Top 10 Companies in the Bio-Based Adipic Acid Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Chemicals

In Business Insights
January 21, 2026


The Global Bio-Based Adipic Acid Market was valued at USD 689.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.24 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by escalating demand for sustainable nylon 6,6, stringent environmental regulations, and significant advancements in bio-based production technologies utilizing renewable feedstocks like sugar and lignocellulosic biomass.

As the chemicals industry pivots towards circular economy principles and reduced carbon footprints, bio-based adipic acid is emerging as a critical building block for green polymers and specialty chemicals. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Bio-Based Adipic Acid Industry—a dynamic mix of chemical giants, biotech innovators, and strategic investors shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.

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🔟 1. Verdezyne, Inc. (Acquired by BASF)

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

Verdezyne developed a proprietary yeast-based fermentation process to produce adipic acid directly from renewable plant-based oils and sugars. Its technology was notable for avoiding the direct emission of nitrous oxide, a significant greenhouse gas associated with traditional petroleum-based production. BASF’s acquisition integrated this innovative bio-technology into its broader sustainable solutions portfolio.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary yeast strain for efficient bio-conversion
  • Pathway that eliminates nitrous oxide byproducts
  • Integration into BASF’s circular economy initiatives

9️⃣ 2. Rennovia Inc.

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA
Key Offering: Catalytic process for bio-adipic acid from glucose

Rennovia pioneered a novel catalytic technology to convert glucose into glucaric acid, a key intermediate for producing adipic acid. Their process promised lower capital and operating costs compared to both conventional and other bio-based routes, attracting significant interest before the company’s assets were acquired.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Patented catalytic technology for cost-effective production
  • Focus on reducing energy and water usage
  • Targeted >70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

8️⃣ 3. BioAmber Inc. (Merged with DuPont)

Headquarters: Plymouth, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Bio-succinic acid and development toward bio-adipic acid

BioAmber was a leading producer of bio-based succinic acid, a closely related dicarboxylic acid, and had active research and development programs aimed at deriving adipic acid from its bio-platform. Its large-scale fermentation expertise positioned it as a key player in the bio-based chemical intermediate space.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • World-scale bio-succinic acid production facility
  • R&D focused on expanding product portfolio to include adipic acid
  • Partnerships with major chemical companies for market development

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Bio-Based Adipic Acids Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Genomatica, Inc.

Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Key Offering: BIO-BDO™ and development of bio-adipic acid process

Genomatica is a world-renowned biotechnology company that develops bio-based processes for major chemicals. Using advanced bio-engineering and fermentation, Genomatica has successfully commercialized bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol) and has demonstrated a viable pathway for producing renewable adipic acid, attracting partnerships from major nylon producers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proven track record in commercializing bio-based chemicals
  • Partnerships with Asahi Kasei, Lotte Chemical, and others
  • Focus on decarbonizing the nylon value chain

6️⃣ 5. Asahi Kasei Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Standard and developing bio-based adipic acid for nylon 6,6

Asahi Kasei is a leading global producer of adipic acid and nylon 6,6. The company is actively investing in sustainable alternatives, including partnerships with biotechnology firms like Genomatica to develop and scale bio-based adipic acid production, ensuring its leadership in the future green nylon market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Active R&D in bio-based monomer production
  • Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050
  • Development of circular solutions for the entire nylon lifecycle

5️⃣ 6. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ultramid® ECO (partially bio-based polyamides), bio-adipic acid R&D

As one of the world’s largest chemical companies, BASF is heavily invested in developing sustainable solutions. Through acquisitions and internal R&D, BASF is advancing technologies for bio-based adipic acid to feed into its engineering plastics, aiming to offer certified low-carbon footprint materials to its customers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Acquisition of Verdezyne’s bio-adipic acid technology
  • Mass balance approach for sustainable product lines
  • Target of €22 billion in sales from Accelerator products by 2025

4️⃣ 7. Lanxess AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Durethan® ECO polyamides, sustainable high-performance materials

Lanxess is a specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on high-tech plastics. Its Durethan® ECO brand includes polyamide 6 and 6,6 grades made with significant bio-based or recycled content. The company is actively securing sustainable raw material streams, including pathways for bio-adipic acid, to meet growing customer demand for green products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Climate-neutral goal for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040
  • Integration of bio-based and circular raw materials
  • Strong focus on lightweight and sustainable solutions for the automotive industry

  • 3️⃣ 8. Invista

    Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
    Key Offering: Adiponitrile (ADN) and adipic acid for nylon 6,6

    Invista is a global leader in nylon 6,6 intermediates, owning proprietary technology for adiponitrile and adipic acid production. While traditionally petroleum-based, the company is under increasing pressure from brand owners to develop sustainable alternatives and is exploring bio-based and recycled content pathways for its core products.

    Sustainability Initiatives:

    • Investment in process efficiency to reduce environmental impact
    • Exploration of alternative feedstocks for its chemical intermediates
    • Commitment to responsible manufacturing practices

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    2️⃣ 9. Solvay SA

    Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
    Key Offering: Technyl® 4Earth® sustainable polyamides

    Solvay is a leading supplier of high-performance polyamides. Its Technyl® 4Earth® range is designed with a focus on circularity, incorporating bio-based and recycled content. Solvay collaborates across the value chain to drive the adoption of sustainable materials, creating demand for bio-based intermediates like adipic acid.

    Sustainability Initiatives:

    • Goal to generate 15% of revenue from bio-based or renewable products
    • Development of circular economy models for plastics
    • Ambitious GHG emission reduction targets aligned with SBTi

    1️⃣ 10. DSM (now part of DSM-Firmenich)

    Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
    Key Offering: Engineering plastics, sustainable material solutions

    DSM, now merged with Firmenich, has a long history in biotechnology and sustainable materials. The company’s engineering plastics business has been actively developing solutions with reduced carbon footprints, which includes exploring and sourcing bio-based building blocks like adipic acid for its premium polymer portfolios.

    Sustainability Initiatives:

    • Strong heritage in industrial biotechnology
    • Focus on science-based solutions for sustainability challenges
    • Commitment to 100% renewable electricity and GHG reduction

    🌍 Outlook: The Future of Adipic Acid Is Renewable and Circular

    The bio-based adipic acid market is at a pivotal inflection point. While conventional production still dominates, the push for sustainability from brand owners, regulators, and consumers is accelerating the transition to renewable alternatives. The next decade will see significant capacity expansions and technological breakthroughs.

    📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

    • Rising demand for sustainable nylon 6,6 in automotive and textiles
    • Advancements in synthetic biology enabling cost-competitive bio-routes
    • Increasing carbon pricing and regulations favoring low-carbon chemicals
    • Strategic partnerships between chemical majors and biotech startups

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    The companies leading this charge are not just producing chemicals—they are building the foundations for a sustainable and circular materials economy.