Hyosung TNC has commenced commercial production of bio-based 1,4-butanediol (bio-BDO) in Vietnam, marking a milestone in its strategy to build an integrated manufacturing network for bio-based elastane and other sustainable materials.
The new bio-BDO facility in Vietnam has an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, with phased expansion planned to reach 200,000 tonnes in response to market demand. The project forms part of a planned US$1 billion investment by Hyosung.
The Vietnam facility produces bio-BDO through fermentation of sugars derived from sugarcane, replacing fossil-based feedstocks used in conventional BDO manufacturing. The company said bio-BDO is chemically identical to its fossil-derived equivalent and can be used to make elastane without compromising stretch, recovery or quality.
The material is supplied to Hyosung's operations in Dong Nai, southern Vietnam, where it is converted into polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG), a key intermediate in elastane production, and then into regen BIO spandex. Sugarcane sourcing is verified through the VIVE Sustainable Program, while bio-based content is certified under SGS's EEPS scheme.
Hyosung also plans to supply bio-based intermediates for thermoplastic polyurethane and PBAT applications.
