Asahi partners with U.S. chemicals supplier for plant-based feedstock

TOKYO—Asahi Kasei Corp. will produce hexamethylenediamine (HMD) based on biomass-derived raw material thanks to a strategic partnership with Genomatica Inc.

Asahi currently uses fossil fuel-derived HMD as an intermediate to manufacture its Leona brand polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) engineering plastics and fibers.

Leona filament is widely used as a tire reinforcing material, particularly for aircraft applications, as well as a yarn for automotive air bags.

Under its deal with Genomatica, Asahi will have preferential access to early volumes of bio-HMD to evaluate its potential as a PA6.6 feedstock.

The Japanese group said it aims to be "first-to-market" with more sustainable polyamide 6.6 made using biomass-derived intermediate.

"Genomatica has an established track record of commercializing manufacturing technology for various chemical products using biotechnology," Asahi said in a March 16 statement.

Asahi said it will build upon Genomatica's breakthrough in successfully producing significant volumes of plant-based HMD and apply its technology to make more sustainable materials for use in products like high-temperature automotive parts or electronics.