Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits' innovative yeast with Braskem's bolt-on separation technology and market development enable the production of a renewable, high-value coproduct that has consistent market demand.

July, 31, 2026 - Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits, an American company with focus on yeast, enzymes, microbials and nutrition, and Braskem , a leader in polyolefin production, announced on July, 28 an innovative bio-acetone production platform for the corn-ethanol industry that enables producers to generate a new coproduct alongside ethanol. Combining LBDS' proprietary fermentation technology with Braskem's bio-acetone recovery process, the solution creates a new revenue stream for biorefineries while maintaining ethanol production performance and providing access to a guaranteed demand for all bio-acetone produced.

"Pairing Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits' expertise in yeast and fermentation with Braskem's knowledge of biochemicals and biopolymers is a natural fit," says Craig Ammann, Vice President of Business Development for LBDS. "LBDS has served ethanol producers for decades and we continuously look for options to help boost their bottom lines and shield them from market volatility. This is a unique way to do that, based on strategic partnerships."

After five years of collaborative development and validation, Braskem and LBDS are now making the technology available to the U.S. ethanol industry. The companies have engineered an innovative yeast strain to enable bio-acetone production during fermentation, without affecting performance. Braskem developed bolt-on technology to separate the resulting bio-acetone from ethanol and will be responsible for all bio-acetone sales and market development. Acetone is a mature market with global demand of over 8 million tons per year, serving segments that are seeking new solutions from renewable sources.

"The team at LBDS brought their expertise in yeast and their extensive knowledge of the ethanol industry, complemented by our experience in chemicals and bioproducts, to make this collaboration a success," says Cirilo Vieira, Business Development Director - Renewables & Biochemicals at Braskem. "We are eager to offer this sustainable acetone alternative to our customers. It is a significant step for the petrochemical industry toward a sustainable future, in every sense."

Bio-acetone is a drop-in replacement for fossil-based acetone and can be used in cosmetics, paints and coatings, acrylics, adhesives, and personal care applications. Braskem says it is 100% renewable, benzene-free, phenol-free and verifiable through a C14 test.

Lallemand Inc. is a privately held global company founded in Canada at the end of the 19th century, specializing in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms. The company serves the baking, winemaking, distilling, ethanol, brewing, animal nutrition, dietary supplements, food, fermentation, pharmaceutical and agriculture industries. Lallemand currently has more than 6,300 employees located in over 50 countries on five continents.

Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS), is a business unit of the Canadian yeast, enzymes, microb and bacteria producer Lallemand, Inc., based in Milwaukee, WI. LBDS is a leader in biotechnology for alcohol production and a supplier of ingredients and value creating services to the global fuel ethanol and distilled spirits markets.