Geno has announced the start of operations at its new Bio-BDO plant in Eddyville, Iowa. The plant is the largest of its kind globally. It uses Geno’s proprietary biocatalyst and technology to produce 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The process converts U.S.-grown, plant-based sugars into BDO in a single fermentation step.
The facility is operated by Qore, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM. Qore was created to help brands adopt more sustainable, plant-based chemicals. Geno’s licensed technology was first commercialized in 2016. The process replaces fossil fuel inputs with renewable plant feedstocks. It aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent compared to traditional methods.
Geno developed and scaled the Bio-BDO process, which it licenses globally. The technology allows companies to produce high-volume chemicals used in textiles, plastics, and packaging. Geno CEO John Gugel highlighted the environmental benefits. He said the technology reduces the carbon footprint and remains cost-competitive.
Qore invested $300 million in the Iowa plant. The facility produces BDO under the brand QIRA®. BDO is used in many industrial products, including biodegradable packaging and performance textiles. The global BDO market was over three million tons in 2024. Demand is expected to grow past four million tons by 2030.
Geno currently licenses 150,000 tons per year of its Bio-BDO technology. The Iowa plant is the second commercial license. The first is in Italy, and a third is under construction in Vietnam.
