PTTMCC Biochem (Bangkok / Thailand), a joint venture between PTT (Bangkok; www.pttplc.com) and Mitsubishi Chemical (MCC, Tokyo / Japan; www.m-kagaku.co.jp), has selected BioAmber (Plymouth, Minnesota / USA; www.bio-amber.com) to supply biosuccinic acid feedstock to its planned polybutylene succinate (PBS) project in Map Ta Phut, Rayong / Thailand.

BioAmber said it will supply the biosuccinic acid from a new 65,000 t/y plant to be constructed close to the PBS project. Both plants are scheduled to come online in 2014.

PTTMCC plans to secure off-take for part of the biosuccinic acid plant’s capacity. BioAmber said it will convert some of the biosuccinic acid to BDO using DuPont’s integrated process. It estimates BDO production at the site at 50,000 t/y.

PTTMCC will also help BioAmber secure biomass feedstock for the succinic acid plant. BioAmber said it intends to initially source sugar from cane and tapioca, and subsequently use biomass sugars.

"Partnering with BioAmber will allow PTTMCC to have competitive biosuccinic acid from a local source by 2014," said Shigeru Handa, general manager of Mitsubishi Chemical's sustainable resources business development department and PTTMCC board member. BioAmber is already Mitsubishi Chemical’s sole supplier of biosuccinic acid. The US group operates a biosuccinic acid plant in ­Pomacle / France, and is planning a succinic acid and BDO project in Sarnia, Ontario / Canada – see Plasteurope.com of 01.09.2011.