Sourcing Journal
CovationBio
CovationBio to Shift Focus to Next-Gen BioMaterial Made From Corn
Delaware-based Covation Biomaterials on Wednesday announced that it plans to sell its interest in its Primient Covation business—which produces 100 percent bio-based 1,3 propanediol (BioPDO)—a building block of renewably sourced polyester—as it enters a new era in its business journey.
After the sale, Primient will supply CovationBio with BioPDO under a long-term supply agreement for the creation of Sorona polymer, a partially bio-based fiber used across the apparel and home goods spaces.
The group’s CEO, Steven Ackerman, said Sorona polymer first introduced BioPDO into its business 25 years ago. “As part of our long-term strategy to reaffirm our commitment to new technologies, we’ve identified BioPDO as one part of a larger ecosystem of sustainable materials. This exit allows us to make a deeper investment into the next generation of sustainable material innovations,” he explained.
Amid the change, CovationBio is gearing up to bring its latest product, bioPTMEG, a second-generation polyether glycol derived from corn cobs, to the commercial market later this year.
The material can serve as a more sustainable drop-in alternative to petroleum-based polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). The applications are products that typically use spandex, polyurethanes and thermoplastic elastomers, including athletic and performance clothing as well as elements of footwear, industrial elastics and car parts and accessories.
Ackerman said the solution fits in seamlessly to existing production processes. “As we look ahead, we’re excited about the opportunity to commercialize solutions that reduce friction for our downstream value chain partners as they look to integrate sustainable materials into their production,” he added.