with the available facilities and knowledge of CIC. This relationship would be a starting point in adding value for agricultural commodities produced locally, which in turn could help provide opportunities for stable incomes in our rural communities.”