On January 14, Covation Biomaterials LLC announced it has agreed to sell its stake in Primient Covation LLC —the world’s largest producer of 100 % bio-based 1,3-propanediol (BioPDO). Upon closing, Primient will own 100 % of Primient Covation.

Primient Covation operates a 77 kt/yr bio-based PDO plant in Loudon, Tennessee, previously managed by Covation Bio. (The joint venture was formed between Primient and Huafeng Group.)

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. After closing, Primient will continue to supply BioPDO to Covation Bio under long-term agreements for the partial bio-based Sorona® polymer.

“The BioPDO business was first introduced into Sorona® polymer 25 years ago. It is a mature and continuously successful platform,” said Covation Bio CEO Steven Ackerman, who has spent more than 15 years commercializing sustainable-material solutions. “As part of our long-term strategy—and to reaffirm our commitment to new technologies—we now view BioPDO as one component of a broader sustainable-materials ecosystem. This exit allows us to invest more deeply in next-generation sustainable-material innovation.”

Covation Bio’s latest breakthrough is bioPTMEG (polytetramethylene ether glycol) derived from corn-cob residue—a feedstock that does not compete with primary food sources. bioPTMEG is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based PTMEG and delivers significant sustainability benefits in spandex, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomer applications such as athletic and performance apparel, footwear components, industrial elastic bands, and automotive parts and accessories.

Source: Covation Biomaterials LLC