Godavari Biorefineries Ltd (GBL) has recently opened its advanced multi-purpose speciality chemicals plant at Sakharwadi, Maharashtra.

It was officiated by Prof M M Sharma and attended by the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Jong De Bart and other high-ranking officials from GBL.

This plant, which has been in operation for more than a year, is a major step forward for GBL to grow its bio-speciality chemicals business. Majorly, it seeks to decrease import dependency and explore new export opportunities.

One of its leading products, ethyl vinyl ether (EVE), finds potential uses in agrochemicals, aroma chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lube oil additives.

A significant feature of GBL is that it is synthesised from ethanol and acetaldehyde derived from biomass, which means that it has a low environmental impact.

Prof Sharma explained how acetaldehyde can be considered as a ‘platform’ for GBL. He highlighted the importance of bio-transformations in the manufacturing of speciality chemicals especially in India.

The chemical company GBL has a clear growth strategy where it shifts from basic chemicals to higher-value chemicals produced from bio feedstock.