• Adipic acid, an industrial chemical conventionally derived from petroleum, is a multi-billion dollar global market, with major applications in nylon-6,6 fibers, engineering resins, polyester polyols for polyurethanes, and adipate ester plasticizers.

• Glucaric acid is an emerging platform chemical with wide applications in detergent, de-icing, cement, and anti-corrosion markets.

This agreement builds upon the existing collaboration, announced in March 2014, under which Rennovia and Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies are working together on the engineering and construction of a mini-plant to optimize and scale the process, which will enable commercial production of these products. (Earlier post.) The focus of the newly announced joint development effort will be to develop and supply catalysts for the mini-plant and future commercial plants.

Founded in 2009, Rennovia Inc. is a specialty chemical company focused on the creation of novel processes for the cost advantaged production of chemicals from renewable feedstocks. Rennovia is developing processes for the production of biobased glucaric acid, adipic acid, 1,6-hexanediol (1,6 HDO), hexamethylenediamine (HMD), and other important building blocks for a wide range of functional materials.