US renewable chemicals producer Myriant Corp (Quincy, Massachusetts; www.myriant.com) said speciality chemicals distributor Azelis (Antwerp / Belgium; www.azelis.com) will distribute its bio-succinic acid in the Nordic countries, Benelux, France, Iberia, Italy, the UK and Ireland. Bio-succinic acid is chemically equivalent to petroleum-based succinic acid, which is used in the production of polymers, urethanes, plasticizers and coatings. The global annual market for succinic acid is estimated at USD 7.5 bn (EUR 5.7 bn).

“Myriant further strengthens Azelis’ offering in the renewable resources based chemistry for production of more sustainable polymers,” said Azelis COO Laurent Nataf. “We are currently experiencing a growing demand for sustainable products and we believe Myriant will be a part of sourcing these new renewable chemicals.” Myriant has the capacity to produce 30m lb/year (approximately 13,600 t/y) of bio-succinic acid at its site in Lake Providence, Louisiana / USA – see Plasteurope.com of 27.06.2013.