KBI Global Energy Transition Fund (MWO3)

Overview

BioAmber Inc. was an industrial biotechnology company with a global presence, engaged in the production and sale of renewable chemicals. Emblematic of the shift towards sustainable industrial processes, BioAmber leveraged its proprietary technology platform to transform bio-based feedstocks into renewable chemicals, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived chemicals. The company, initially known as DNP Green Technology, Inc., rebranded to BioAmber Inc. in September 2010. Since its inception in 2008, BioAmber was headquartered in Montreal, Canada. However, the company faced financial difficulties and, on May 4, 2018, filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Products and Services

• Bio-Succinic Acid: BioAmber's flagship product was bio-succinic acid, a renewable, bio-based chemical utilized in a wide array of applications. This included use in plasticizers, polyurethanes for flexible foams, personal care products like skin and hair care formulations, resins and coatings for high-quality finishings, de-icing solutions for safer roadways, eco-friendly lubricants, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins for packaging, and as food additives for both human and animal consumption.
• Bio-Succinic Acid Derivatives:
  • 1, 4 Butanediol (BDO): A derivative of bio-succinic acid, BDO is a critical raw material for producing a range of industrial chemicals and products, such as polyesters and plastics. It's particularly crucial for the manufacture of spandex, offering a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based BDO.
  • Tetrahydrofuran (THF): Another valuable derivative, THF is used in the manufacture of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), which in turn is a key component in the production of spandex. Like BDO, THF from bio-based sources presents a more sustainable option compared to its petroleum-derived counterpart.