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Braskem Joins Amyris and Michelin to Accelerate the Industrialization and Commercialization of Renewable Isoprene

EMERYVILLE, Calif and SAO PAULO, Brazil and CLERMONT-FERRAND, France, Sept. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amyris (Nasdaq:AMRS), Braskem (NYSE:BAK) and Michelin (EPA:ML) announced today that Braskem is joining the ongoing collaboration between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated to develop and commercialize renewable isoprene, sourced from various biomass as an additional sustainable pathway to produce isoprene.

Under the terms of the agreement, Braskem, Michelin and Amyris will work together to develop a technology to utilize plant sugars, such as those found in Brazilian sugarcane or cellulosic feedstocks, to produce renewable isoprene. Adding the expertise of Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas and global leader in the production of biopolymers, Amyris and Michelin will accelerate the industrialization of renewable isoprene.

Amyris will share its rights to commercialize the renewable isoprene technology developed under this collaboration with Braskem. Michelin will maintain certain preferential, but not exclusive, access to the renewable isoprene to be produced by this technology. The companies will not disclose details of the agreement, including the financial contributions of each party.

This joint project, with Amyris and Braskem, will give Michelin an additional sustainable sourcing channel for poly-isoprene for the production of quality tires, providing a high-performance, environmentally responsible material.

"With this new partnership, we join forces with Amyris and Michelin in the development of an innovative technology that strengthens our commitment to improve people's lives, creating solutions through sustainable chemistry," said Luciano Guidolin, Vice President for Polyolefins and Renewables of Braskem. With a proven track record in leading research in sustainable chemistry, Braskem has already an experience in the development of 100% renewable polyethylene.

"Braskem is an ideal partner to join our isoprene project with Michelin. They bring the right expertise and share in our commitment to transform the chemical industry through sustainable product innovation and superior performance," said John Melo, President & CEO of Amyris. "Amyris has led the way in producing long-chain hydrocarbon molecules via fermentation, from anti-malarial drug precursors to long-chain hydrocarbon molecules used in cosmetic emollients and even fuels.Building on the success of this proven technology to produce tailored hydrocarbons, we are revolutionizing the way products are made, one molecule at a time," concluded Melo.

"We are pleased to have a strong industrial partner join our ongoing collaboration with Amyris. Braskem's chemical industry experience, coupled with Amyris's biotechnology expertise, will support Michelin's goal of addressing the long-term needs of the tire industry for sustainable sourcing with renewable chemicals," said Jean-Christophe Guerin, Head of the Materials Division of Michelin.

About the Companies

Amyris is an integrated renewable products company focused on providing sustainable alternatives to a broad range of petroleum-sourced products. Amyris uses its industrial bioscience technology platform to convert plant sugars into a variety of hydrocarbon molecules -- flexible building blocks that can be used in a wide range of products. Amyris is commercializing these products both as No Compromise® renewable ingredients in cosmetics, flavors and fragrances, polymers, lubricants and consumer products, and also as No Compromise renewable diesel and jet fuel. Amyris Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Amyris, oversees the establishment and expansion of Amyris's production in Brazil. More information about Amyris is available at www.amyris.com.

Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and the world's leading biopolymers producer, manufacturing green polyethylene from sugarcane-based ethanol. With 36 industrial plants in Brazil, the United States and Germany, the company produces over 35 billion pounds of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemicals per year, creating more environmental-friendly, intelligent and sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics that improve people's lives. More information about Braskem is available at www.braskem.com

Michelin, the leading tire company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 111,200 employees and operates 67 production plants in 17 different countries. The Group has a Technology Center in charge of research and development with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. More information about Michelin is available at www.michelin.com.

Amyris Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, and any statements other than statements of historical facts could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding future events (such as the anticipated benefits of a collaboration and the development of renewable isoprene) that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management's current expectations and actual results and future events may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including those associated with any delays or failures in development, production and commercialization of products, liquidity and ability to fund capital expenditures, Amyris's reliance on third parties to achieve its goals, and other risks detailed in the "Risk Factors" section of Amyris's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2014. Amyris disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Amyris, the Amyris logo and No Compromise are trademarks or registered trademarks of Amyris, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


 
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