GELEEN, the Netherlands - Reverdia, a joint venture between DSM and Roquette, and Helm have signed an agreement for the European distribution and joint market development of Reverdia’s Biosuccinium™ sustainable succinic acid. The partnership will build on Helm’s position in Europe as a marketing enterprise and distributor for a wide portfolio of chemical products, and Reverdia’s emerging leadership position for the commercialization of renewable succinic acid.

Biosuccinium™ sustainable succinic acid is a new renewable raw material, derived from non-fossil feedstock and produced with proprietary yeast-based fermentation technology that results in the production of bio-based succinic acid. The technology has been proven in the 300-ton demo plant in Lestrem, France, that has been operational since early 2010.

Reverdia will be the first to have a large-scale facility for the commercial production of the acid, which is currently being completed in Cassano Spinola, Italy. The plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2012.