QIRA® bio-based 1,3-propanediol
QIRA® is a corn-derived, bio-based alternative to petroleum-based 1,3-propanediol used in spandex fiber, personal care, and industrial applications, produced at scale through the Qore joint venture between Cargill and HELM.
Overview
QIRA is manufactured via fermentation of corn-derived dextrose, producing 1,3-propanediol (PDO) as a renewable drop-in replacement for petroleum-based PDO. The Qore joint venture opened a $300 million production facility in Iowa in 2025 with an annual capacity of 66,000 metric tons. The primary market is spandex fiber production, where QIRA replaces fossil-derived PDO as a key monomer, with additional applications in personal care formulations, industrial solvents, and de-icing fluids.
Technical specifications
- Chemical: 1,3-propanediol (PDO) produced via corn dextrose fermentation
- Production: Qore JV (Cargill + HELM), $300M facility in Iowa, opened 2025
- Capacity: 66,000 metric tons/year
- Feedstock: corn-derived dextrose
- Primary application: spandex fiber monomer (replacing petroleum-based PDO)
- Additional applications: personal care, industrial solvents, de-icing fluids
- Sustainability: renewable bio-based sourcing with lower carbon footprint vs. petrochemical route
Technology readiness level
TRL 9 — commercial production at scale, facility operational since 2025.
About Cargill
Cargill is a global leader in agricultural, food, and industrial products, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in bio-based solutions.
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