Asahi Kasei has formed a strategic partnership with Genomatica to develop biomass-derived hexamethylenediamine (HMD).

Asahi currently uses fossil fuel-derived HMD as an intermediate to manufacture its Leona polyamide 6.6, an engineering plastic featuring outstanding heat resistance and rigidity.

Polyamide 6.6 is used for plastic parts in automotive and electronics applications, as well as in yarns for airbag fabric, and demand for it is growing worldwide.

The strategic alliance provides Asahi Kasei with preferential rights to access early volumes of bio-HMD to evaluate its possibility as a feedstock fibre polyamide 6.6, and accelerate trials using the biomass-derived intermediate.

Genomatica has an established track record of commercialising manufacturing technology for various chemical products using biotechnology. By using this bio-HMD with its own polyamide 6.6 polymerization technology, Asahi Kasei aims to support its goal to be first-to-market with more sustainable polyamide 6.6.

www.genomatica.com

www.asahi-kasei.com