Qore, a joint venture of Cargill and HELM, is now officially producing QIRA®, the first large-scale BDO from locally grown dent corn.
QIRA is derived from renewable crops and provides an impactful alternative to fossil-based materials used in consumer goods manufacturing.
The facility will produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA, mainly using corn grown within 100 miles of the site. As the world’s largest of its kind, it advances global efforts for sustainable materials in everyday consumer products.
Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore, said, “We leverage Cargill and HELM’s expertise, creating reliable, renewable feedstock for global manufacturers. QIRA reduces reliance on overseas supply chains, providing transparency, sustainability, and consistency for brands worldwide.”
Iowa farmers practicing regenerative agriculture grow dent corn for QIRA, restoring soil health and supporting sustainable land management practices.
Proximity of feedstock enables greater traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, improving environmental and social accountability.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said, “This step benefits our state, supply chains, and the planet, thanks to QIRA’s innovation and sustainability. Cargill, HELM, and everyone involved have helped turn vision into reality, strengthening markets, supply chains, and environmental sustainability.”
QIRA® can replace fossil-derived BDO across multiple industries, offering sustainable alternatives with the same chemical properties and performance.
In fashion and footwear, QIRA helps reduce environmental impact, providing transparency and sustainability in textile and apparel manufacturing.
In automotive and electronics, QIRA supports advancements in durable, sustainable goods that meet environmental standards.
In packaging, QIRA lowers dependence on fossil plastics derived from petroleum and coal, promoting circular economy practices.
Major companies already adopt QIRA; LYCRA plans to enhance their fibers’ sustainability, reducing carbon footprints by up to 44 percent.
BASF has secured a long-term supply agreement, integrating QIRA into its derivatives portfolio for sustainable chemical production.
