Delft, the Netherlands --
CSM, Royal DSM and Delft University of Technology are participating in a joint venture for
bioprocess research. The new company Bioprocess Pilot Facility BV (BPF) is based in Delft
and aims at scale-up research and education for next generation bioprocesses.
In this facility process development research can be facilitated in the entire field of biomass
pre-processing, biomass pre-treatment, fermentation and downstream processing. The set
up of this facility starts with equipment already existing on the site of DSM, which will be
brought in into the Joint Venture. Additional equipment and facilities, especially related to
the pre-treatment of biomass, will be implemented in the coming 12-18 months.
The BPF is an open access facility where other companies, universities, institutes etc. can
execute their scale-up research on bioprocesses. CSM, DSM and Delft University of
Technology have decided to join forces in order to obtain a world class facility to test new
bioprocesses in the scaling-up from laboratory and pilot plant to industrial size.
Eric Roos, the newly appointed director of the BPF says: "The BPF is a unique facility which
enables companies, researchers and educational organizations around the world to test their
new bioprocesses on such a scale that they can make the step to an industrial facility".
The Bioprocess Pilot Facility is financially supported by the European Union, The Dutch
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, the Province of South Holland and
the Municipalities of Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague.
Mr Gerard Hoetmer (CEO CSM), Mr Feike Sijbesma (CEO DSM) and Mr DirkJan van den Berg
(President of the Technical University of Delft) stressed the importance of this top quality research
facility in The Netherlands, especially in view of the opportunities that the innovative and sustainable
bio- and knowledge-based-economy is providing to The Netherlands.
Also Mr Chris Buijink, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and
Innovation underpinned that this research facility is exactly in the core of the innovation spearheads
(Top Sectoren) of the Dutch innovation policy.
About CSM
CSM is one of the leading player in its sectors worldwide; the largest supplier of bakery products and a leading player in natural food preservation, green chemicals and biopolymers . CSM's market position is driven by a powerful ambition: driving its customer's success.
Source: CSM