German chemical specialist Evonik and China’s Vland Biotech have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) as part of their existing broader partnership in the field of probiotics for animal nutrition and enzymes for industrial applications.
In a press release, Evonik writes the extension is expected to bring mutual benefits to both partners, including new product developments – including opportunities for probiotics in aquaculture. The new agreement expands the deal signed in November 2018.
Qingdao-based Vland specialises in the research and development of four main product categories which are enzymes, probiotics, vaccines and animal health products.
“The JDA is expected to stimulate innovation and joint R&D activities in the field of selection, production, formulation and application of our new probiotic solution,” said Head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition Business Line Dr Emmanuel Auer.
“Evonik is excited to partner with Vland in this joint initiative to develop the next probiotic solution focusing on more sustainable, efficient and environmentally-friendly production,” he added.
“Based on years’ cooperation, Vland and Evonik extend the scope to plant, livestock and aquaculture in the solution of probiotics products. After IPO, Vland focus on R&D and globalization, and strive to become a technology-driven enterprise,” said Vland CEO Aron Chen.
Last week, Evonik opened a USD768 million plant in Singapore to produce methionine – an essential additive in animal feed. A spokesperson told SalmonBusiness that they couldn’t comment which customers they are sending their products to, but that it does support the aquaculture industry including salmon farmers. The combined investment in both Singapore plants is the company’s largest investment outside Germany to date and was built to help Asia’s demand for meat and seafood – set to grow by 78 per cent by 2050.
Manufactured at Evonik’s production site in Antwerp, Belgium, it also produces a hydrogen peroxide product which is used a parasiticide against sea lice.
