The Booster inauguration was held on April 23rd at the Finnamyl plant, a subsidiary of Chemigate. The plan had been for the enzyme-based biopolymer production facility to be operational by summer. Now the plant is ready, and the first runs on the production line have been completed.
Finnamyl’s production manager, Maria Lindholm, said, “The first production trial took place on mid-July, and the results exceeded our expectations positively. The actual test production began on July 22nd. Challenges arose, as often happens in projects, but during the learning phase of this demanding new process, operators stretched their working hours, including over weekends. This, in my opinion, demonstrated the team’s dedication, sense of community, and flexibility. Furthermore, IFF’s broad expertise in various areas provided valuable support to the commissioning team, and the collaboration was excellent. Currently, the project team is addressing the shortcomings identified during the test runs and preparing for the 2025 production campaign.”
“In the commissioning trials, different product types were produced, and we also gained insight into the effects of process parameters on product quality. Some modifications are still being made to the equipment, but overall, the process performed as expected. The biopolymers produced can now be used for the development of larger-scale processing as well as application testing,” said Chemigate’s Chief Technology Officer, Aki Laine.
The products of this new technology in Kokemäki will replace fossil-based products in various markets and applications, including household and personal care products. Additionally, the new capacity enables applications for the paper and cardboard industry, with IFF working in collaboration with Kemira.
Finnamyl Oy produces potato starch and potato-based protein. Finnamyl Oy is part of Chemigate Oy, which produces over 100,000 tons of modified starches for the paper and board industry, as well as cationization reagents and bio-based polymers. Currently, Chemigate Group employs 110 people and is a subsidiary of Berner Oy.