US biotechnology company Genomatica (San Diego, California; www.genomatica.com) and Italian polyamide producer Aquafil (Arco; www.aquafil.com) have announced a multi-year agreement to create sustainable caprolactam. The partners intend to develop Genomatica’s “Geno CPL” technology at commercial-scale to produce caprolactam from plant-based renewable feedstocks.

Genomatica’s aim is to make caprolactam in an environmentally friendly way and with better economics, including for smaller-scale plants. The US company said that its bio-based product will have a performance that is fully comparable to its oil-derived counterpart and will not require polyamide manufacturers to adjust their machinery or processes. Caprolactam is used in a variety of PA-based products including carpets and clothing and has a global market of more than 5m t/y, according to the companies.

Aquafil launched its “Econyl” regeneration system in 2011 to produce PA from 100% regenerated waste. The company currently supplies Econyl as a sustainable alternative to various global sportswear, fashion, luxury and carpet brands.