• Genomatica, a US biotech manufacturer of chemicals and materials, has partnered with Covestro, a polymer-based materials supplier, to launch a plant-based replacement for chemical hexamethylenediamine (HMDA).

• HMDA is a chemical raw material that is a primary ingredient used in the production of nylon, coatings, and adhesives and has been conventionally produced using fossil-based feedstock. Genomatica has used its proprietary “GENO HMD'' process technology to use renewable and plant-based feedstocks to produce bio-based HMDA. The new material will have applications in the automotive, construction, furniture, textiles, and fiber industries.

• Genomatica and Covestro have been working together since 2019 to develop the process technology for the production of bio-based materials. According to the partnership, Covestro has secured a deal to license Genomatica’s GENO HMD process for the commercial production bio-based HMDA. Both companies would reportedly be the first to produce significant amounts of the plant-based alternative to HMDA. 

<ul><li> Analyst Quicktake: The Coverstro partnership is another addition to Genomatica’s ever-growing list of partnerships to bring its bio-based materials to market. The most recent ones include that with Cargill and Italian bioplastic maker Novamont for its Bio-BDO (butanediol which is used in plastic) product, and partnerships with European nylon producer, Aquafil, and Canadian athletic apparel retailer, Lululemon for its Bio Nylon product.</ul>