The Queensland Government has announced plans for a biorefinery by US Biotechnology company, Amyris.
The biorefinery could create upwards of 70 jobs and further boost Queensland’s reputation globally as a leading biofutures location, according to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Amyris is seeking to replicate its successful biorefinery in Brazil and sees Queensland as an ideal location due to the abundance of sugarcane and close proximity to Asia,” she said.
“The company’s proposed biorefinery would aim to produce 23,000 tonnes a year of a sugar cane-based ingredient called farnesene which is used in a range products including cosmetics, fragrances, nutraceuticals, polymers, and lubricants.”
Amyris President and CEO John Melo said he was very pleased with the commitment of the Queensland Government to be leaders of the Bioeconomy.
“Our growing demand in China for Vitamins and the Asian demand for cosmetics and fragrances supports a new specialty farnesene fermentation factory in Queensland,” said Melo.
“The funding from the Queensland Government along with the operating expertise and sugar cane base of our local partner makes this factory possible and enable savings from our current production in Brazil and the associated shipping costs.
“Like all our new projects, this factory is expected to be sold out when it starts operating with agreements to supply our current partners in China and other Asian markets.
“Queensland offers an excellent location option for Amyris with its favorable business climate, extensive sugar industry and geographic proximity to these markets.”
Amyris is a renewable products company producing sustainable alternatives to petroleum, plant and animal-based products across a wide range of consumer and industry segments.