Asahi Kasei to accelerate trials for commercialization of polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediate

March 16, 2022

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Asahi Kasei Corp.

Asahi Kasei to accelerate trials for commercialization of polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediate

Strategic partnership with U.S.-based Genomatica for bio-HMD

 

Asahi Kasei has formed a strategic partnership with Genomatica, Inc., regarding hexamethylenediamine (HMD) based on biomass-derived raw material (bio-HMD).

 

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Currently, we are developing polyamide 66 ^(※1) (commonly known as PA66 or nylon 66), an engineering plastic made from fossil fuel-derived HMD, which has excellent heat resistance, strength, and stiffness We are also developing a product under our trademark "LEONA™."). Polyamide 66 is used in a wide range of applications, including resin parts for automobiles and electronic products, and base fabrics for airbags, and global demand is expected to continue to increase. Meanwhile, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, there is a growing societal demand to reduce GHG emissions from chemical products derived from fossil fuels, and there is growing interest in solutions to this problem.

 

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As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, attention is increasingly focused on solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from chemical products derived from fossil fuels. The strategic alliance with Genomatica provides Asahi Kasei with preferential rights to access the early volume of bio-HMD to evaluate the possibility as a feedstock of polyamide 66, enabling Asahi Kasei to accelerate trials of polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediate. Genomatica has an established track record of commercializing manufacturing technology for various chemical products using biotechnology. By using this bio-HMD with its own polyamide 66 polymerization technology, Asahi Kasei aims to support its goal to be first-to-market with more sustainable polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediate for the automotive and electronics application of plastics components and industrial fiber.

Asahi Kasei moreover expects that this use of biotechnology will contribute to reaching its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while also alleviating the environmental burden throughout the life cycle of customers’ products.

Asahi Kasei will continue to strive for adoption of biomass-derived intermediates for its engineering plastics in addition to polyamide 66, while proactively utilizing recycled material, aiming to be a global sustainable partner for its customers.

Please also see the joint press release, by Asahi Kasei and Genomatica, describing this relationship 
(link).

 

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• ■ About Genomatica

Genomatica is harnessing biology to remake widely used products and materials built by and for the planet. The company is developing and scaling sustainable materials used across key industries that are derived from plant- or waste-based feedstocks instead of fossil fuels, helping brands and their supply chains deliver on their climate goals and transparency objectives. Genomatica has already commercialized sustainable materials used in plastics and cosmetics, and is working on plant-based nylon, household cleaners and more. To learn more, visit genomatica.com.​

 

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*1 The main types of polyamide are polyamide 66 and polyamide 6, which have different chemical structures. With superior heat resistance and strength, polyamide 66 is widely used in industrial applications such as automotive and electronics. Polyamide 6 is widely used as apparel fiber.

• ■  Engineering Plastics at Asahi Kasei
  https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/en/

• ■  Sustainability at Asahi Kasei
  https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/

 

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