Proviron & Reverdia Collaborate; Introduce Provichem 2511 Eco DMS for UV Stabilizers

A collaboration between Proviron and Reverdia has resulted in the introduction of Provichem 2511 Eco, a Di-Methyl-Succinate (DMS) that can be used as a solvent and a raw material for fine chemicals such as pigments and UV stabilizers. Biosuccinium is made from renewable resources and has a much better carbon footprint than several other fossil based chemicals - such as adipic acid or the petrochemical version of succinic acid. As a result, Provichem 2511 Eco enables customers to improve the sustainability characteristics of their products.

Proviron Reverdia signing ceremony, Wim Michiels on the left and Will van den Tweel on the right

Biosuccinium based DMS, finds use in various applications such as pigments, UV stabilizers, solvents, flavours and fragrances. The unique features of DMS based pigments make them suitable candidates for usage in a large number of products such as inks, coatings, plastics, textiles and even in paints. Solvents made with DMS have good paint removal properties and they offer a potential sustainable alternative to dibasic ester (DBE) solvents or other fossil-based solvents.

Provirons Provichem 2511 Eco will be produced in Belgium and commercial volumes are available now. Biosuccinium will be produced in the worlds first large scale commercial plant for renewable succinic acid, in Cassano Spinola, Italy. This plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2012. Representative samples and larger volumes are already available.

Wim Michiels, CEO of Proviron, commented: "This agreement is a perfect match with our mission to be a global supplier of renewable and sustainable solutions for specialty market challenges. Reverdia, having developed a unique proprietary yeast technology to convert sugars into succinic acid, is the best partner to work with for the development of derivatives from bio-based succinic acid. We believe this technology is able to provide bio-based succinic acid with the best-in-class quality, sustainability profile and economics. Various customers have already approved our Biosuccinium based Provichem 2511 Eco samples, and they are now scaling-up. This is a very good start for the commercialization of this genuine "green" product and we see many more opportunities in the pipeline. We are also working on other Biosuccinium based derivatives, fitting well with our area of expertise and market focus."

Will van den Tweel, General Manager of Reverdia, commented: "This collaboration is based on great chemistry between the people of Proviron and Reverdia as well as great chemistry for a more sustainable world. Proviron supports the growth of Reverdia by developing interesting chemical derivatives of Biosuccinium. Proviron has strong expertise in a wide variety of potential derivatives for Biosuccinium and this partnership supports the market leadership position of Reverdia being a supplier of biobased succininc acid."

About Proviron

Proviron is a privately owned global company, headquartered in Belgium. The company offers fine chemical solutions in fields like polymer additives (plasticizers) water based systems (monomers and emulsifiers) feed additives, functional fluids (such as de-icing chemicals and pharmaceuticals) and bio-energy. Its business units focus on mega challenges such as sustainability, health and environment. With annual sales over ?45 million, Proviron has 300 employees, supporting 500 customers in 100 countries.

About Reverdia - powered by DSM + Roquette

Reverdia is a joint venture between Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, and Roquette, the global starch and starch-derivatives company. Reverdia is dedicated to be the global leader in the market for sustainable succinic acid, focusing on market development by establishing partnerships with direct and indirect customers, building on customer needs and Reverdia strengths. Combining the knowledge and experience of DSM and Roquette, Reverdia produces and sells Biosuccinium, the Companys registered brand of bio-based succinic acid. Biosuccinium, which is produced using a unique and proprietary low pH yeast technology, enables customers to produce bio-based, high-quality performance materials while at the same time substantially improving their environmental footprint.