Renmatix Inc., the leader in affordable cellulosic sugars, announced an investment by the New Energies Division of Total, and the signature of a joint development agreement (JDA) between Total and Renmatix. Under the agreement, Renmatix and Total will utilize Renmatix's proprietary Plantrose process with specific feedstocks to extract sugar for use in production of biobased products of interest to Total. In concert with the investment and research and development projects, Total also joins the Renmatix board of directors.

Existing Renmatix investors, including BASF and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, join Total in the initial tranche of this Series D fundraise.

"Renmatix's technology to extract second-generation sugars from biomass has the potential to significantly benefit cellulosic sugars economics and is one more milestone in Total's efforts to develop sustainable and profitable biomolecules for products of interest to Total," said Bernard Clement, senior vice president of Total New Energies.

The patented Plantrose process uses supercritical water to reduce costs in conversion of biomass to cellulosic sugars, the critical intermediary for second generation biofuels and biochemicals. With faster reactions and no associated consumable-expenses, Renmatix's supercritical hydrolysis economically enables a multitude of renewable process technologies to address the market needs for high volume, low cost, broadly sourced cellulosic sugars that persists today.

"Having a global oil and gas major like Total join our ranks signals the important role cellulosic sugars play in enabling growth of the bioeconomy, and the transformative impact of Plantrose technology. Our licensing business model allows us to work with the pace-setters of the chemical, forestry, and fuels industries – namely BASF, UPM, and now Total," said Renmatix CEO Mike Hamilton. "Total's investment, partnership, and leadership are integral links in helping Renmatix redefine the economics of second generation sugars that will fuel profitable biorefineries."