Cargill & Helm Joint Venture Qore Launches in Iowa
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.
A grand opening event on July 22, 2025, will mark the completion of the $300 million Qira production facility. The plant will produce 66,000 metric tons of Qira annually, utilizing corn sourced within a 100-mile radius. As the world’s largest facility of its kind, it supports growing global demand for sustainable materials.
“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.
Versatile Applications for a Range of Industries
Qira is being integrated across industries such as fashion, personal care, automotive, electronics, and packaging to support more sustainable manufacturing. Companies like The Lycra Company and BASF are adopting Qira to reduce environmental impact. The Lycra Company aims to cut Lycra fiber’s carbon footprint by up to 44%, while BASF has secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate Qira into its product portfolio.
