Danimer Scientific to repurpose Alltech algae building for its new fermentation facility

It started with the announcement by the company that it had created the first fully biodegradable plastic straw using its Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material. As Scott Tuten, chief marketing officer at Danimer Scientific, the company was excited to be bringing “truly biodegradable straw resins in the near future to businesses that are looking to replace petrochemical plastic straws in restaurants, amusement parks and more."
The straws will be made of Danimer Scientific’s Nodax PHA. A 2018 University of Georgia study compared the biodegradation Nodax PHA to cellulose powder, food waste, plastic pellets and other materials in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, which showed that, in a proper waste management setting, Nodax PHA biodegrades at a similar rate to cellulose powder, or wood pulp. The study also found that Nodax PHA could be effectively processed alongside food waste and other organic waste in a landfill. Additionally, researchers determined that Nodax PHA will begin to biodegrade over the course of six months in ocean water – plus, it is FDA approved for food contact.
The company followed this up with the announcement just last week that, together with PepsiCo, it had been named the winner of the 2018 Innovation in Bioplastics Award, presented by the Bioplastics Division of the Plastics Industry Association (Plastics). The companies were recognised for the development of a new, biodegradable packaging for PepsiCo’s Lays brand of chips.
Now, Danimer has made it known that it will be locating its new fermentation facility in Winchester - a move involving a $36.2 million investment and creating 37 full-time jobs.
Danimer Scientifics plans to purchase and revitalize the 88,000-square-foot former Alltech algae building on Rolling Hills Lane in Winchester. The company will use the fermentation plant to produce its Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material.
Danimer Scientific is a true innovator within the plastics industry, and we are proud they have selected Kentucky for this exciting new venture," Gov. Bevin said. "The company's decision to locate here is a strong endorsement of the community of Winchester as well as the commonwealth's overall business climate. We congratulate both Danimer Scientific and Clark County on this promising partnership, and we look forward to a bright future of shared success."
Work could begin next month and company leaders aim to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The production of Danimer's Nodax PHA begins with fermentation where canola oil is consumed by soil bacteria and converted into PHA, which is then processed into a powder form. The powder will be transported to the company's Bainbridge, Ga. facility and combined with other biopolymers to manufacture biodegradable plastic resins.
"This facility marks a major milestone for our company," Danimer Scientific CEO Stephen Croskrey said. “Kentucky's state resources and strong local workforce have provided us with a leg up in getting this project off the ground.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in August preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

http://www.danimerscientific.com