Sustainea plans to invest $400 million in a new Indiana plant that will create 191 jobs.
The sustainable chemistry company is partnering with Illinois-based Primient to build a new Bio-MEG industrial plant in Lafayette that will transform corn dextrose into a renewable plant-based alternative to petroleum-based MEG that will offer a less carbon-intensive alternative.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in building one of the largest sustainability ventures globally,” said Gustavo Sergi, CEO of Sustainea. “Primient has proven to be a strategic partner and long-term ally, with notable operational synergies and shared values. The high energy efficiency and low-carbon dextrose produced at the Lafayette plant will uniquely position Sustainea’s products for both sustainability and competitiveness. This announcement greatly serves our customers who will benefit from decarbonizing an ever-growing PET market.”
Brazil-based Braskem and Japan-based Sojitz partnered to form the joint venture Sustainea. It aims to be a global leader in Bio-MEG, a key component in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate or PET, which is used in clothes, shoes, beverage bottles and food packaging.
“The decision to locate the plant in Lafayette followed a comprehensive evaluation, considering everything from the carbon footprint to the sustainability of the entire value chain,” said Éverton Van-Dal, Chief Business Officer of Sustainea. “We evaluated sustainable corn production in the region, market access and the availability of local talent for Sustainea's first industrial facility. The significant support from state and local government incentives was also a key factor in the decision.”
Indiana's agbiosciences sector contributes $58.1 million to the state's economy and supports $4.6 billion in agricultural exports.
“Indiana is a global agbiosciences leader, and we are excited to welcome Sustainea to our thriving ecosystem of growers, manufacturers and innovators,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Today’s news not only marks a significant win for the growth of this future-focused sector in Indiana and globally, but it represents growing ties between Indiana and Brazil and creates new opportunities for our two regions to work together for the benefit of our economies and our people.”
Indiana is giving the company $6.9 million in tax credits and $100,000 in training grants.
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