February 27, 2026 10:14

Japan’s Toray has developed a new process to produce bio-based polyamide 4 (PA4), targeting microbeads used in cosmetic cleansers and exfoliants.

The process focuses on the synthesis of bio-based 2-pyrrolidone from sugars and other biomass sources, followed by the production of PA4 via anionic polymerisation.
The resulting polymer combines high water absorption with biodegradability under specific conditions, such as composting, making it suitable for applications where microplastics could be released into the environment.
Currently, PA4 is produced from fossil-based 2-pyrrolidone.

According to the company, the reactions involved are milder than those used in conventional petrochemical processes, which could contribute to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

If successfully scaled up to industrial level, the first commercial grades of bio-based PA4 could reach the market in early 2029.

Bio-based 2-pyrrolidone also has applications beyond PA4 production. It can be used to synthesise N-methylpyrrolidone, employed in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and engineering plastics, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, a monomer for high-performance polymers used in pharmaceuticals.

© Polimerica -  Reproduction prohibited, all rights reserved