DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) recently announced the opening of the world’s first biobased furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME) pilot production facility in Decatur, Ill. The plant is reportedly the centerpiece of a long-standing collaboration that could help bring a greater variety of sustainably sourced biomaterials into the lives of consumers.

“We’re confident FDME is both the more sustainable option and the better-for-business option,” said Michael Saltzberg, Ph.D., global business director for biomaterials at DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “This molecule, and its numerous applications, will be high-performing, cost-effective and better for the environment. ADM’s expertise in agricultural value chains and the chemistry of carbohydrates makes them the best possible business partner on this initiative. Our goal is to bring this game-changing technology to commercial scale as quickly as possible.”

“Companies and consumers are of course concerned about their environmental footprint, but their bottom line will always be a key priority,” said Todd Werpy ADM chief technology officer. “This new, innovative product will help customers replace plastics with materials that are more environmentally friendly, better performing and cost efficient. We’re pleased to work with DuPont, a leader in biomaterials, to bring this innovative new portfolio of solutions to customers around the globe, and we’re excited about the future of FDME.”

For more information, visit www.adm.com or http://biosciences.dupont.com.