Covation Biomaterials LLC (“CovationBio®”), a Delaware, USA-based biomaterials company and a subsidiary of Huafon Group, is known for its Susterra® and Zemea® bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO) as well as Sorona® polytrimethylene (PTT) polymer portfolio. The company recently launched CovationBio® bioPTMEG (polytetramethylene ether glycol), a drop-in bio-based alternative to petroleum-based PTMEG. Production of CovationBio® bioPTMEG starts with the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF) from furfural, an agricultural waste typically from corn cobs that are considered plentiful in China.

CovationBio is constructing a multi-phase bio-based PTMEG production facility in Jiangsu Province, which will be mechanically completed by the end of 2025. Commercial production is expected to start in Q1 2026.

CovationBio will supply bio-based PTMEG primarily to Huafon Group, which has extensive downstream capabilities for producing polyurethane materials and spandex fibers. Additional bio-based PTMEG volumes will also be offered to third-party customers. The planned facility will produce multiple grades of bio-based PTMEG ranging from 1000 to 2000 molecular weight for use in spandex, polyurethanes, and other elastomeric applications.

A few of the sustainability benefits offered by CovationBio® bioPTMEG include:

• A substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based incumbents;
• A product that is 100% bio-based and obtained from annually renewable resources;
• The use of feedstock such as corncobs, which do not compete with primary food sources;
• A reduced reliance on non-renewable fossil fuel use.
• Drop-in performance to allow the downstream customers to switch to bio-based raw material without major
  process change

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