Virent’s production of paraxylene at its Madison, Wisconsin laboratory, has reached a capacity of 10 tons per year which will allow Virent to serve the needs of multiple collaborators for product validation and market demonstrations.

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Aromatic 100, benzene and toluene are also available at smaller capacities for similar purposes. These aromatic chemicals are key building blocks for a wide range of materials and markets including food and beverage packaging, textiles, automobiles, detergents, construction materials, and paints and coatings.

The ability to deliver these renewable products for market validation and market trials is an essential step in building confidence for commercial deployment. We have successfully demonstrated that our renewable products meet industry specifications and we are eager to provide samples to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.

—Lee Edwards, Virent CEO

Virent’s patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemicals for plastics and fibers. The development of Virent’s BioForming technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Honda and Shell.