Qore Launches Major Corn-Based Biomanufacturing Facility in Eddyville, Iowa
Qore, the innovative joint venture between Minnesota-based agribusiness giant Cargill and Germany-based chemical distributor HELM, has officially commenced production of QIRA®, the world’s first large-scale, bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO). This historic development positions QIRA as a powerful, renewable alternative to traditional fossil-derived BDO—ushering in a new era for sustainable materials used in consumer products across multiple global industries.
At the core of QIRA’s production is locally sourced dent corn, grown within a 100-mile radius of Qore’s state-of-the-art facility in Eddyville, Iowa. The $300 million plant—now the largest of its kind globally—represents a monumental leap in the development of environmentally conscious supply chains. Capable of producing 66,000 metric tons of QIRA annually, the facility will meet growing international demand for more sustainable and circular product ingredients.
To mark the official launch of operations, Qore will host a grand opening ceremony on July 22, 2025. The event will celebrate the facility’s completion and the full-scale initiation of QIRA production. Expected attendees include elected officials, Iowa corn growers, industry stakeholders, company employees, QIRA customers, and sustainability advocates. Highlights of the day include interactive exhibits, guided plant tours, and a panel discussion featuring voices from Qore’s leadership, technical teams, and global customer base.
“This is a tremendous milestone not only for Qore but also for sustainable innovation on a global scale,” said Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore. “QIRA is a drop-in, high-performing alternative to petroleum-derived BDO—and we’re proud to offer it at commercial scale using local, annually renewable corn as our feedstock. With Cargill’s unmatched agricultural expertise and HELM’s deep experience in chemical marketing, Qore is uniquely positioned to deliver on sustainability and performance for our customers.”
A New Chapter for Iowa’s Farmers and Global Brands
The feedstock for QIRA is grown by Iowa farmers who are committed to regenerative agriculture, a forward-looking approach that improves soil health, enhances biodiversity, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. These practices contribute to a more sustainable farming ecosystem, aligning with the broader environmental goals of QIRA and its partners.
The proximity of the corn supply also provides an additional layer of sustainability and efficiency by minimizing transportation-related emissions and increasing transparency within the supply chain. It’s a model that shortens the distance between grower and manufacturer while strengthening the traceability of the end product.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds praised the initiative, calling it a landmark advancement for the state and for global sustainability efforts.
“This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world,” said Reynolds. “Thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but now also help sustain it. I’m grateful to Cargill, HELM, and everyone who brought this vision to life. They’ve not only built a world-class facility—they’ve laid the foundation for stronger, more transparent markets and a more sustainable future.”
QIRA’s Versatile Applications Across Industries
QIRA is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing systems. As a molecularly identical substitute for traditional fossil-based BDO, it enables brands and manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on product quality or performance.
Industries poised to benefit from QIRA’s bio-based profile include:
- Fashion and Footwear: QIRA can be used to reduce the environmental impact of clothing and shoes, enabling more sustainable alternatives in synthetic fibers and textiles. Its traceable origin appeals to consumers demanding transparency in how and where materials are sourced.
- Beauty and Personal Care: As clean beauty continues to gain traction, QIRA presents an ideal substitute for petroleum-derived ingredients in lotions, creams, and hair care products.
- Automotive and Electronics: Durable goods manufacturers can adopt QIRA to meet growing environmental targets without altering production lines or materials properties.
- Packaging: QIRA offers a way to reduce dependency on fossil-based plastics, supporting circular economy goals across packaging applications for food, beverages, and consumer goods.
Leading companies are already incorporating QIRA into their sustainability strategies. The LYCRA Company, a major player in the performance fiber market, is leveraging QIRA to reduce the environmental impact of its LYCRA® fiber. According to third-party lifecycle assessments, LYCRA made with QIRA can cut carbon emissions by up to 44% compared to fossil-derived BDO—all without sacrificing strength, stretch, or comfort.
Similarly, chemical industry heavyweight BASF has signed a long-term supply agreement with Qore, enabling the integration of QIRA into BASF’s portfolio of high-performance derivatives. This partnership marks a critical endorsement of QIRA’s commercial readiness and environmental advantage.
Farmers Fueling a Cleaner Future
For Iowa’s agricultural community, QIRA represents more than just a new market—it’s a symbol of their integral role in the global shift toward sustainable innovation.
“As a fourth-generation farmer, it’s incredibly rewarding to see crops we’ve grown for generations now contributing to global environmental goals,” said Steve Kuiper, an Iowa farmer supplying corn to the Qore facility. “This isn’t just about growing corn anymore—it’s about being part of something bigger. We’re helping build a cleaner, more transparent future for everyday products, and that’s something our entire community can take pride in.”
Qore’s model supports rural economic development, job creation, and long-term investment in Midwestern agricultural communities, ensuring that the transition to renewable materials brings tangible benefits to local economies.
Transforming Supply Chains, Empowering Brands
By replacing fossil-based inputs with bio-based alternatives, QIRA is helping manufacturers navigate the growing demands of environmentally conscious consumers, regulatory requirements, and sustainability targets. It enables companies to move away from opaque, overseas supply chains and toward a resilient, domestically sourced solution rooted in transparency, traceability, and trust.
“Through QIRA, we are empowering brands to deliver products that meet consumer expectations for performance, sustainability, and accountability,” Veldhouse added. “It’s not just a product—it’s a platform for transformation.”
As Qore’s Eddyville facility begins full-scale operations, the launch of QIRA sets a new standard for how the global manufacturing sector can shift away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, renewable alternatives. With the support of farmers, scientists, engineers, and corporate partners, QIRA isn’t just changing what’s possible—it’s redefining what’sexpected.
