‘Alpha Bio,’ a joint venture between International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) and Kemira, is set to revolutionize the production of sustainable biobased materials. With an investment of approximately €130 million, the new facility in Kotka, Finland, will commence operations in late 2027, converting up to 44,000 metric tons of plant sugars into high-performance biopolymers annually.

The facility will utilize IFF’s proprietary Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial™ (DEB) technology, which uses plant-based sugars and enzymes to produce biobased materials under mild conditions. This innovative process ensures superior purity and consistency, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived polymers for home and personal care applications and industrial solutions.

Operating as an independent entity, Alpha Bio is expected to create approximately 30 direct jobs in the Kotka region, with additional employment opportunities during construction. This initiative advances the production of renewable materials and contributes to local economic growth, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future.

Image Credit:

IFF