The greener alternative

Driving sustainable change

Covation Bio PDO was formed to develop and commercialize 1,3-propanediol. This 100% plant-based polyurethane ingredient is chemically identical to pure petroleum-derived 1,3-propanediol, with identical attributes and functionalities. Glucose-derived 1,3-propanediol drives the performance of Susterra® propanediol and Zemea® propanediol—each working to reduce petroleum reliance across a variety of industries and applications. This innovative biotechnology enables today’s manufacturers to create products that offer better performance, combined with a better environmental profile. All carbon in Susterra® propanediol and Zemea® propanediol is plant-based.

From “cradle to gate” (extraction and production prior to delivery to customers), plant-based 1,3-propanediol consumes 49% less nonrenewable energy than petroleum-based 1,3-propanediol. Compared with propylene glycol (PG), bio-based 1,3-propanediol uses 41% less nonrenewable energy from cradle to gate. Compared with butanediol (BDO), bio-based 1,3-propanediol uses 46% less nonrenewable energy from cradle to gate.

Reliable, renewable performance

At full capacity, our process saves enough nonrenewable energy to power 1.3 million 100w incandescent lightbulbs for one year and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 36,000 passenger cars from the road for one year.

*Engineers performed a life cycle analysis (LCA) on petroleum-derived propanediol, PG, BDO and plant-based propanediol. The LCA was third-party peer reviewed by Five Winds International for PG and propanediol.