Top 10 Companies in the Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market (2026): Driving the Shift to Renewable Nylon and Polyurethanes

In Business Insights
February 03, 2026

The Global Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market was valued at USD 1.21 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.54 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by stringent environmental regulations, the global push for sustainability in the polymer industry, and increasing demand for bio-based alternatives from major end-use sectors like automotive, textiles, and packaging.

As the chemical industry pivots towards a circular economy, bio-based adipic acid is emerging as a critical building block for sustainable polymers. Derived from renewable feedstocks instead of petroleum, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint of products like nylon 6,6, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market—a dynamic mix of established chemical giants, innovative biotech firms, and specialized producers leading the charge toward a greener chemical landscape.

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Certified Bio-based Adipic Acid (part of Ultramid® ECO portfolio)

BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical producers, is a major force in the transition to bio-based chemicals. The company integrates bio-based adipic acid into its engineering plastics, offering solutions with a reduced carbon footprint for the automotive and electronics industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of adipic acid from renewable raw materials

  • Commitment to carbon-neutral growth until 2030

  • Investment in R&D for new bio-based production pathways


9️⃣ 2. Verdezyne, Inc. (Acquired by BASF)

Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, USA
Key Offering: Bio-adipic acid via proprietary yeast fermentation

Verdezyne was a pioneering biotechnology company that developed a patented yeast-based fermentation process to produce adipic acid from plant-based oils and sugars. Its acquisition by BASF significantly accelerated the chemical giant’s capabilities in bio-based monomers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary yeast platform for efficient bio-conversion

  • Focus on non-food competing feedstocks


8️⃣ 3. Rennovia Inc.

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA
Key Offering: Catalytic process technology for bio-adipic acid and glucaric acid

Rennovia developed innovative catalytic chemical processes to produce adipic acid from renewable feedstocks like glucose. Although the company ceased independent operations, its technology and intellectual property continue to influence the field through its assets and patents.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Catalytic technology aimed at lower cost and lower emissions

  • Focus on creating a competitive advantage for bio-based chemicals


7️⃣ 4. Asahi Kasei Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Bio-based Leona™ nylon 6,6 (using bio-adipic acid)

Asahi Kasei is a leading global manufacturer of chemicals and fibers. The company produces Leona™, a nylon 6,6 resin, and has been actively developing a sustainable version that incorporates bio-based adipic acid, targeting applications in automotive components and electronics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of supply chains for bio-adipic acid

  • Aiming for reduced environmental impact across its product portfolio

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Sustainable high-performance plastics using bio-based intermediates

Lanxess, a specialty chemicals company, is heavily invested in sustainable solutions. While traditionally a consumer of adipic acid for its engineering plastics, the company is increasingly focusing on incorporating bio-based and recycled content to meet customer demand for eco-friendly materials.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Climate-neutral target for 2040

  • Active participation in value chain collaborations for bio-based raw materials


5️⃣ 6. Invista

Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
Key Offering: Adiponitrile, Hexamethylenediamine (HDMA), and nylon 6,6 polymers

INVISTA is a global leader in the production of intermediates for nylon 6,6. The company holds key proprietary technologies for adipic acid production and is exploring pathways to integrate bio-based feedstocks into its manufacturing processes to offer more sustainable nylon solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous improvement in production efficiency and emission reduction

  • R&D focused on next-generation, sustainable production technologies


4️⃣ 7. Ascend Performance Materials

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Nylon 6,6 resins, compounds, and fibers

As a major integrated producer of nylon 6,6, Ascend Performance Materials is critically positioned in the adipic acid value chain. The company has publicly committed to sustainability goals and is evaluating bio-based and circular feedstock options to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 80% by 2030

  • Investment in recycling and circular economy projects


3️⃣ 8. Genomatica

Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Key Offering: Bio-based chemical process technology (including for hexamethylenediamine – HMDA)

Genomatica is a leader in bioengineering, developing industrial-scale processes to make widely-used chemicals from renewable feedstocks. While focused on HMDA (a key co-monomer for nylon), their platform technology has significant implications for the entire bio-based nylon 6,6 value chain, including adipic acid.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Partnerships with major brands (e.g., Lululemon, Asahi Kasei) to create renewable materials

  • Scaling proven fermentation processes for direct sugar-to-chemical production


2️⃣ 9. BioAmber Inc. (Sustained Legacy)

Headquarters: Montreal, Canada (Historical)
Key Offering: Bio-succinic acid, with development work on bio-adipic acid

BioAmber was a pioneer in commercializing bio-based succinic acid and had advanced plans to produce bio-adipic acid as a downstream product. Although the company filed for bankruptcy, its Sarnia production facility and technological advancements have influenced subsequent developments in the bio-chemicals sector.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Demonstrated large-scale fermentation production of bio-based intermediates

  • Focus on displacing petroleum-derived chemicals with bio-alternatives


1️⃣ 10. DuPont (Now part of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.)

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Engineered polymers, including sustainable grades of Zytel® nylon

DuPont has a long history of innovation in polymers and materials science. The company offers grades of its Zytel® nylon that utilize renewable content, responding to market demand for sustainable high-performance materials in the automotive and consumer goods industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to incorporating more renewable and recycled content

  • 90% of revenue aligned with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

Get Full Report Here: Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Bio-Based Adipic Acid Is Integrated and Innovative

The bio-based adipic acid market is at a pivotal juncture. While traditional petroleum-based production still dominates, significant investment is flowing into biotechnological and catalytic processes that promise lower carbon emissions and a sustainable supply chain. The success of this transition hinges on cost-competitiveness, scaling production, and building robust feedstock supply chains.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Strategic acquisitions of biotech startups by large chemical companies to accelerate technology adoption

  • Increasing regulatory pressure and corporate sustainability commitments driving demand

  • Advancements in fermentation efficiency and catalyst design lowering production costs

  • Growing consumer preference for products made with renewable materials

Get Full Report Here: Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are not just suppliers of a chemical; they are enablers of a sustainable transformation across multiple global industries, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.