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Source: Qore news release
EDDYVILLE, Iowa –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Qore, a joint venture of Minnesota-based Cargill and Germany-based HELM, is officially starting production of QIRA, the world’s first large-scale 1,4-butanediol (BDO) made from locally grown dent corn. QIRA is derived from annually renewable crops and serves as an impactful alternative to a fossil-derived equivalent used in the manufacture of consumer goods.
A grand opening event, held on July 22, 2025, will celebrate the completion of the $300-million facility and the official start of QIRA production. The event will include elected officials, Iowa farmers, interactive exhibits, and a panel discussion with company employees, executives, and QIRA customers.
The new facility is set to produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site. As the world’s largest facility of its kind, it marks a major step forward in meeting global demand for more sustainable materials in everyday consumer products.
“Qore is able to leverage the deep agricultural network and world-class fermentation technology expertise from Cargill and HELM’s global market reach to bring QIRA to life,” said Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore. “By providing a reliable, renewable, and transparent feedstock, QIRA helps global manufacturers and brands implement identical materials that reduce reliance on oversea supply chains, bringing more transparency to their product portfolios.”
At the heart of the environmental benefits are Iowa farmers who apply regenerative agriculture practices for growing dent corn. These practices are a holistic and inclusive approach to land management, meant to restore soil and ecosystem health. The proximity of the feedstock enables greater traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.
“This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world. Now, thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Qore’s bio-based BDO, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “I’m grateful to Cargill, HELM, and everyone who helped steward this site from vision to reality. In doing so, they’ve paved the way to stronger markets and more sustainable supply chains. I couldn’t be happier to help Qore, its workers, and our citizens reach new heights of prosperity — together.”
Versatile Applications for a Range of Industries
QIRA is an identical replacement to fossil-derived BDO and can readily drop in to manufacturing processes across multiple industries, including:
Fashion and Footwear – Helping to reduce the environmental footprint of textiles and apparel, while providing transparency of feedstock
Beauty and Personal Care – Offering more sustainable alternatives for existing ingredient formulations
Automotive and Electronics – Supporting more sustainable advancements in durable goods
Packaging – Lowering reliance on fossil-based plastics derived from petroleum and coal
Top companies are already integrating QIRA into their product strategies. The LYCRA Company is adopting QIRA to enhance the sustainability of LYCRA fiber, with the potential to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 44-percent* compared to fossil-based alternatives – all without sacrificing performance. Similarly, BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, has secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate QIRA into its existing derivatives portfolio.
“By offering a bio-based alternative to fossil-based feedstock, we are empowering brands to reduce their environmental impact and respond to consumer demands for transparency, more sustainable, high-performing products,” said Steve Kuiper, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer. “Our community is proud to play a vital role in making everyday products more sustainable.”
