Genomatica

Genomatica is a San Diego–based biotechnology company that develops and licenses biological manufacturing processes for the production of intermediate and basic chemicals. Genomatica’s process technology for the chemical 1,4-Butanediol is now commercial. Genomatica produced 5 million pounds of renewable BDO in five weeks at a DuPont Tate & Lyle plant in Tennessee. Its GENO BDO process has been licensed by BASF and by Novamont.

History

Genomatica was founded in San Diego in 1998 by Christophe Schilling and Bernhard Palsson. Schilling's goal was to use biotechnology to make more sustainable choices in manufacturing. In 2021, Lululemon partnered with Genomatica to create a plant-based nylon material, which was launched in 2023.
In 2023, L'Oréal along with Unilever and Kao Corporation invested in Genomatica. The investment will go toward developing plant-based personal care and cosmetics products.