US Company Plans Queensland Biorefinery to Make Cosmetics from Sugar Cane
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A UNITED STATES biotechnology company has announced it will build a biorefinery in Queensland to make cosmetics out of sugar cane.
Amyris Biotechnologies is a renewable products company that engineers organisms to make alternatives to petroleum, plant and animal-based products, such as specialty chemicals, flavours and fragrances, cosmetics ingredients and pharmaceuticals.
Based in San Diego, it was the first company to develop a process to convert plant sugars into a cheap anti-malarial, and already has a biorefinery in Brazil.
Chief executive John Melo said the company planned to make Queensland the base for its industrial biotechnology hub in Southeast Asia.
“Like all our new projects, this factory is expected to be sold out when it starts operating with agreements to supply our current partners in China and other Asian markets.
“Queensland offers an excellent location option for Amyris with its favourable business climate, extensive sugar industry and geographic proximity to these markets.”
Bundaberg, Mackay and Townsville are on the shortlist of potential locations for the plant, which will be decided in the next six months.