technology

Bio-butadiene

Butadiene produced by fermentation or catalytic conversion of biomass as a drop-in feedstock for existing elastomer plants; as of 2026 still pre-commercial, concentrated among a few developers.

Where it's used

Biosynthetic latex
Natural rubber and latex produced outside the Hevea plantation belt — from the desert shrub guayule, from Russian dandelion, and from fermentation-derived monomers — driven by Hevea supply volatility, the EU deforestation regulation and the hypoallergenic character of guayule latex, with the guayule segment alone valued at 187.4 million USD in 2026.
polymers-materials 12 min