Algenesis Labs, a leader in sustainable materials science, recently announced the commissioning of its Bio-Iso pilot plant. This facility produces the world’s first 100% biogenic carbon isocyanate made entirely from plants, representing a groundbreaking innovation in polyurethane chemistry.
Unlike traditional isocyanates derived from petroleum and manufactured using highly toxic phosgene, Bio-Iso is created from plant-based dicarboxylic acids. Its production process does not involve phosgene, making it safer and more environmentally responsible. The process is both modular and scalable, setting new standards for performance, safety, and sustainability in the industry.
For decades, the global plastics industry has relied heavily on fossil fuel-based isocyanates, which contribute to environmental harm and involve hazardous manufacturing processes. Bio-Iso offers a new solution that matches the performance of petroleum-based isocyanates while eliminating fossil carbon and phosgene from the supply chain entirely.
Dr. Stephen Mayfield, CEO of Algenesis Labs, explained, “This isn’t just a greener alternative. Bio-Iso represents a fundamental shift in how we think about polyurethane production.” He added that, when combined with their Soleic® polyol, Bio-Iso enables the creation of a 100% biobased thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), validated through ASTM D6866-24 analysis by Beta Analytic. This new material is fully circular, sustainable, and does not compromise durability or performance.
Bio-Iso™ is the foundation for a new class of plant-based polyurethanes that help manufacturers meet increasing regulatory and consumer demands for safer, eco-friendly materials. It enables the industry to align product development with global sustainability goals, reducing environmental impact significantly.
Algenesis is actively scaling up the Bio-Iso™ process at its San Diego facility and seeks strategic partners to support global industrial-scale commercialization. These partnerships may include financial, technical, engineering, or operational collaborations, with early partners gaining priority access to Bio-Iso™ materials and options for future volume.
