Showa Denko K.K. Selects Myriant as its Supplier of High-Purity BioSuccinic Acid for the Production of Renewable-based Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

Showa Denko K.K (SDK) and Myriant Corporation announced today that SDK has selected Myriant as its global supplier of biosuccinic acid. Under the terms of the supply agreement, SDK will utilize Myriant’s biosuccinic acid for the production of high-performance biodegradable polybutylene succinate, or PBS, a key polymer used in the production of bioplastics.

The ever-increasing worldwide demand for more environmentally sound and cost competitive consumer products and packaging is rapidly accelerating the growth of the bioplastics industry and forecasts currently project that more than one million metric tons of bioplastics will be used by 2015. SDK is recognized globally as the inventor and producer of the industry’s best performing PBS, trademarked Bionolle®and Starcla®, a key component used in the production of bioplastic products that include biodegradable mulch films and compostable bag applications. SDK’s Bionolle family of biodegradable plastics have received numerous “green” certifications from associations across the globe including the “GreenPla” label by the Japanese BioPlastics Association (JBPA) and the “OK Compost” mark by AIB-Vincotte (AVI), the Belgian based certification and screening body, for its capacity to completely biodegrade.

“SDK’s comprehensive analysis of currently available biosuccinic acid shows that Myriant’s product is a great choice to meet our customers’ demands for high performance PBS,” said Yasushi Ichikawa,General Manager Bionolle Dept. of Showa Denko K.K. “We’re pleased to partner with the recognized world leader in biosuccinic acid production and we look forward to working with Myriant as SDK develops affordable, renewable PBS for our customers across the globe.”

“We believe it is a strong endorsement of our low-cost, feedstock-flexible technology platform that SDK, the pioneer in PBS, selected to partner with Myriant as its supplier for biosuccinic acid for the production of reliable, renewable PBS,” said Cenan Ozmeral, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Myriant.

“Myriant is setting the trajectory for success in the renewable chemicals industry by being a leader in the commercialization of affordable, high performing green chemicals, like biosuccinic acid. By securing industry leading customers, like SDK, Myriant has once again demonstrated its ability to meet both price and performance expectations,” said Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Myriant. “The agreement with SDK is another example of Myriant’s ability to execute on its business strategy to become the global, strategic supplier of choice for targeted high-value chemical intermediates. By leveraging Myriant’s cost advantaged and innovative technology platform, new products such as PBS can be developed to successfully compete as sustainable replacements to traditional petroleum-based products.”

About Showa Denko K.K.

Ranking as one of Japan’s leading chemical companies, Showa Denko K.K. operates in the six major segments of petrochemicals, chemicals, electronics, inorganics, aluminum, and others. The company has established leading positions in various fields, including HD media and graphite electrodes. As of December 31, 2010, Showa Denko K.K.’s consolidated subsidiaries and non-consolidated subsidiaries/affiliates to which the equity method is applied, amounted to 36 in Japan and 21 in foreign countries. And the number of employees on a consolidated basis reached 11,597. For details, please visit Showa Denko’s website at www.sdk.co.jp.
About Myriant Corporation
Myriant utilizes proprietary technology to provide innovative, performance-based renewable chemicals utilizing low-cost sugars. In December 2010, Myriant broke ground on its 30 million pound commercial succinic acid facility in Lake Providence, Louisiana. The company’s D(-) lactic acid started production at commercial scale in June 2008 for use in polylactic acid. Myriant has agreements with Uhde GmbH for engineering, Davy Process Technology for the integration of Myriant’s succinic acid process with the Davy butanediol process for the production of bio-based butanediol, and PTT Chemical for the commercialization of Myriant’s technology in South East Asia. Myriant is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Details are available at www.myriant.com.

Source: www.myriant.com