Emeryville, Calif.-based biotechnology firm Amyris Inc. has signed a collaboration agreement with Japan-based resin and polymer manufacturer Kuraray Co. Ltd. to develop innovative polymers made from Amyris’ biobased farnesene, Biofene, as a replacement for petroleum-based feedstocks such as butadiene and isoprene in the production of specified classes of high-performance polymers.

“We are very excited to partner with Amyris, a leading renewable products company, to develop innovative polymer products with Biofene,” said Yasuhiro Yamamoto, director and senior executive officer of Kuraray. “We are confident the new Biofene polymer products will become important additions to our product portfolio and be an integral part of our growth strategy.”

Upon successful completion of the technical development program for the first polymer, Amyris and Kuraray will enter into a supply agreement for Kuraray’s exclusive use of Biofene in the manufacturing and commercialization of the polymer products. Information as to when Amyris would begin supplying its Biofene to Kuraray, at what capacity it would be used and at what location it would be integrated in couldn’t be verified.

“We are committed to bringing innovative, high-performing and sustainable products to the polymers market,” said John Melo, CEO of Amyris. “Partnering with an industry leader like Kuraray allows us to expand the use of Biofene to produce high-performance polymers as well as strengthen our timely and successful route to market.”