Our story
Performance is in our nature.
Being on the leading edge of performance isn’t about theory—it’s about dramatic results. Our sophisticated science delivers consistent, predictable building blocks that help reduce the environmental impact of the products we use every day.
Through a proprietary process that uses plant-based feedstocks instead of petroleum-based feedstocks to produce 1,3-propanediol, these innovative ingredients create high-performance, plant-based products that enhance people’s lives, protect the environment, and reduce the world’s dependence on petroleum.
2019
Covation Bio PDO implements improvements in production process increasing production output by 35 million pounds.
2018
Covation Bio PDO moves all packaging and warehousing in-house with the addition of new warehousing facility. The new warehouse is designed for anticipated future capacity expansions and will support the current capacity of 135 million pounds as well as the additional 35 million pounds of bio-based 1,3-propanediol coming online mid-2019.
2017
Covation Bio PDO celebrates a decade of offering higher-performing ingredients and highlights innovative sunscreen formulation techniques, new collaborations on sustainable clothing and new marketing programs from social media to hangtags at their 10-year event.
Reebok announced Cotton + Corn initiative designed to develop sustainable products “made from things that grow” and launched the first plant-based shoe utilizing Susterra® propanediol to create the sole.
Covation Bio PDO collaborates with INVISTA and DuPont to transform the future of sustainable textiles with bio-based membranes and coatings based on Susterra® propanediol.
2016
The natural choice in glycols. Susterra® propanediol offers companies that require non-toxic, food-safe heat-transfer fluids a higher-performing alternative to propylene glycol for use as the primary ingredient in their heat-transfer fluids.
Everest Evertek® Eco-Product incorporates bio-based membranes and coatings based on Susterra® propanediol into its textiles, creating a beautiful, soft hand while giving the material the low-temperature performance that outdoor brands are looking for.
Susterra® propanediol is showcased for its high abrasion performance in bio-based synthetic leather coatings, from footwear and handbags to furniture and vehicle interiors.
2015
The Susterra® and Zemea® brands are enhanced with new identities that convey a combination of our products’ functional benefits with the sustainable message behind them: Performance is in our nature.
2014
Covation Bio PDO launches its virtual Cosmetics Science Center, offering free, video-on-demand cosmetic science training modules supporting Zemea® propanediol applications.
2013
Covation Bio PDO launches Zemea® USP-FCC grade 1,3-propanediol, partnering with Symrise on new, naturally derived flavor ingredients.
Zemea® propanediol is adopted for new antimicrobial stabilizers made by Schülke, providing antimicrobial and preservative-boosting properties.
2012
Nam Liong Enterprise Co., Ltd., launches bio-based, waterproof, breathable membranes based on Susterra® propanediol.
2011
Covation Bio PDO expands production by 35 percent in Loudon, Tennessee.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifies Zemea® propanediol as a 100% bio-based ingredient under its BioPreferred® program.
Dehon Service partners with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products to market heat-transfer fluids for solar, geothermal and other high-performance heat-transfer fluid applications.
2010
NSF International approves Susterra® propanediol as an ingredient in heat-transfer fluids (HTX-1) with incidental food contact.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) names Zemea® propanediol the first certified natural ingredient under its Natural Home Care Standard and Certification program.
2009
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International approves Susterra® propanediol as a base coolant for all automobile coolant systems.
Susterra® propanediol is adopted into a new line of BASF bio-based polyol systems for use in polyurethane applications such elastomers, coatings, and sealants.
2008
Susterra® propanediol launches into high-performance unsaturated polyester resins for use in the construction, marine, and automotive industries.
2007
Zemea® propanediol becomes a key ingredient in Terra Natural’s renewably sourced, non-sticky texture deodorants.
2006
Covation Bio PDO Bio Products begins production of bio-based 1,3-propanediol at its facility in Loudon, Tennessee, USA.
2004
Covation Bio PDO enter into a joint venture, investing $100 million to commercialize a new high-performance, renewably sourced biomaterial that will help reduce global dependence on petroleum-based materials.
2000
DuPont, in association with Genencor, develops a patented process to create 1,3-propanediol (PDO) using plant-derived starch in place of petroleum.
Mohawk launches SmartStrand™ carpet using DuPont™ Sorona®, a polymer invention based on 1,3-propanediol that offers consumers the durability of nylon and remarkable stain resistance.
Kilfrost Group PLC brings to market Kilfrost DFSustain®, the world’s first sustainable, Type I wing deicing fluid—with Susterra® propanediol as a major ingredient.
Cryotech introduces Susterra® propanediol in its Cryotech BX36® runway dicing fluid.
Where to buy
Find a distributor in your area.
Request a sample
Product formulators and designers are invited to request a sample for application testing.