Bayer MaterialScience (BMS, Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayerbms.com) has signed an agreement with BioAmber (Plymouth, Minnesota / USA; www.bio-amber.com) for supply of bio-succinic acid for the new “Impranil” range of bio-based polyurethanes it has begun commercialising for textile applications.

The German group’s new bio-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions developed for the sportswear/footwear, automotive and fashion industries have a renewable content of as much as 65%. BMS said the performance of the renewable material matches the high level of conventional products, and the bio-based raw materials can be used without reformulation.

According to BioAmber, using bio-succinic acid in place of adipic acid lends unique properties to products in applications such as synthetic leather, wood and metal coatings, elastomers and foams. The US company estimates current adipic acid use in polyurethanes at 25% of the 3m t/y global market, equivalent to 750,000 t of annual consumption. The market is poised for rapid growth as manufacturers seek to increase the renewable content in their products, it said.

In March of this year, BioAmber began commissioning its new 30,000 t/y bio-succinic acid plant at Sarnia, Ontario / Canada, with commercial operation set to begin in Q3. The company has already signed supply agreements with a number of international customers – see Plasteurope.com of 10.03.2015.