Podari, 28 April 2025
Corden BioChem, a European leader in industrial biotechnology, announces a strategic investment in Romania through the acquisition of a decommissioned bioethanol plant in Podari, Dolj County. This new chapter begins with the restart of production and continues with an ambitious medium and long-term development plan.
Starting 1G Bioethanol Production
Initially, Corden BioChem plans to use the existing infrastructure to produce first-generation (1G) bioethanol, using locally sourced raw materials such as molasses and starch. The estimated initial production capacity will be tens of thousand tons per year. It will also consolidate a team of local specialists and create dozens of new jobs in the region.
The initiative supports compliance with the Romanian fuel suppliers’ obligation to include a minimum share of biofuels in their products, in line with Government Emergency Ordinance (GEO) No. 33/2023, and contributes to reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Innovative Fermentation Products and Expansion of Activities
Apart from bioethanol production, the existing infrastructure enables the use and expansion of technological capacities to introduce additional fermentation products. As such, the development of high-value fermentation products, with applications in industries such as food, animal feed,
consumer products, dietary supplements, and others, becomes possible. Additional investments required for diversifying production are estimated in the double digits range, with the potential to create more than 100 new specialized jobs.
“We are starting here, but the impact will be national and even international”
Following the acquisition and restart of production, Corden BioChem is presenting a long-term vision for the future of biotechnology in Romania.
“This investment means more than restarting a plant – it is about the team , about performance, and about the development of a region that will become a key hub in the green transition. This marks the beginning of a new chapter that will place Dolj on Europe’s energy map. Together, we will
create a success story of innovation, stable jobs, and local resource development. We are starting here, in Podari – but the impact will be national. Restarting bioethanol production is the first step in a strong commitment to sustainability and to the community.” – said Dr. Klaus Pellengahr, Managing Director of Corden BioChem.
A Model of Industrial Conversion and Sustainable Development
The Podari plant represents a replicable model of responsible industrial conversion in Romania, where agricultural tradition meets cutting-edge technology to strengthen national competitiveness in a modern economy. This strategic investment reflects the commitment of Corden BioChem and
its parent company, International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), to sustainable solutions and the shift toward renewable technologies. The initiative aligns with both European and national objectives for promoting biofuels and comes at a pivotal time when the demand for alternative energy sources is increasing, both regionally and across the continent.
Corden BioChem is a leading German-based company specialized in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) of high-quality biotech products. With one of the largest fermentation capacities in Europe and over 70 years of expertise, the company leverages deep know-how in fermentation and downstream processing to deliver essential products – from functional ingredients and fine chemicals to solutions used in the food, feed, technical, and biofuels industries.
As a key player in a sustainable, bio-based economy, Corden BioChem actively supports the transition to green alternatives, offering fermentation-based products that effectively complement traditional fossilbased production methods.
More information is available at cordenbiochem.com.
For more information on ICIG, please visit ic-investors.com.
GERMANY