Brazil's Cosan Ltd is to partner California's Amyris Inc to produce and distribute bio-derived base oils.
Cosan, the world's third largest sugar producer and fifth largest ethanol manufacturer, has agreed the partnership with Amyris subsidiary, Amyris Brasil, although it will also use Amyris Fuel's US distribution arm.
The joint venture is set to develop, produce and market renewable base oils used for engine, gear and other mechanical lubricants. Initially, Amyris' farnesene product will be used to create base oil from plant sugar. The additive modifies yeast in the sugar to produce specific hydrocarbon molecules which make up the base oil.
Cosan recently announced another joint venture, this time with Shell, which is set to make the company the thire largest fuel distributor in Brazil.
Meanwhile, US and Canadian bio company, Clean Power Concepts, has launched a new line of environmentally positive engine performance lubricants and conditioners. Simply called 'Clean Power', the new brand will initially be marketed through Western Canadian retailers and service stations, with further expansion planned. Clean Power's Saskatchewan operation produces biofuels from a range of oil seeds.