Ayas Renewables

About Ayas Renewables

Ayas Renewables, founded in December 2015, operates in the specialty chemicals market with a focus on producing bio-based propylene glycol (PG). The company's core business involves converting agricultural waste streams, specifically glycerin, into a high-purity, renewable alternative to petroleum-derived PG. This positions Ayas to serve a diverse, multi-billion dollar global market that includes applications in transportation, construction, and industrial products. Their business model is centered on proprietary and patented technology that enables the production of a drop-in replacement for petrochemicals at a comparable or lower cost, avoiding the need for a 'green premium'.

The company was co-founded by Joe McGrail and Mark Tegen. Joe McGrail, the CEO, brings extensive experience from the propylene glycol industry, having previously served as president of Octagon Process Inc., a major manufacturer of PG-based aircraft deicing fluids. His vision for Ayas stems from a desire to introduce a biorenewable deicing fluid to the market. Mark Tegen, another co-founder, has a background in specialty chemical manufacturing and has been instrumental in developing the company's patent portfolio. The technical foundation of Ayas is significantly shaped by Chief Technology Officer, Dr. William Sutterlin, whose work on the glycerin-to-PG technology earned a U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Award. His expertise lies in converting biomass into high-value chemicals.

Ayas Renewables' flagship product is a 99.9% pure, U.S. Pharma Grade, 100% bio-based propylene glycol. The product is created using a second-generation vapor-phase process that operates at low temperatures and pressures, which lowers both capital and operational expenditures. This bio-based PG is a versatile and environmentally safer liquid, approved by the U.S. FDA for human consumption, that can replace toxic ethylene-based fluids in applications like antifreeze, where groundwater contamination is a concern. Key uses for their product include airplane deicing fluid, green antifreeze, brake fluids, construction materials, paints, resins, and as a component in polyurethane and fiberglass. The company is currently building its first plant on the Gulf Coast and is exploring partnerships for additional facilities in Latin America and Southeast Asia.