Geno Partners With Sojitz Corporation to Accelerate Commercialization of World's First Plant-Based Nylon 6

On October 7, Genomatica, a leading company in industrial biomanufacturing technology, announced a new partnership with Sojitz Corporation, aimed at significantly accelerating plant-based production based on Geno's proprietary technology.Nylon 6The commercialization process. Sojitz Corporation accelerates the product launch cycle through strategic financial investment and contributes its commercial operation expertise.

Nylon 6 is one of the most widely used materials in the world. The traditional production methods of Nylon 6 rely on fossil-derived carbon sources or recycled materials, and it is widely used in everyday products such as outdoor gear, apparel, military materials, and automotive components. Geno's proprietary technology enables the production of 100% renewable carbon-based Nylon 6.

Mitsutoshi Takagi, General Manager of the Environment & Life Sciences Division at Sojitz Corporation, stated: "We firmly believe that true progress comes from breaking through the status quo. Geno has always been an innovative pioneer in the field of industrial biomanufacturing, and we look forward to reshaping the future of the industry with new materials that combine commercial value and global responsibility through our collaboration with Geno. Sojitz Corporation is actively promoting...Biological base"The research and trade of chemical products, leveraging our expertise and global network, will accelerate the creation of the world's first plant-based nylon 6 industrial system."

John Gugel, CEO of Geno, stated: "Through collaboration with Sojitz Corporation, we are advancing our mission to produce plant-based nylon 6 at an industrial scale in a cost-competitive manner. This material will serve as a direct replacement for nylon 6 traditionally made from petroleum-based raw materials. Our collaboration with Sojitz Corporation and other existing partners aims to accelerate the commercialization breakthrough of Geno technology, providing high-performance materials made from traceable and renewable carbon sources to major brands serving consumers."

Geno plans to form an industry alliance with leading companies and jointly establish a landmark commercial factory independent operating entity with Sojitz Corporation.

Geno and Aquafil have successfully collaborated to produce 100% renewable plant-based nylon 6 and will continue operating a pre-commercial plant to validate bioprocess technology and evaluate material performance. Several tons of mass-produced materials will be tested in existing nylon 6 application scenarios. Previous application cases include the partnership with lululemon for the 2023 Earth Day themed promotional campaign, and end products from brands like H&M and Vaude presented through the "Project Effective" initiative.

Plant-based nylon 6 is just one of the product lines that Geno is advancing on the road to industrial scale commercialization. Geno has also invented, expanded, and designed the GENO™ Bio-BDO process, which is currently being used by Qore at its new renewable BDO production facility in Iowa, USA. Qore, a joint venture formed by Cargill and HELM, is the world's largest production base of GENO™ Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol), and it will help leading brands replace their fossil-based chemicals with more sustainable plant-based alternatives. Through collaboration with Geno, the Hyosung Group is constructing the world's first full-process production base for bio-based spandex from renewable raw materials to fibers.