India-based Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL) will be restarting its production of bio-based acetic acid at its Sakarwadi facility in Maharashtra from August 2018 using molasses-based ethanol for feedstock. GBL noted strong demand from customers as they expressed the need for renewable raw materials adhering to the green chemistry principles. GBL said it has received interest from local and global consumers for niche specialty applications of bio-based acetic acid including applications in food and pharmaceuticals.

GBL said it has also already developed a clientele with its bio-based 1,3 butylene glycol and sugarcane-based wax. The company is backward-integrated with sugarcane production and aims to develop new bio-based products with a goal to enter new markets that will maximize the value of sugarcane feedstock including biomass.