Covestro and Genomatica Partner to Produce Plant-Based HMDA
LEVERKUSEN, Germany/SAN DIEGO — Material manufacturer Covestro and biotechnology pioneer Genomatica have teamed up to successfully produce significant volumes of a plant-based version of the chemical raw material HMDA (hexamethylenediamine).
HMDA, with a worldwide market of 2 million tons per year, is a key ingredient for a widely-used type of nylon (nylon-6,6), as well as an important component for raw materials for coatings and adhesives from Covestro. Up to now, HMDA has been manufactured from fossil feedstocks. Coatings and adhesives can be produced more sustainably thanks to bio-based HMDA, made from renewable feedstocks. Areas of application include automotive, construction, furniture, textiles and fibers.