Chemtex and China Agri-Industries Holdings Limited (a Hong Kong subsidiary of COFCO) have signed a technology collaboration agreement to promote cassava based Bio-Ethanol projects. Under this agreement, Chemtex will have exclusive rights to market and implement project solutions for cassava based bio-ethanol plants worldwide outside of China. Cassava, also known as yucca, manioc, mogo, is a renewable energy source grown in significant quantities in tropical regions such as Brazil, Central America, Africa, India and S.E. Asia. Cassava is available in significant quantities and can be used economically for the production of renewable energy.

COFCO’s technology is commercially proven in a 200,000 ton per year bio-ethanol plant in China. Both COFCO and Chemtex believe that this technology provides a viable and cost-effective alternative to conventional first generation feedstock in selected markets. Chemtex will bring its extensive technology transfer expertise and international project execution capabilities to deliver successful project solutions to interested clients.

Chemtex has previously implemented bio-ethanol projects based on other feedstock and this experience will facilitate the successful implementation of cassava based projects. “We are excited about expanding our technology base in the Renewable Energy sector and are delighted that COFCO has chosen Chemtex as partner of choice to deliver their proven technology into the international marketplace”, said Wim van der Zande, President & CEO of Chemtex.