Industrial biomanufacturing technology leader Genomatica (Geno) has entered into a new partnership with Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz) to significantly accelerate the commercialization of plant-based nylon-6 based on Geno’s underlying proprietary technology.

Sojitz has made a strategic financial investment to accelerate time-to-market, while also contributing its commercial and business expertise.

Nylon-6 is one of the most widely used materials in the world. Traditionally produced from fossil-derived carbon sources or recycled materials, it can be found in a broad range of everyday products including outdoor gear, apparel, military materials, and automotive components. Geno’s proprietary technology enables 100% renewable carbon-based nylon-6.

“At Sojitz, we believe real progress comes from challenging the status quo. Geno has been a leader in industrial biomanufacturing, continuously striving for innovation, and we look forward to working together with Geno to actively reshape the future of this sector with materials that are both commercially viable and globally responsible,” said Mitsutoshi Takagi, General Manager of Environment and Life Science Department at Sojitz.

“The Chemicals Division is actively promoting the development and trade of bio-based chemicals. Leveraging our expertise and global network, Sojitz will further accelerate the development of the world’s first plant-based nylon-6 business.”

“Through this collaboration with Sojitz, we’re advancing our mission to enable cost-competitive production of plant-based nylon-6 at industrial scale. This material will be a drop-in replacement for nylon-6 that has traditionally been produced from petroleum-based feedstocks,” said John Gugel, CEO of Geno.

“Our collaboration with Sojitz and our other existing partners aims to accelerate commercialization of Geno’s breakthrough technology to provide consumers, and the major brands who serve them, with high-performance materials that are produced from traceable and renewable sources of carbon.”