Genomatica says this is its core value proposition. The company hopes its first product – biobased 1,4 butanediol (BDO) – will soon find its way into Walmart's environmentally friendly product lines such as textiles, footwear and packaging. "Two big application for BDO are spandex for apparel applications and thermoplastic urethanes in shoe soles. The ability of Walmart to drive a desire for a more sustainable footprint for all of its products through their value chains can help transform the chemical industry," says McGrew. Doris de Guzman is senior editor at ICIS Chemical Business, a global chemical trade magazine. She also writes for ICIS' Green Chemicals blog. Walmart graphic by Chris Eyles