Invista and LanzaTech to collaborate on developing gas-fermentation process technology

Invista (Wichita, Kan.; www.invista.com) and LanzaTech (Skokie, Ill.; www.lanzatech.com) have signed a research and development agreement focused on the development of gas-fermentation process technology for the production of industrial chemicals from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas (CO₂ and H₂) feedstocks.
 
According to the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on projects to develop gas-fermentation technologies to convert CO₂/H₂ feedstocks into a range of industrial chemicals using proprietary Invista host organisms and metabolic pathways. If successful, the first commercialization of this technology is expected as early as 2018.
 
“This new agreement builds on Invista’s existing collaborations with LanzaTech,” said Warren Primeaux, president of Invista Intermediates. “It will provide Invista increased access to LanzaTech’s world-class gas-fermentation process technology and help accelerate the commercialization of a number of exciting bio-derived processes currently under development at Invista’s bioscience laboratory in Wilton, U.K.”
 
Invista believes biotechnology has the potential to significantly improve the cost and availability of several chemicals and raw materials that are used to produce its current products. It views gas fermentation as a key enabling technology that will allow the use of potentially advantaged gas feedstocks—such as waste industrial gases including carbon dioxide.
 
According to Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, this new agreement highlights the potential of gas fermentation in the bio commodities market. "Together LanzaTech and Invista have the capabilities to create step-change improvements for today’s chemical supply chain. This new agreement strengthens our relationship and signals the increased confidence Invista has in our capabilities."
 
LanzaTech is a leader in gas fermentation technology that provides novel and economic routes to fuels and high value chemicals from waste carbon streams. Invista is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers.