Asahi Kasei to accelerate commercialization trials for polyamide 66 production using biomass intermediates

Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational corporation, has entered into a strategic partnership (Bio-based HMD) with Genomatica Corporation on hexamethylenediamine (HMD) based on biomass feedstocks
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Asahi Kasei currently uses fossil fuel-derived HMD as an intermediate to produce Leona™ polyamide 66 (also known as nylon 66), an engineering plastic with excellent heat resistance and rigidity
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Polyamide 66 is used in plastic parts in automotive and electronic applications, as well as in yarns for airbag fabrics
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Global demand for polyamide 66 is expected to increase
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As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, there is a growing focus on solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from chemical products derived from fossil fuels
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The strategic alliance with Genomatica provides Asahi Kasei with priority to obtain early production volumes of bio-based HMDs to evaluate its potential as a polyamide 66 feedstock, enabling Asahi Kasei to accelerate trials of polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediates
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Genomatica has a proven track record in using biotechnology to commercialize manufacturing technologies for various chemical products
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By combining this bio-based HMD with its own polyamide 66 polymerization technology, Asahi Kasei aims to support its goal of being the first to bring to market more sustainable polyamide 66 made using biomass intermediates for automotive and Plastic components and industrial fibers in the electronics sector
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In addition, Asahi Kasei hopes the use of this biotechnology will help achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while also reducing the environmental burden on customers' products throughout their life cycles
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Asahi Kasei will continue its efforts to use biomass-derived intermediates in engineering plastics other than polyamide 66, while actively utilizing recycled materials, aiming to be a global sustainable partner for its customers
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The main types of polyamides are polyamide 66 and polyamide 6, which have different chemical structures
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Polyamide 66 has excellent heat resistance and strength and is widely used in industrial applications such as automotive and electronics
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Polyamide 6 is widely used as clothing fiber
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Various types of Leona™ polyamides: In addition to using HMD-made polyamide 66, polyamide 6I and polyamide 612, Asahi Kasei also makes polyamide 610 using intermediates derived from castor oil
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Asahi Kasei is the only polyamide 66 manufacturer in Asia with fully integrated production from raw materials to resin compounds, offering materials suitable for a variety of needs, from plastic moldings for automotive and electronic applications to airbag yarns and fabrics, and tire cords line
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