Amyris & Sao Martinho to start renewable chemical production

U.S.-based Amyris and Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Grupo Sao Martinho have hired CNEC WorleyParsons to manage the construction of Amyris’ renewable products plant in Pradopolis, Sao Paulo state, which is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2012 .The JV has already obtained the construction license from Sao Paulo’s state environmental agency, Amyris said in a statement. Amyris and Sao Martinho’s plant will produce Biofene, a renewable hydrocarbon that can be used as an ingredient in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, industrial lubricants and diesel fuel. (December 23, 2010)