en.Wedoany.com Reported - Braskem and Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) have jointly announced the development of a new technology to produce bio-acetone from corn ethanol. This technology enables ethanol plants to add a new high-value co-product without impacting fuel production efficiency.

The process combines LBDS's expertise in yeast technology with Braskem's proprietary separation technology, which, as an add-on process, enables efficient bio-acetone production. Braskem will be responsible for the market development and commercialization of the product, with a primary focus on the U.S. and European markets.

This project strengthens Braskem's position in the "bio-revolution" and its role in driving the decarbonization of global industrial value chains. With its drop-in characteristics, bio-acetone offers an alternative for applications requiring a lower carbon footprint.

Global annual acetone demand exceeds 8 million tons. The renewable acetone developed through the Braskem and LBDS partnership can serve demanding and sustainability-driven industries, including cosmetics (makeup removers and solvents), paints and coatings, as well as acrylics, adhesives, and personal care products.

Cirilo Vieira, Director of Business Development for Renewable Energy and Biochemicals at Braskem, stated that combining Braskem's expertise in biochemicals with LBDS's expertise in fermentation represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the petrochemical industry.

After five years of joint development, the technology is now beginning to be promoted to the North American ethanol industry. Bio-acetone is expected to achieve industrial-scale commercial supply by 2028. This advancement is part of Braskem's innovation ecosystem, which in 2025 allocated 49% of its R&D resources to projects focused on sustainability.