Toray Industries Partners with PTTGC to Spark an Eco-Friendly Nylon Revolution!

Toray Corporation announced on November 10 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (PTTGC). The aim is to study the technology of large-scale production of adipic acid by using non-edible biomass as raw material.

Toray Corporation and PTTGC will work together to conduct feasibility studies on mass production technology and commercialization in Thailand and Japan.

Since 2023, the two companies have been working together to develop Technology, using Cellulosic Biomass Technology Co., Ltd., a Thai subsidiary in which Toray owns 84 percent. The production of non-edible biomass derived sugars, raw materials for the production of nylon 6,6 - muconic acid and bio-based adipic acid.

PTTGC uses its proprietary fermentation technology to quickly convert non-edible sugars into high-yield muconic acid. Toray Corporation produces high purity biobased adipic acid from muconic acid at high yields through its proprietary hydrogenation process. The biobased adipic acid can not only be used as a raw material for nylon 6,6, but also for the production of resins and fibers similar to the petroleum Kinelon 6,6. Crucially, the process does not produce nitrous oxide, a gas that is a byproduct of conventional chemical synthesis to produce adipic acid.

In the future, Toray and PTTGC plan to establish a supply chain in resource-rich Thailand to produce tens of thousands of tons of biobase adipic acid from agricultural waste and promote the production of environmentally friendly nylon 6,6. The aim is to promote the recycling of resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a positive contribution to society.