The range of cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions can increase corn ethanol generation efficiency by up to three percent

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IFF (NYSE: IFF) – a global leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent – today announced an unprecedented approval from the Argentine Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Ministry of Economy for the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) yeasts for grains-based bioethanol production in Argentina.

The IFF's range of SYNERXIA^® yeasts may increase the efficiency of corn conversion into bioethanol by up to three percent. These solutions are already widely used by biofuel producers in the United States and Brazil, among other countries. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Argentina's corn ethanol production is projected to reach nearly 700 million liters and represents over 60 percent of the national bioethanol production in 2023.¹ This announcement is expected to further support the growth of corn ethanol production in Argentina.

"This recognition was possible due to our consistent safety and efficacy results," said Sebastián Dicundo, industry leader, Grain Processing, Latin America, IFF. "Cutting-edge yeasts are fundamental to enhancing grain fermentation and their transformation into ethanol, providing productivity gains and cost reductions, and at production scale-ups, deliver significant improvements in yield and profit."

Obtained through hybridization combined with genetic improvement, SYNERXIA^® yeasts reduce glycerol formation and provide maximum ethanol conversion, maintaining high rates until the end of fermentation. The use of these yeasts also avoids industrial performance losses caused by the influence of high ambient temperatures during processing. In a hypothetical example where fermentation occurs between 37°C and 38°C for seven hours, industrial yield can decrease by two percent. In a plant capable of processing 1,500 tons/day, the loss is 8.8 liters/ton, equivalent to 396,000 liters/month. The SYNERXIA^® yeasts exhibit greater resistance and can maintain corn ethanol fermentation efficiency even under extreme heat conditions.

"When used with a big-data tool and predictive analysis, those different strains can be combined resulting in unique synergies to deliver optimal rate, yield, and robustness under specific process conditions, meeting the needs of each plant," said Dicundo. "This is IFF's innovation DNA, launching new and better yeasts, as a result of our investments in R&D."

Commitment to Argentina's development

Currently, IFF is one of the key global players in biotechnology. These yeasts that enhance bioethanol processing represent IFF's innovative approach to ethanol solutions and are part of IFF's XCELIS^® Ethanol Solutions platform.

The genetically modified yeasts from the SYNERXIA^® family pose no risk to nature and are certified by regulatory bodies in various countries, including the National Advisory Commission on Agricultural Biotechnology (CONABIA) in Argentina. The National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) in Argentina certifies that distillers dried grains (DDG), a by-product from ethanol production using IFF's yeasts is also suitable for use in animal nutrition.

"The approval of GM yeasts for bioethanol production are a game changer for the industry in the country and is aligned with our commitment to Latin America's development," said Deia Vilela, director, Health & Biosciences, Latin America, IFF. "Besides new technology, our enzymes plant in Arroyito, Córdoba produces a portfolio of enzymes marketed to multiple industries throughout Latin America, supporting producers in Argentina with a strong local presence."

For more information on IFF's biofuel yeast solutions, visit here.

¹ https://fas.usda.gov/data/argentina-biofuels-annual-8

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