Viridis Chemical LLC (Columbus, Neb.), a recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Award, announced the relocation of its renewable chemicals plant from Columbus, Nebraska, to Peoria, Illinois. This strategic move will co-locate Viridis’ facility with BioUrja Renewables’ high-purity alcohol plant in Peoria. The plant will use BioUrja’s corn-based industrial alcohols to produce renewable ethyl acetate, an important chemical used in many industrial processes that traditionally is derived from fossil fuels.
The new Peoria site, situated on the Illinois River, offers key logistical advantages. In addition to the adjacency to BioUrja, the location includes access to all major rail lines and barge-navigable routes connecting to the Mississippi River. The site’s proximity to Viridis’ core ethyl acetate customers in the Midwest and Northeast, combined with its superior logistics and storage capabilities, will position Viridis for enhanced operational efficiency and customer service.
“We believe this move gives Viridis the right location and logistics to be competitive for the long term,” said Patrick Killian, CEO of Viridis. “It is also an excellent foundation for the growth of the other products in our pipeline – allowing us to better serve our customers and expand into new markets.”
BioUrja Group founder Amit Bhandari shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are building an unparalleled hub for high-purity industrial and beverage-grade alcohol, carbon capture, renewable energy, fuels, and renewable chemicals right here in Peoria. Viridis Chemical is exactly the partner we’ve been looking for, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have them join us at our site!”
EIV Capital, Viridis’ primary investors, also expressed strong support for the move: “We are very excited to support the Viridis management team in this strategic relocation. We continue to be big believers in the business model of bringing renewable-based solvents and intermediates to markets seeking better, more sustainable solutions. We believe the investment in moving the plant will accelerate and bolster that strategy,” said Patti Melcher, Founding Partner of EIV Capital.
The relocation of Viridis’ ethyl acetate plant strengthens the company’s position as a renewable chemical leader and enhances its ability to meet evolving market demands with improved logistics and operational resilience. The move is expected to be completed by late 2025.