SunOpta BioProcess signs contract with Chinese ethanol producer

SunOpta BioProcess, a business unit of SunOpta, has secured a contract to supply an ethanol producer in China with the company’s proprietary fiber preparation and pretreatment equipment for use in the production of cellulosic ethanol. SunOpta BioProcess (SBI) has said that its equipment will be installed in a planned cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant scheduled for completion in late 2010. The plant will reportedly be located adjacent to an existing starch-to-ethanol facility and will utilize local corn stover as feedstock. Under the terms of the contract, which was obtained with the assistance of Pacitec, SBI’s exclusive agent in China, the company expects to realize revenues of approximately US$6.5 million from the supply of equipment and technology license, as well as certain design and engineering services. (January 22, 2010)