Bio-based Pentamethylene Diamine (PDA) Market Set for Significant Growth

Bio-based Pentamethylene Diamine (PDA) Market Set for Significant Growth

November 28, 2025 – The global market for Bio-based Pentamethylene Diamine (PDA), a versatile chemical intermediate, is poised for strong expansion, driven by its critical applications in high-performance materials like Nylon 56 and Pentamethylene Diisocyanates (PDI).

Market Overview and Outlook

PDA, also known as 1,5-Pentanediamine, is used in the production of Nylon 56, Pentamethylene Diisocyanates (PDI), and as an Epoxy Resin Curing Agent. These derivatives find further use in spinning, engineering materials, medicine, and aerospace.

The market size for PDA is estimated to be $25-50 million USD in 2025. Analysts project a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% to 16% through 2030, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance alternatives in various industrial sectors.

Key Market Players and Production Methods

The market is currently dominated by two key players specializing in bio-based production: Cathay Biotech Inc. and Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co. Ltd.

PDA is synthesized using two main bioprocesses:

• Direct Fermentation (Cathay Biotech): Microorganisms directly ferment glucose into PDA. This method is simpler but faces challenges with microbial tolerance and conversion rates.

• Lysine Decarboxylation (Ningxia Eppen): Lysine Decarboxylase converts Lysine into PDA. This route is challenged by the relatively high cost of Lysine raw material.

Another significant challenge for the commercialization of bio-based PDA is the complex purification process required to remove biological impurities (pigments, residual sugars, proteins) and prevent PDA's oxidation and cyclization.

Production Capacity and Market Strategy

Both key players primarily utilize their PDA production for captive consumption in Nylon 56 manufacturing, with smaller volumes sold externally, mainly to the Epoxy Curing Agent and Isocyanate markets.

Cathay Biotech's massive capacity expansion in Shanxi Province underscores the company's confidence in the future of bio-based PDA and its commitment to scaling up production.

PDI: A High-Value Derivative

Pentamethylene Diisocyanates (PDI) is a novel aliphatic diisocyanate with superior performance compared to traditional Hexane Diisocyanate (HDI). PDI exhibits higher reactivity and can substitute for HDI in many applications.

PDI is primarily used to produce PDI biuret or trimer for polyurethane coatings and adhesives characterized by non-yellowing, excellent low-temperature resistance, and strong climate durability. PDI also serves as a raw material for cross-linking agents, synthetic fibers, and rocket propellants, highlighting its strategic importance in the defense and aerospace industries.