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IFF Receives Approval of SYNERXIA® Yeasts for Biofuel Production in Argentina

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IFF receives approval for commercialization of genetically modified yeasts to enhance corn ethanol production in Argentina, potentially increasing efficiency by up to three percent. The approval from the Argentine Secretary of Agriculture is expected to boost corn ethanol production in the country.
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The introduction of genetically modified (GM) yeasts for bioethanol production presents a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology with direct implications for environmental sustainability. The ability of SYNERXIA® yeasts to increase corn conversion efficiency by up to three percent represents a noteworthy enhancement in the biofuel sector. This improvement could lead to a reduction in the overall environmental footprint of bioethanol production, as more fuel can be produced from the same amount of corn, potentially decreasing the demand for agricultural land and associated environmental impacts such as deforestation and habitat loss.

Moreover, the ability of these yeasts to maintain high fermentation rates in extreme heat conditions can mitigate the risks associated with climate change-induced temperature variability. This resilience contributes to the stability of bioethanol production processes, ensuring a consistent output despite environmental challenges. It is crucial to monitor the long-term ecological effects of introducing GM organisms into the environment, even though they have been certified as posing no risk to nature by various regulatory bodies.

The approval of IFF's GM yeasts by the Argentine Secretary of Agriculture is a strategic move that could bolster Argentina's position in the global bioethanol market. Given that Argentina's corn ethanol production already represents over 60 percent of the national bioethanol output, the projected increase in production efficiency could enhance the country's competitiveness and potentially lead to increased exports. This is particularly relevant as global energy markets are increasingly seeking renewable and cleaner fuel alternatives to mitigate climate change.

From an energy security perspective, the increased efficiency in domestic bioethanol production could reduce Argentina's reliance on imported fossil fuels, thus strengthening its energy independence. The potential cost reductions and productivity gains mentioned by Sebastián Dicundo, industry leader at IFF, suggest that these advancements could have a positive impact on the profitability of bioethanol producers, which in turn could attract further investment into the sector.

The commercialization of SYNERXIA® yeasts is a testament to the advancements in genetic engineering and its applications in agriculture. The hybridization and genetic improvement techniques used to develop these yeasts underscore the ongoing innovation within agricultural biotechnology. By reducing glycerol formation and providing maximum ethanol conversion, these yeasts not only improve the efficiency of bioethanol production but also offer a solution to performance losses caused by high ambient temperatures—a common challenge in many agricultural processes.

The use of big-data tools and predictive analysis in optimizing yeast strains for specific plant conditions highlights the intersection of biotechnology with data science, offering personalized solutions that could redefine operational benchmarks within the industry. The local production of enzymes in Arroyito, Córdoba, further emphasizes IFF's commitment to regional development and the potential for localized biotechnological advancements to have a ripple effect on both the economy and the bioethanol industry.

The range of cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions can increase corn ethanol generation efficiency by up to three percent

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IFF (NYSE: IFF) – a global leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent – today 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.

"This recognition was possible due to our consistent safety and efficacy results," said Sebastián Dicundo, industry leader, Grain Processing, Latin America, IFF. "Cutting-edge yeasts are fundamental to enhancing grain fermentation and their transformation into ethanol, providing productivity gains and cost reductions, and at production scale-ups, deliver significant improvements in yield and profit."

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.

"When used with a big-data tool and predictive analysis, those different strains can be combined resulting in unique synergies to deliver optimal rate, yield, and robustness under specific process conditions, meeting the needs of each plant," said Dicundo. "This is IFF's innovation DNA, launching new and better yeasts, as a result of our investments in R&D."

Commitment to Argentina's development

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.

"The approval of GM yeasts for bioethanol production are a game changer for the industry in the country and is aligned with our commitment to Latin America's development," said Deia Vilela, director, Health & Biosciences, Latin America, IFF. "Besides new technology, our enzymes plant in Arroyito, Córdoba produces a portfolio of enzymes marketed to multiple industries throughout Latin America, supporting producers in Argentina with a strong local presence."

For more information on IFF's biofuel yeast solutions, visit here.

1 https://fas.usda.gov/data/argentina-biofuels-annual-8

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Welcome to IFF

At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, scent, health and biosciences, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at iff.com, TwitterFacebookInstagramand LinkedIn

Contact:
Amanda Borges
Marketing Communications Manager
+55 11 94503 7604
amanda.borges@iff.com

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FAQ

How can IFF's genetically modified yeasts increase corn ethanol generation efficiency?

IFF's range of SYNERXIA® yeasts may increase the efficiency of corn conversion into bioethanol by up to three percent.

Which countries are already using IFF's SYNERXIA® yeasts for biofuel production?

These solutions are already widely used by biofuel producers in the United States and Brazil, among other countries.

What is the projected corn ethanol production volume for Argentina in 2023?

Argentina's corn ethanol production is projected to reach nearly 700 million liters, representing over 60 percent of the national bioethanol production in 2023.

How do SYNERXIA® yeasts contribute to maintaining high ethanol conversion rates?

SYNERXIA® yeasts reduce glycerol formation, provide maximum ethanol conversion, and maintain high rates until the end of fermentation.

What are the benefits of using SYNERXIA® yeasts in corn ethanol production?

The yeasts reduce glycerol formation, increase ethanol conversion, avoid industrial performance losses due to high temperatures, and exhibit greater resistance to extreme heat conditions.

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