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Fibres/​Yarns/​Fabrics

Completion of $300 million QIRA plant

Facility is will produce 66,000 metric tons of bio-based BDO annually, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site.

11th July 2025

Innovation in Textiles
 |  USA & Gernmany

Clothing/​Footwear, Sustainable

Qore, a joint venture of Minnesota-based Cargill and Germany-based HELM, is officially starting production of QIRA, the world’s first large-scale 1,4-butanediol (BDO) made from locally grown dent corn.

QIRA is derived from annually renewable crops and serves as an impactful alternative to fossil-derived components used in the manufacture of products in the fashion and footwear, beauty and personal care, automotive and electronics and packaging sectors

Top companies are already integrating QIRA into their product strategies. The Lycra Company is adopting it to enhance the sustainability of Lycra fibre, with the potential to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 44% compared to fossil-based alternatives, and BASF has also secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate it into its existing derivatives portfolio.

A grand opening event, held on July 22, 2025, will celebrate the completion of the $300-million facility and the official start of QIRA production. The event for elected officials and Iowa farmers will include interactive exhibits and a panel discussion with company employees, executives and QIRA customers.

The new facility is set to produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site. As the world’s largest facility of its kind, it marks a major step forward in meeting global demand for more sustainable materials in everyday consumer products.

“Qore is able to leverage the deep agricultural network and world-class fermentation technology expertise from Cargill and HELM’s global market reach to bring QIRA to life,” said Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore. “By providing a reliable, renewable and transparent feedstock, QIRA helps global manufacturers and brands implement identical materials that reduce reliance on overseas supply chains, bringing more transparency to their product portfolios.”

At the heart of the environmental benefits are Iowa farmers who apply regenerative agriculture practices for growing dent corn. These practices are a holistic and inclusive approach to land management, meant to restore soil and ecosystem health. The proximity of the feedstock enables greater traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.

“This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “Thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it. I’m grateful to Cargill, HELM and everyone who helped steward this site from vision to reality. In doing so, they’ve paved the way to stronger markets and more sustainable supply chains. I couldn’t be happier to help Qore, its workers and our citizens reach new heights of prosperity together.”

“By offering a bio-based alternative to fossil-based feedstock, we are empowering brands to reduce their environmental impact and respond to consumer demands for transparency and more sustainable, high-performing products,” said Steve Kuiper, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer. “Our community is proud to play a vital role in making everyday products more sustainable.”

www.myqira.com

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