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News Highlights
- Transforming waste into value: GC researchers have developed Bio-Muconic Acid from sugarcane bagasse and cassava pulp, enhancing its potential to become a biochemical that can be further developed into high-value materials, ranging from specialty chemicals to bio-nylon.
- From the lab to the world's first semi-industrial scale production, after more than 200 trials, the process culminated in the ability to scale up production to a 50,000-liter fermentation tank, reflecting the capability of Thai researchers to develop technology closer to practical application.
- Connecting Thai research to global industry through collaboration with Toray, a leading Japanese company, to develop raw materials for bio-based nylon 6,6. This increases opportunities to create value for the agricultural sector and addresses the demand for low-carbon materials.
PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) received an award for outstanding technology achievement of 2026 for its project, “Innovative Production of Biomuconic Acid using Synthetic Biology and Precision Fermentation to Create a Bio-based Economy for Thailand.” The award was presented at the Outstanding Technologist Awards and TechInno Forum 2026, organized by the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Royal Patronage, at the C Asean Ratchada Hotel, Bangkok. This reflects the ability of Thai researchers to leverage technology to create added value from agricultural resources and generate new opportunities for Thai industries.
Bio-muconic acid is a biochemical that can be further developed into a wide variety of high-value products. These range from specialty chemicals and materials for the automotive and coating industries to bio-nylon 6,6, which can be used to produce fibers for the textile industry. The interesting aspect of this innovation is its use of Thai agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse and cassava pulp, to develop biochemicals, replacing reliance solely on petrochemicals. This increases the opportunity to create value from previously overlooked resources and meets the future demand for bio-based materials from various industries.
From over 200 laboratory experiments to the world's first semi-industrial scale production of 50,000 liters, the GC research team utilized knowledge in synthetic biology to develop microorganisms capable of producing the desired substances. Combined with precise fermentation control and the development of high-purity separation methods, they successfully scaled up production from small-scale fermenters to semi-industrial levels by 2025. This marks a significant step in bringing research out of the laboratory and preparing it for future production.
This achievement has also led to collaboration between GC and Toray Industries, Inc., a leading Japanese company , to further develop Bio-Muconic Acid into bio-based Adipic Acid, a key raw material for the production of bio-based Nylon 6,6. This demonstrates the opportunity to link Thailand's agricultural sector with high-value industries and develop alternative materials that reduce reliance on fossil resources to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products.
This award reflects the success of GC researchers who dare to think, experiment, and continuously develop research, enabling them to apply their knowledge to create opportunities for utilizing agricultural waste materials. This transforms waste into valuable biochemicals with the potential for further development in global industries. This aligns with GC's StandOut Through Innovation philosophy , which encourages employees to leverage their creativity and expertise to develop value-added innovations, reinforcing GC's commitment to being a "real-world innovative organization" dedicated to creating new opportunities for Thailand's bio-industry and economy.
Note: This story has not been edited by The Polymerupdate Editorial team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.
