IFF receives approval of SYNERXIA® yeasts for biofuel production

IFF, a global leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent – 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.

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.

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.