Afyren (Clermont-Ferrand, France) is a green tech company utilizing unique fermentation technology to produce bio-based, low-carbon ingredients from sugar beet by-products.
Its first plant, Afyren Neoxy, was launched in May 2020 and produces seven bio-based carboxylic acids, all of which are 100% bio-based, with carbon atoms ranging from 2 to 6, and some of which are over 99% pure.
These carboxylic acid products are used in industries such as spices and flavors, personal care, food and feed, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Details are as follows:
Acetic Acid: An organic carboxylic acid containing two carbon atoms that can be used in household cleaning, food preservation, and flavor formulations. For example, its acidity can be used to remove stains in household cleaning products, as a preservative in the food sector, and to add a distinctive odor in fragrance formulations.
Propionic Acid: Containing three carbon atoms, propionic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid in the stomachs of ruminants. AFYREN is the first in the market to introduce 100% bio-based propionic acid. The product is mainly used as a mold inhibitor for food and feed, for example in bread and bakery products to prevent moldy bread from deteriorating and to extend shelf life.
Butyric acid: has four carbon atoms and is found naturally in the human stomach and in certain dairy products. While traditional industrial production is based on petrochemical raw materials, AFYREN's bio-based butyric acid reduces the carbon footprint. It can be used as a food additive, as well as in the synthesis of cosmetic ingredients, in pharmaceuticals, and in the manufacture of fragrances.
Isobutyric Acid: Also containing four carbon atoms, it is an isomer of butyric acid and occurs naturally in certain trees and flowers. It is commonly used in cosmetics and fragrances to add a unique aroma to products, and can also be used as a raw material for synthetic cosmetic ingredients.
Valeric Acid: Contains five carbon atoms and is widely used in synthetic lubricant esters for refrigeration and aerospace turbines.AFYREN offers 100% bio-based Valeric Acid, which is an important raw material for synthetic lubricants and a key ingredient in polyol ester formulations for applications such as industrial refrigeration, food storage refrigeration systems, and mobile and stationary air conditioning.
Isovaleric acid: It is the isomer of valeric acid. After reformulation and transformation, it can be used in food industry, perfume, perfume, hair conditioner and other fields, which can give the products special flavor.
Caproic acid: The specific properties are not detailed in the information, but it is also one of the bio-based carboxylic acids produced by AFYREN, which can be used as a base material for building polyol ester lubricants and functional fluids in products such as compressor oils, metalworking fluids, refrigeration lubricants, and submerged coolants for electric vehicle motors.
Afyren's non-food agricultural by-products are supplied by Südzucker (Mannheim, Germany), and the two companies have been working together for five years, which was celebrated on May 8, 2025 with a celebration and announcement of the extension of the partnership.
