BioAmber Inc., an industrial biotechnology company producing sustainable chemicals, announced it has signed an exclusive supply agreement for bio-based succinic acid with Oleon. Under the terms of the five-year contract, which runs from 2014 to the end of 2018, BioAmber Sarnia, a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., will supply Oleon with bio-based succinic acid for the development and production of succinate lubricants.
Oleon, a division of Sofiproteol, is a European producer of oleochemicals (oil derived chemicals). Oleon is developing a new line of succinic acid based lubricants that target 100% carbon renewability. Oleon is combining bio-succinic acid and (bio-based) alcohols to produce a new line of lubricants for industrial uses requiring high performance, biodegradability and renewable content.
Oleon's new line of succinic acid based lubricants targets a strong performance in extreme conditions, including cold weather, where they offer improved temperature flowability without compromising seal compatibility. These Oleon lubricants also offer good physico-chemical properties including oxidation and hydrolytic stability, pour point and color. BioAmber will supply Oleon from its Sarnia plant, which is expected to be completed in early 2015 and have an initial capacity of 30,000 tons per year.
