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lady at roquette plant in france

Enabling Efficient and Responsible Industrial Biotechnology

Fermentation is a cornerstone of modern industrial biotechnology. It powers the production of enzymes, amino acids, organic acids, ethanol, and other valuable ingredients used across food, feed, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors. At the heart of this process lies a critical input: the carbon source. As industries strive to reduce their environmental impact, they are seeking more sustainable raw materials, enhancing process efficiency, and aligning with circular economy principles.

Roquette’s plant-based carbon sources, derived from renewable crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, offer reliable and cost-effective solutions. With decades of expertise in starch processing and fermentation support, we help our partners optimize their production while advancing their sustainability goals.

two ladies looking at a fermentor

Feeding Microorganisms with Renewable Sugars

Microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi rely on carbon sources to grow and produce metabolites. Roquette’s plant-based sugars—like starch hydrolysates, glucose, and sugar alcohols—are well-suited for fermentation. They are efficiently metabolized, support high yields, and deliver consistent quality across batches.
These ingredients enable the production of microbial biomass and a wide range of fermentation products, including proteins, amino acids, antibiotics, organic acids, and ethanol. Their renewable origin helps reduce the environmental footprint of the industry while maintaining industrial performance.
 

bioplastic water bottle

Supporting Bioplastic Production with Starch

Starch plays a central role in the development of biodegradable plastics. It serves as a renewable base material for packaging, disposable items, and agricultural films. When combined with other biopolymers, starch enhances mechanical properties, making these materials suitable for broader industrial use, such as in construction.

Roquette’s starch derivatives contribute to the creation of bioplastics that are not only functional but also aligned with sustainability goals. These solutions help manufacturers reduce reliance on petrochemical polymers and support the transition to circular material systems.

ethanol plant at night

Producing Ethanol from Plant-Based Feedstocks

Starch-derived sugars are a proven feedstock for ethanol production. Through fermentation, they are converted into bioethanol—a renewable fuel that contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy sustainability.

Roquette’s biofuel solutions also serve as fossil-free feedstocks for polymers such as PET and PVC. Compared to fossil-based alternatives, our bioethanol offers a CO₂ reduction of over 80%, and in some cases, more than 100%. This makes it a valuable option for industries seeking to decarbonize their energy and material inputs.

Expertise That Supports Your Process

Roquette’s plant-based carbon sources are backed by decades of experience in starch processing and fermentation support. Our biorefinery model ensures efficient use of raw materials and consistent product quality across applications.

We collaborate closely with our customers to co-develop tailored solutions, offering technical support from formulation to scale-up. Whether you're producing biofuels, bioplastics, or fermentation-derived ingredients, our teams are here to help you optimize your process and meet your sustainability targets.

Together, we’re advancing industrial biotechnology with renewable ingredients that deliver performance, reliability, and environmental value.

For technical specifications, application guidance, or to discuss your specific requirements, contact our technical experts to discuss your needs