By Andi Anderson
Sustainea, a company specializing in sustainable chemistry, is investing $400 million in Indiana to establish its first U.S. Bio-MEG plant in Lafayette.
This facility will convert corn dextrose into a renewable alternative to petroleum-based MEG, contributing to sustainable product manufacturing. Bio-MEG is a key component in producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in textiles and packaging.
The plant will be co-located with Primient, a company that will provide the dextrose needed for production.
Sustainea, a joint venture between Brazil’s Braskem and Japan’s Sojitz, plans to create 191 new jobs as part of this venture, with production expected to start in 2028.
This investment is seen as a major win for Indiana’s agbiosciences sector, which already contributes over $58 billion to the state’s economy annually.
The project highlights the growing collaboration between Indiana and Brazil, and it opens new markets for local corn farmers, who produce over 1 billion bushels of corn each year.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project with up to $6.9 million in tax credits and $100,000 in training grants.
Sustainea’s investment is expected to have a positive environmental and economic impact, furthering Indiana’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation.
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Categories: Indiana, Energy