Nagase’s Emerging Technologies Team delivers unmatched expertise and market insight. Their validation of TruBlack’s applications and regulatory guidance are critical to our success.
Commercializing TruBlack™: How Nagase and BioRegion Turned Innovation into a Market Success
December 11, 2024
Navigating Market Entry for Innovative Materials
Bringing a groundbreaking material to market is no small feat. BioRegion Technology, known for its sustainable innovations, developed TruBlack—a 100% USDA BioPreferred bio-derived carbon with the potential to significantly expand the quality, properties, and performance of sustainable products in the plastics, cosmetics, CASE, and ink markets. However, as with many startups, BioRegion encountered significant challenges in scaling their material for market entry. They needed not only technical validation of TruBlack’s applications, but also a partner with deep expertise in global market dynamics and regulatory navigation.
Recognizing these challenges, BioRegion sought the expertise of Nagase’s Emerging Technologies Team to bridge resource gaps and accelerate their market entry.
The Challenge: Turning Innovation into Commercial Success
Innovation alone isn’t enough. Identifying strong market demand and aligning the product’s value with customer needs is crucial.
Navigating the various regulatory requirements based on the application, material, and region.
Focused on the operational aspects of their business, BioRegion lacked the internal resources necessary to dedicate to essential growth functions like customer outreach and market research.
Nagase’s Solution: A Strategic Partnership for Growth
Nagase’s Emerging Technologies Team offered BioRegion a unique strategic partnership that focused on exclusive sales distribution. Rather than seeking equity or control, this approach allowed BioRegion to maintain its independence while benefiting from Nagase’s extensive resources, industry expertise, and global network. The result was a mutually beneficial collaboration designed to efficiently bring their innovative product to market.
From left to right: Brendon Bohnert, Nagase Senior Manager, Emerging Technologies; Dave Dowling, BioRegion Executive VP; Phil Brunner, BioRegion VP of Research, Development, and Commercialization
Validating TruBlack and Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
To unlock the full market potential of TruBlack, the Emerging Technologies Team worked closely with BioRegion to assess the material's viability through a comprehensive process that included research and lab testing. These tests were conducted at two specialized testing facilities in the Nagase global network: the Nagase Application Workshop and the Interfacial Characterization Lab.
These strategic facilities played a crucial role in validating TruBlack for various potential applications and ensuring the material’s properties aligned with the industry demand. Through these rigorous tests, the team validated TruBlack for a standout application as an IR detectable bioderived carbon that allows for 90%+ recycling sortability for black plastics, a capability currently absent from traditional black plastics. By enabling broader recyclability, TruBlack sets a new standard for sustainable materials.
In parallel, the team applied its extensive domestic and international regulatory expertise to streamline TruBlack's entry into highly regulated sectors like food packaging, cosmetics, and agriculture. Actively navigating complex regulatory frameworks, they collaborate with global regulatory bodies such as the FDA, INCI, and REACH to ensure TruBlack complies with certification requirements.
This dual approach of technical validation and regulatory alignment was critical to accelerating the product's market access and paving the way for its commercial success.
Left: Interfacial, a Nagase Group Company, Characterization Lab in Prescott, WI. Right: A Nagase Application Workshop laboratory in Amagasaki, Japan.
The Results: Expanding TruBlack’s Commercial Reach
Nagase’s Emerging Technologies Team played a pivotal role in transforming TruBlack from a promising innovation into a commercialized product ready for market success. Through their comprehensive approach—combining technical expertise, regulatory navigation, and market strategy—Nagase enabled BioRegion to capitalize on high-growth opportunities. As a direct result of this strategic partnership, BioRegion achieved the following key milestones:
TruBlack successfully gained certifications to enter regulated markets such as food packaging and cosmetics ensuring seamless access to these high-value sectors.
By introducing TruBlack at industry events such as the Compounding World Expo, Nagase generated significant industry interest from major plastics and CASE brands, opening doors to large-scale opportunities.
BioRegion is now positioned to capture an attainable market of an estimated 40M pounds within the next 3-5 years, with a US micro-production facility already established and plans for full-scale production underway.
Nagase’s network unlocks opportunities we couldn’t reach alone. Their connections boost visibility, accelerate market entry, and position us for success in high-growth industries.
Your Partner in Accelerating Innovation to Commercialization
At Nagase, we empower forward-thinking companies with access to our expansive global network of expertise, resources, and services—all through a single point of contact. Whether you're innovating in material development, exploring new markets, or seeking creative solutions to complex challenges, our Emerging Technologies Team is dedicated to driving your success.
Reach out to us today and discover how we can support your journey from innovation to commercialization.
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