An agbioscience investment announced last year is beginning to materialize in Indiana. Sustainea, a forward-thinking company focused on producing sustainable chemicals with reduced carbon emissions, plans to invest $400 million in Lafayette. Partnering with local firm Primient, which will supply corn-based dextrose precursors, Sustainea will transform this renewable raw material into Bio-MEG (monoethylene glycol) — a crucial chemical intermediate used in everyday items ranging from food packaging to athletic shoes.
Yuichi Hattori, Chief Financial Officer for Sustainea, explained that while their technology can utilize various feedstocks, corn was determined to be the most suitable. This initiative is expected to boost demand for corn among farmers in this region of the state.
“This represents a completely new opportunity for farmers and for us to establish a new market. It’s particularly exciting because environmentally friendly products are increasingly welcomed in today’s marketplace,” Hattori stated.
Hattori and other Sustainea executives visited Indiana last week as they work toward their target of commencing production by 2028. The facility is projected to create nearly 200 high-paying jobs in the area. Hattori also hinted that this may not be their only plant in the future.
“Indiana would be an ideal location. We haven’t finalized plans for a second facility, but we are definitely interested in further investments in the Bio-MEG sector. In my view, Indiana would also be an excellent site for a second plant.”
Once completed, this will become the largest Bio-MEG production site in the United States. The decision to locate in Lafayette was also influenced by its proximity to Purdue University.
With support from organizations such as AgriNovus Indiana, the state is clearly positioning itself as a global leader in agbiosciences.
— news from Hoosier Ag Today
— News Original —
Sustainea Providing Agricultural Economic Development to Lafayette
An agbioscience investment announced last year is starting to take shape in Indiana.
Sustainea, an innovative company dedicated to manufacturing sustainable chemicals with a low-carbon footprint, is planning to invest $400 million in Lafayette. In collaboration with local company Primient, who will supply corn-based dextrose precursors, Sustainea will convert this renewable feedstock into Bio-MEG (monoethylene glycol) — a key chemical intermediate used in everyday products from food containers to footwear.
Yuichi Hattori, Chief Financial Officer for Sustainea, says their technology could use a number of feedstocks, but they found corn to be the best. This will help drive demand for corn farmers in this part of the state.
Yuichi Hattori, Chief Financial Officer for Sustainea. Photo provided by AgriNovus Indiana.”This is a totally new challenge for farmers, and for us, to create a new market. That is very exciting because ecofriendly products are always welcome in the market recently.”
Hattori and other Sustainea officials were in Indiana last week as they continue to work toward their goal of beginning production in 2028. The plant is expected to bring nearly 200 high-wage jobs to the area. Hattori says their journey continues and may not stop at just this one plant.
“Indiana would be a good place. We have not decided on a second plant, but we’d like to keep investing in the Bio-MEG market. So, Indiana would be a great place for a second plant as well, I believe.”
Once complete, this will be the largest Bio-MEG facility in the U.S. The proximity to Purdue University was also attractive when selecting the location.
With the help of organizations like AgriNovus Indiana, the Hoosier State is clearly becoming the global hub for the agbiosciences.