Qore, a joint venture between Cargill, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and HELM AG of Hamburg, Germany, has begun production of QIRA, the world’s first large-scale bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO), at its new facility in Eddyville, Iowa. Announced on July 16, 2025, the plant produces 66,000 metric tons per year of QIRA, derived from locally grown dent corn, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based BDO used in consumer goods manufacturing.

The facility utilizes Geno’s proprietary Bio-BDO process, which converts plant-based sugars from U.S.-grown corn into BDO through a single-step fermentation. This technology, first commercialized in 2016, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil-based BDO production. Sourced primarily within 100 miles of Eddyville, the corn is grown using regenerative agriculture practices that promote soil and ecosystem health, enhancing supply chain traceability and transparency.

Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore, stated: “Qore is able to leverage the deep agricultural network and world-class fermentation technology expertise from Cargill and HELM’s global market reach to bring QIRA to life. By providing a reliable, renewable, and transparent feedstock, QIRA helps global manufacturers and brands implement identical materials that reduce reliance on oversea supply chains, bringing more transparency to their product portfolios.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said: “This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world. Now, thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Qore’s bio-based BDO, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it. I’m grateful to Cargill, HELM, and everyone who helped steward this site from vision to reality. In doing so, they’ve paved the way to stronger markets and more sustainable supply chains.”

QIRA serves as a direct substitute for fossil-based BDO, seamlessly integrating into existing manufacturing processes across industries. Companies like The LYCRA Company are adopting QIRA to produce more sustainable LYCRA fiber, potentially reducing its carbon footprint by up to 44%. BASF SE, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, has also secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate QIRA into its derivatives portfolio.

Steve Kuiper, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer, noted: “By offering a bio-based alternative to fossil-based feedstock, we are empowering brands to reduce their environmental impact and respond to consumer demands for transparency, more sustainable, high-performing products. Our community is proud to play a vital role in making everyday products more sustainable.”

The Eddyville facility represents a significant advancement in sustainable materials, supporting global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while meeting consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.