Cargill and HELM to build commercial-scale biobased BDO plant in USA using Genomatica’s technology

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Type of post: NEWS.

Cargill and HELM have established a joint venture (Qore) focused on producing 1,4-butanediol (BDO) under the brand QIRA. As part of the agreement, both companies are investing a combined 300 M$ to build the first biobased BDO plant in USA. Qore has licensed Genomatica’s BDO process technology.
Press releases:
Related posts:
- “Biobased 1,4-butanediol (BDO)”, 01/06/2021.

Figure 1. Made biologically through the fermentation of plant-based sugars, QIRA can save up to 93% of greenhouse gas emissions when replacing today’s widely used chemical intermediates made from traditional fossil sources. QIRA can be used the same way as its chemical counterpart but with significantly better environmental performance. For example, QIRA can be used for making spandex and other polyester-based chemical fibers as well as biodegradable plastics, polyurethane coatings, sealants and artificial leathers, thereby improving their environmental footprint.

Cargill and HELM plan to build the production facility at Cargill’s existing biotechnology campus and corn refining operation in Eddyville (Iowa). The plant will be completed and operating in 2024 to meet the demanding specification of product supply chains. Qore has licensed Genomatica’s BDO process technology and is using Cargill’s global feedstock supply and fermentation manufacturing expertise to initially produce and distribute an expected 65 ktons per year minimally of QIRA. HELM will work with brand owners, original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers to incorporate QIRA into their respective products.

Genomatica has provided the latest generation of its proprietary GENO BDO process along with a complete process design package and technology services, receiving license fees and royalties in exchange. In addition to the Novamont facility in Bottrighe (Italy), this project represents the second large-scale commercial plant set to be powered by Genomatica’s technology.

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