DECATUR, ILLINOIS, U.S. — Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced on Aug. 11 that it has begun offering isosorbide under its line of Evolution Chemicals. Isosorbide is an industrial ingredient made from corn that is a potential alternative to the petroleum-based chemical Bisphenol A in plastics and other applications. ADM said it is the first company in North America to offer renewable isosorbide on a commercial scale.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacture of plastics and is present in many products including eyeglass lenses, sports equipment and CDs and DVDs. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health have expressed concern about the potential health effects associated with BPA.

"Today more than ever, people are seeking both consumer and industrial products that are safe and renewable," said Robert Broomham, business director, ADM Industrial Chemicals. "Isosorbide offers manufacturers a renewable alternative to the traditional chemicals found in many products."

Isosorbide is a versatile ingredient with wide range of applications. It can be used in polyesters for inks, toners, powder coatings, packaging and durable goods; polyurethanes for foams and coatings; polycarbonates for durable goods and optical media; epoxy resins for paints; and detergents, surfactants and additives for personal care and consumer products.

"With increased interest in environmental improvement, we see growing opportunity to expand our portfolio of renewable industrial products," said Broomham. "ADM’s research and development expertise and our access to agricultural feedstocks enable us to develop innovative ingredients that can serve as replacements for traditional chemicals."

ADM currently offers isosorbide in both a technical grade (97% pure) and a polymer grade (99% pure).

ADM’s Evolution Chemicals line of biobased industrial ingredients is derived from renewable resources like corn and soy. Evolution places ADM’s industrial chemicals, such as isosorbide, propylene glycol, glycerin, industrial ethanol and ethylene glycol, under one product line.