Investment could provide opportunities for Indiana corn growers

By Amie Simpson 

A project planned for Lafayette, Ind., will consume approximately 42,000 bushels of corn per day. This is equivalent to 232 acres of production each day or more than 82,000 per year. 

“We are always looking for ways to add value and drive new demand for Indiana corn, and this project would be a great win in that regard,” said Ben Forsythe, Indiana Corn Marketing Council Sustainability and Value Creation Innovation Director. “We’ve had the opportunity to meet with the Primient and Sustainia teams over the last year and we are excited to help them see the project through.” 

Sustainea Bioglycols, an innovative company focused on manufacturing sustainable plant-based chemicals with a low-carbon footprint, has announced plans to invest $400 million in Lafayette, Ind. The company will work closely with Primient, a local producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. 

Sustainea will ultimately convert corn-based dextrose precursors provided by Primient into Bio-MEG (monoethlene glycol), a chemical intermediate used in everyday products from bottles and food containers to footwear and more. The renewable feedstock will reduce the need for traditional fossil-based plastics. It integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing and recycling processes without compromising performance or functionality. 

“Investing in Lafayette allows us to do more than build this innovative technology, it means strengthening Indiana’s agricultural markets, creating new opportunities for local corn growers, and contributing to the state’s thriving agbioscience economy,” said Gustavo Sergi, CEO at Sustainea. 

“Together with our partners, we are proud to position Indiana at the forefront of innovation in chemistry and also excited to see Indiana and United States of America becoming the cradle of the global transition toward sustainable and competitive packaging, textiles and apparel.” 

Primient added that the area’s strong agricultural base will help production. 

“Partnering with Sustainea allows us to leverage locally grown corn to reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics, delivering real value to farmers, businesses and consumers alike,” said Travis Montoya, Lafayette Plant Manager for Primient. “Our team in Lafayette is uniquely positioned to support this investment with high-quality, low-carbon dextrose and a strong agricultural base — helping increase demand for Indiana corn and support growth in the regional economy.” 

Sustainea said it plans to create up to 190 new, high-wage jobs in the coming years to support its growth. Production is slated to begin in 2028. 

“Sustainea’s investment in Indiana creates opportunity for new innovation, partnership and rural economic growth,” said Megan DeVelvis, senior director of growth at AgriNovus Indiana. “We look forward to welcoming them to our agbioscience ecosystem, championing their story and watching their business thrive.”