Verdezyne Granted Patent For Biobased Adipic Acid Process

Verdezyne Inc., Carlsbad, Calif., has been granted U.S. Patent No. 8,241,879 for its biobased
adipic acid production process, which uses yeast fermentation to convert non-food plant-based oils
into adipic acid, used in the production of renewably sourced nylon 6,6 (N 6,6), thermoplastic
resins and coatings.

In addition to environmental benefits, biobased adipic acid is expected to offer economic
advantages over traditional petroleum-based adipic acid.

E. William Radany, Ph.D., president and CEO, said Verdezyne has teamed with another company
to polymerize N 6,6 made with biobased adipic acid to produce carpet yarn, and also plans apparel
yarn trials. He said several N 6,6 producers are interested in incorporating biobased adipic acid
into a 50-percent renewable fiber, and noted that Verdezyne is developing a pathway to manufacture
hexamethylenediamine, which would enable production of 100-percent biobased N 6,6.

September/October 2012

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