Grand opening showcases QIRA^®, a renewably derived alternative to fossil-based manufacturing

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 a fossil-derived equivalent used in the manufacture of consumer goods.

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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. The $300-million, 66,000 annual metric ton facility, located in Eddyville, Iowa, will celebrate the start of production with a grand opening event on July 22, 2025, with state officials, customers, farmer partners and industry leaders.

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 will include elected officials, Iowa farmers, 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 oversea 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. Now, thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Qore’s bio-based BDO, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “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.”

Versatile Applications for a Range of Industries

QIRA® is an identical replacement to fossil-derived BDO and can readily drop in to manufacturing processes across multiple industries, including:

• Fashion and Footwear – Helping to reduce the environmental footprint of textiles and apparel, while providing transparency of feedstock
• Beauty and Personal Care – Offering more sustainable alternatives for existing ingredient formulations
• Automotive and Electronics – Supporting more sustainable advancements in durable goods
• Packaging – Lowering reliance on fossil-based plastics derived from petroleum and coal

Top companies are already integrating QIRA® into their product strategies. The LYCRA Company is adopting QIRA® to enhance the sustainability of LYCRA® fiber, with the potential to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 44-percent* compared to fossil-based alternatives – all without sacrificing performance. Similarly, BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, has secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate QIRA® into its existing derivatives portfolio.

"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, 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.”

*Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Media Resources

• View the event agenda and speaker list here.
• Access images, video and other assets here.

About Qore, LLC

Formed through a joint venture between Cargill, Incorporated, and HELM America Corp. (a subsidiary of Germany-based HELM AG) (HELM), Qore, LLC (Qore) helps leading brands replace fossil-based chemistries with bio-derived intermediates. At the heart of the joint venture is the production of QIRA^®, the next-generation bio-derived 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Made biologically through the fermentation of plant-based sugars, QIRA^® can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions when replacing today's widely used chemical intermediates made from traditional fossil sources. Bio-derived QIRA^® is used the same way as its fossil counterpart while reducing dependency on fossil resources and reducing pollution associated with their extraction. Qore and QIRA are registered trademarks of HELM AG.

About Cargill

Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About HELM

HELM is a Hamburg, Germany, based family-owned company established in 1900. With up to 100 subsidiaries and participations in more than 30 countries, HELM is one of the largest independent chemical companies worldwide. HELM is committed to providing solutions that help its partners to tackle the reduction of CO2 emissions and the loss of biodiversity. Through its global presence, the company also strives to create positive impact in local societies around the world. HELM’s partnerships in Lithium, bio-based BDO, and digital tools supporting efficient agriculture are recent examples which support that goal. HELM is active in the chemicals and energy materials industry as well as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. For more info visit www.helmag.com

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