Qidong, China – September 07, 2026 -- Covation Biomaterials LLC (CovationBio) has produced its first commercial on-spec batches of Xatryx.T bioTHF and Xatryx bioPTMEG at its 50,000-ton Qidong facility, reaching full production status just four months after mechanical completion in April 2026.
Qidong plant clears quality control on three molecular weight grades
Production began in August 2026 and covered Xatryx bioPTMEG in 2000, 1800 and 1000 molecular weight variants alongside Xatryx.T bioTHF. Internal quality control testing confirmed all grades met industry specifications, according to the company.
Chairman You Feifeng said the team completed equipment commissioning, process optimization and scale-up within the four-month window, calling the on-spec result across all three grades evidence of the maturity of CovationBio's proprietary process technology. The company is now running trial sampling with downstream customers to validate performance and confirm drop-in compatibility with existing manufacturing lines.
Bio-based PTMEG targets spandex, polyurethane and elastomer markets without food-crop competition
Xatryx bioPTMEG is positioned as a direct substitute for fossil-based PTMEG in spandex, polyurethanes and thermoplastic elastomers. CovationBio states the material is derived from annually renewable non-food biomass, including agricultural by-products such as corncobs, and generates lower greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing compared with fossil-based equivalents. The company markets it as a drop-in solution requiring no major process changes for converters switching from petroleum-based feedstock.
INSITE and CovationBio launch first partially bio-based athletic insole at Portland show
On September 2-3, 2026, CovationBio co-hosted the "Next-Generation Bio-Based Footwear Materials Application Forum" with insole brand INSITE at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon. The companies introduced what they describe as the world's first partially non-food bio-based athletic insole, built around Xatryx bioPTMEG as the core raw material.
Dr. Zhao Mosha, Global Marketing Director of CovationBio's C4 Platform, said the move from on-spec mass production at Qidong to a finished footwear product in Portland occurred within a few weeks, calling it evidence that drop-in bio-based materials can move from concept to commercial application quickly when paired with value-chain collaboration.
The NW Materials Show is a major exhibition for the footwear materials and functional fabrics sector. CovationBio said it will continue working with value-chain partners on additional applications for the C4 platform technology beyond footwear, including existing uses in apparel and carpet through its Sorona brand.