Recently, technological breakthroughs and capacity expansion of bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) have become one of the most notable trends in the global chemical industry. BDO is a key raw material for producing polyurethane (PU) elastomers, Spandex, and biodegradable plastic PBT, with its traditional production process highly dependent on fossil fuels. Today, technology enterprises represented by Qore, Geno, and domestic Anhui Huaheng Biology are leveraging advanced bio-fermentation technology to mass-produce bio-based BDO using renewable raw materials such as sugar and starch, providing significant carbon reduction value for downstream industries.
Taking a cooperative project as an example, it utilizes patented microbial strains to directly convert plant sugars into BDO. Compared with the petroleum-based route, the product’s carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 93%. This technology achieved stable operation of 10,000-ton-scale capacity in 2023 and successfully secured long-term procurement agreements with multiple polyurethane giants in China. These green BDO products are used to manufacture more sustainable bio-based Spandex and polyurethane shoe materials, meeting the urgent demand for environmentally friendly materials from end brands such as Nike and Adidas.
In terms of market impact, bio-based BDO is not only a supplementary technical route but also a green upgrade of the traditional industrial chain. According to incomplete statistics, the global announced and under-construction bio-based BDO capacity has exceeded 500,000 tons per year. Although its current cost is slightly higher than that of petroleum-based products, driven by policies such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the green premium is being accepted by more and more brand owners. It is foreseeable that with the subsequent capacity release of multiple enterprises, bio-based BDO will profoundly reshape the 100-billion-yuan supply pattern of polyurethane and textile fiber raw materials within the next three years, supported by the continuous optimization of its cost competitiveness.
Post time: Nov-06-2025