Sarnia-Lambton Lands BioAmber's BioSuccinic Acid Plant
As Region's Hybrid Chemistry Cluster Continues to Grow

SARNIA, ON –The announcement by BioAmber Inc. that it will build its first North American biosuccinic acid plant in Sarnia-Lambton further strengthens the region's development as a world-scale hybrid chemistry cluster. The plant will have an initial capacity of 17,000 MT and will be commissioned in 2013. It will generate 150 construction jobs and 40 full-time jobs initially.

"This is another major step in building a global hybrid chemistry cluster right here in Sarnia-Lambton," said Dr. Murray McLaughlin, President and CEO of the Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (SCA). "The decision to build this plant in Canada and specifically in this region was the result of a cohesive community effort that included municipal, provincial and federal governments along with economic development, agriculture and other organizations and individuals." The SCA provided the first commitment to financial support for this Canadian project of BioAmber.

"The transformation of the petrochemical industry in Sarnia to a bio-hybrid chemical cluster will create significant economic opportunities for the development of new markets and new products that are better, cheaper and safer for our health and the environment," said Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello. "And it will help move Ontario's clean agenda forward, while creating jobs to strengthen our economy and help our families."

Jean-Francois Huc, CEO of BioAmber, commented on the plant announcement made Aug. 29 at the University of Western Ontario Research Park, Sarnia-Lambton Campus: "Sarnia has tremendous potential as a sustainable chemistry cluster. The unique combination of chemical infrastructure, skilled labor, educational facilities, competitive transportation costs and proximity to some of Canada's richest agricultural land make Sarnia an excellent choice." He added: "The provincial and federal programs in place have put Ontario and Canada at the forefront of sustainable development. They are in a strong position to compete globally for foreign investment by renewable chemical and material companies, and these programs were instrumental in BioAmber's decision to invest in Sarnia."

Don McCabe, Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Vice-Chair of the Bioindustrial Innovation Centre in Sarnia, said the agricultural community welcomes industry investment in Ontario. "Establishment of a new industry requiring agricultural feedstock coming from Ontario farmers is tremendous news and provides an opportunity for Ontario farmers to prosper. The sustainable practices that we employ here will ensure long-term feedstock supplies while maintaining the quality of our agricultural environment."

Selection of the site was made through BioAmber subsidiary Bluewater Biochemicals Inc. and permitting work began in June, 2011. Succinic acid is a renewable, non-toxic specialty chemical that can be used to produce automotive parts, coffee cup lids, food ingredients, construction materials and a wide variety of other products. BioAmber also plans to produce 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) on the site.

About BioAmber Inc.
A renewable chemistry company, BioAmber (www.bio-amber.com) is committed to the development and commercialization of bio-based succinic acid and derivatives, including modified PBS, a biodegradable plastic. The company has offices and research labs in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an office in Montreal, Quebec, a sales office in Shanghai, China and a 3,000 MT production plant in Pomacle, France.

About the SCA
The Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (www.suschemalliance.ca) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2008 to promote growth and prosperity by fostering and supporting innovation, development, commercialization and related business activities and projects in the area of green and sustainable chemistry. SCA is supported by the Bioindustrial Innovation Centre, a Centre of Excellence for Commercialization of Research with funding from the Government of Canada.

Photos: