Genomatica signs a deal with Aquafil to build a demonstration scale facility to produce the “largest quantity of 100% renewable nylon-6 ever available,” according to the company. In response to consumer interest in sustainable products, the material will reportedly go to global brands looking to explore and develop renewable products, create showcase goods and test feedback with customers. The deal is a 50-fold expansion over previous production levels and represents significant acceleration toward commercializing renewably-sourced nylon-6, according to Genomatica.
This multi-year agreement expands a long-standing Genomatica partnership with European nylon producer Aquafil. The two companies teamed up in January 2020 to produce the first ton of bio-nylon-6 precursor at pilot scale, according to the company. Genomatica and Aquafil are reportedly moving directly to a larger than typical demonstration scale to support initial commercial applications by committed brand partners. The first production runs are slated to create 50 tons of bio-nylon for pre-commercial use by Genomatica’s brand partners, with the demonstration plant to continue supporting product needs until commercial scale plants are in operation.
“Bio-nylon is positioned to replace a material that’s used in millions of applications every day,” says Christophe Schilling, Genomatica CEO. “Our research shows that despite health and economic turmoil, 56% of Americans still want brands to prioritize sustainability. With this scale, Genomatica is offering our brand partners a keyway to meet their sustainability objectives, differentiate themselves and meet surging consumer demand.”
Genomatica and Aquafil will work together to implement and refine their respective technology contributions through this demonstration program and create large quantities of bio-nylon. Aquafil will build and operate the downstream operations of the large-scale demonstration plant at its facility in Slovenia, where it will convert Genomatica’s bio-based precursor to commercial-quality bio-nylon-6 yarns, films and engineered plastics. The produced material will be used to develop renewably sourced products, replacing traditional nylon that generates upwards of 60 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to the company. Under this agreement, initial volumes of bio-nylon ingredients will be available in the latter half of 2021.
Genomatica teamed with bioplastics company Novamont to open a commercial plant for bio-based BDO, with a capacity of 30,000 tons annually, which reportedly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to petroleum-based. Genomatica also produces large quantities of Brontide natural butylene glycol, which has reportedly been evaluated by more than 250 formulators and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 51% compared to traditional production. Genomatica says its technology to make bio-nylon precursor was recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions for 2019 and the company’s technologies have won the EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Award three times.
For more information, visit: www.genomatica.com
