Qore, a joint venture of Minnesota-based Cargill and Germany-based chemical company Helm, has started production of QIRA, the world’s first large-scale renewable butanediol (BDO) made from locally grown dent corn. QIRA is derived from annually renewable crops and is an alternative to a fossil-derived equivalent used in the manufacture of consumer goods.

The $300 million facility, announced in 2021, is set to produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site. Qore officials say the operation is a major step forward in meeting global demand for more sustainable materials in everyday consumer products.

“Qore is able to leverage the deep agricultural network and world-class fermentation technology expertise from Cargill and Helm’s global market reach to bring QIRA to life,” Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore, stated in a press release. “By providing a reliable, renewable, and transparent feedstock, QIRA helps global manufacturers and brands implement identical materials that reduce reliance on oversea supply chains, bringing more transparency to their product portfolios.”

Dent corn used at the facility is grown by farmers using regenerative agricultural practices that will enable greater transparency and traceability in the supply chain, according to the company.

“This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world. Now, thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Qore’s bio-based BDO, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds stated.

QIRA is an identical replacement to fossil-derived BDO and can readily drop in to manufacturing processes across multiple industries including fashion, footwear, beauty and personal care, automotive and electronics and packaging, a news release said.

Spandex-maker Lycra Co. and chemical company BASF are planning to incorporate QIRA into production to reduce their carbon footprints.