National Press Release

Biochemical delivery marks major milestone in revolutionary technology for renewable alternative to isoprene for rubber manufacture.

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S announced the first transfer of BioIsoprene(TM) product to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

BioIsoprene(TM) product is based on a revolutionary technology providing an alternative to petrochemically derived isoprene, a key intermediate for synthetic rubber production.

Joe McAuliffe, Staff Research Scientist at Genencor, handed four containers of the clear liquid to Dave Benko (Director of Materials Research and Development at Goodyear) at Genencor's Palo Alto research facility. "This is a historical moment, after substantial research on this technology," said Rich LaDuca, Senior Director of Business Development at Genencor. "It signifies a new era in biochemicals. We're excited to be ushering in a future where tires and many other products will be produced with renewable materials."

Genencor and Goodyear first announced their research collaboration on the technology and integrated production system for BioIsoprene(TM) product in September 2008.

BioIsoprene(TM) product is derived from renewable raw materials, and represents a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries. Aside from synthetic rubber for tire production, traditional isoprene is used for the production of a wide range of products, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives. Thus, the potential for BioIsoprene(TM) product is substantial.

"This is one more step toward a new era where biorefineries will take in biomass and turn out a number of valuable materials, from biofuels and other biochemicals to bioplastics," says Philippe Lavielle, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Genencor. "It signals that we're not just breaking boundaries in technology, but providing real-world alternatives and solutions to the biobased economy.

Goodyear shares Genencor's vision of lessening industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain.

"As we outlined in 2008, we believe it's important to look at alternative renewable raw materials in our production processes," says Jesse Roeck, Director, Global Materials Science at Goodyear. "We chose to work with Genencor based on our strategy of Open Innovation and because they are one of the leaders in industrial biotechnology."

The two organizations collaborate on designing an integrated production system for BioIsoprene(TM) product, and are on schedule to meet both technological and commercial milestones within the agreement. Commercial availability of the product is planned for 2013.

To download high resolution photos of the hand-over, please go to Genencor's website at www.genencor.com/bioisoprene.

About Genencor

Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and a pioneer in enzyme innovation. Genencor improves process and product performance for a spectrum of industries, from biofuels and laundry detergents to animal nutrition and food. As part of a large global organization, Genencor has a manufacturing and distribution network that spans more than 40 countries. In collaboration with customers, technology leaders and other stakeholders, Genencor supplies competitive, biobased solutions. These innovations create value throughout the supply chain, from raw material to finished product. For more information about BioIsoprene(TM) and Genencor, go to www.genencor.com/bioisoprene.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Fortune magazine named Goodyear the World's Most Admired Motor Vehicle Parts Company in its 2008 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. The publication ranked Goodyear No. 1 in innovation, people management, use of assets and global orientation. The company is also listed on Forbes magazine's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and CRO magazine's ranking of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Goodyear employs about 75,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

SOURCE Genencor