Kemira and IFF move Alpha Bio manufacturing to Hanko
- The Alpha Bio JV will relocate the planned manufacturing plant from IFF’s Kotka site to IFF’s Hanko site in Southern Finland.
- The project represents an estimated total investment of approximately EUR 130 million and ownership remains 50%/50%.
- Commercial production is now expected to begin in 2029, moved from an original late-2027 estimate.
- The JV will use IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial (DEB) platform; Kemira retains global commercialization exclusivity for Paper, Board and Water Treatment markets.
Relocation
Kemira and IFF have updated plans for the Alpha Bio joint venture’s commercial-scale biobased materials plant, moving project engineering and permitting activities from the IFF Kotka site to IFF’s Hanko manufacturing site in Southern Finland. The Hanko site specialises in industrial enzymes for home and personal care, and food and beverage sectors.
Investment, ownership and schedule
The joint venture, first announced in 2025, represents an estimated total investment of approximately EUR 130 million. Both companies will continue to hold equal 50% stakes. Commercial production is now expected to begin in 2029, revised from the original late-2027 estimate.
Technology and market rights
The joint venture will continue to leverage IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial™ (DEB) technology platform, which converts plant-based sugars into high-performance biobased materials for industrial applications. Kemira retains global exclusivity to commercialise DEB solutions in the Paper, Board and Water Treatment markets.
Source: Kemira
