HEERLEN, Netherlands Antilles — DSM, a Dutch chemical and materials company, plans to release a greener version of a chemical used in polymers, resins, food and pharmaceuticals later this year.

The company is working in a version of succinic acid that is derived from plant starch instead of oil or gas, according to the Financial Times. DSM accounts for 10-15 percent of global production of succinic acid.

DSM is piloting the greener chemical development with Roquette, a company that converts vegetables into raw materials, and plans to have the plant-based succinic acid ready for release in December.

Although it will initially cost slightly more than oil-derived succinic acid, it will be economically competitive when oil is more than $100 per barrel, according to the company.

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Depending on how the pilot program plays out, the company will decide whether or not to build a full-scale factory for the greener succinic acid next year.

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