HS Hyosung Advanced Materials announced on Wednesday that its investment in the American chemical technology startup Trillium Renewable Chemicals has reached a significant milestone. The production technology for acrylonitrile has entered the demonstration phase.
Acrylonitrile is a crucial raw material widely used in everyday products such as high-performance plastics, synthetic rubber, and fibers. It’s also a key component in HS Hyosung’s carbon fiber production.
HS Hyosung Advanced Materials made history in 2011 by becoming the first Korean company to independently develop carbon fiber. In 2013, they ramped up production by launching a commercial plant with an annual capacity of 2,000 tons.
Often hailed as a dream material, carbon fiber is composed of carbon elements. It’s remarkably lightweight – just a quarter of steel’s weight – yet boasts ten times the strength and seven times the elasticity.
Building on its established industrial materials business, HS Hyosung Advanced Materials is now focusing on developing high-value materials, with carbon fiber at the forefront.
The company took a leading role in Trillium’s 13 million USD Series B funding round, backing the demonstration project. Belgian venture capital firm Capricorn Partners also joined as a co-investor.
Trillium’s innovative approach involves producing acrylonitrile from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production. This strategy aims to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based products.
In February, Trillium achieved a world first by completing construction of Project Falcon, a demonstration plant for glycerol-based bio-acrylonitrile.
Project Falcon is set to begin full-scale commissioning in the second quarter of 2026, with product shipments expected to start later this year.
The newly secured funds will support demonstration plant operations, ongoing technological innovation, and detailed design work for the first commercial-scale plant.
Lee Young-jun, Executive Director of HS Hyosung Advanced Materials, commented on the milestone: With Project Falcon’s completion, they’re on the cusp of commercializing Trillium’s bio-acrylonitrile. This marks a significant step in the sustainable management efforts, proving it can seamlessly integrate bio-based raw materials into existing processes and achieve commercial-scale production.