There is much interest in the use of bio-based succinic acid for the production of biodegradable polymers. Production of Succinic acid through bio-route is the focus of many research programmes in different parts of the world & a number of pilot initiatives are already underway. Genetically modified organism, E.coli is set as benchmark for converting sugar to succinic acid. However, there is not much happening on this front in India.

Lactic acid is already being produced at commercial scale by some International Companies viz. Dow, Cargill and Galaxy. Polylactic acid, one of the key derivatives of lactic acid, holds huge usage potential in biopolymer market. At present, there is no commercial scale production happening for renewable sources based lactic acid in India. Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. with technology transfer from NCL Pune is producing lactic acid at part of their demonstration scale biorefinery in Karnataka.

With increase in production of biodiesel in India, there would be large quantities of glycerol at disposal and refining and selling pharma grade glycerin would not be profitable. Multiple possibilities exist in terms of glycerol derivatives - Propylene glycol, Polyhydroxy-alkanoates (PHAs), 1,3-Propanediol, Glycerol Carbonates, Epichlorohydrin & others. For biodiesel plants in India to remain competitive in long run it is essential to realize value from glycerol based derivatives.