Amyris partners with Wilmar

Emeryville, Calif.-based Amyris Inc. announced plans to partner with Singapore-based Wilmar International Ltd. to develop and commercialize a family of surfactants derived from Biofene(™) for use in a range of products, including consumer packaged goods, personal care products and industrial applications. These surfactants are expected to be effective substitutes for nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), the use of which is currently being phased out or severely restricted by regulatory agencies around the world due to health and environmental concerns, according to Amyris. Amyris CEO John Melo said, “This collaboration represents an important step in the additional geographic diversification of our renewable products business. Wilmar is the leading agribusiness group in Asia. Its integrated business model, rapid growth mode and Asian presence and distribution footprint combined with our breakthrough technology will provide a powerful platform for capturing a portion of the large global surfactants market.” (June 28,2011)