en.Wedoany.com Reported - Kemira and IFF have decided to relocate the manufacturing facility of their joint venture, Alpha Bio, from Kotka to Hanko, Finland. The partners initially announced the joint venture in 2025, with plans to establish the facility at IFF's biorefinery in Kotka, but have now selected Hanko as the preferred location. Along with the site relocation, the companies have revised the project timeline, with commercial production now expected to begin in 2029, a delay from the previously planned end of 2027. The project investment is approximately €130 million.
Alpha Bio is a 50/50 joint venture between Kemira and IFF, focused on producing renewable bio-based materials from plant-based sugars using IFF's proprietary Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials (DEB) technology. These high-performance biomaterials can replace fossil-derived polymers in industrial applications such as paper, board, and water treatment. Kemira retains exclusive global commercialization rights for DEB-based materials in these markets.
With the site relocation, the companies have revised the project timeline, with commercial production now expected to start in 2029, instead of the original end of 2027. Both companies stated they remain committed to scaling up sustainable material production and meeting market demand for renewable alternatives.
The Alpha Bio facility will use DEB technology to convert plant-based feedstocks into advanced biopolymers. These materials offer higher purity, consistency, and performance, helping to reduce reliance on traditional fossil-based products and supporting circular economy goals. Kemira and IFF have been collaborating on DEB technology since 2020, advancing the platform from development to commercial-scale production.
The Hanko facility will play a role in supplying bio-based materials for sectors such as paper packaging, coatings, and water treatment, while strengthening Finland's position as a hub for sustainable industrial innovation and supporting the transition to renewable and resource-efficient manufacturing.
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