A world first! Toray Develops 100% Bio-based Adipic Acid

On August 24, Toray Industries, Inc. announced that for the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing 100% bio-based adipic acid from sugar derived from inedible biomass. This is the raw material for PA66, and the process uses a proprietary synthesis technology that combines the company's microbial fermentation technology with chemical purification using separation membranes.

Commercial production by 2030

In recent years, pressure to develop environmentally friendly PA66 has increased, and there is a growing awareness of the need to achieve a sustainable society. Conventional chemical synthesis of adipic acid generates the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide.

Toray uses reverse osmosis separation membranes to concentrate the intermediates in the purification process. This method is more energy efficient than other methods that do not use these membranes. This bioadipic acid production technology does not emit nitrous oxide like the petroleum-derived adipic acid production process, and is expected to help combat global warming.

In addition, Toray is developing a process to make sugar from crop straw and other inedible biomass. The sugar obtained from this process can be used as a raw material for the preparation of bio-based adipic acid. As a result, Toray will establish a complete supply chain to produce chemicals from inedible biomass, paving the way for a circular economy.

Toray Industries will test the polymerization of PA66, develop production technologies, conduct market research, and commercialize this bio-based adipic acid production route around 2030.