Viridis is doing what no one else in North America is doing: producing 100% renewable ethyl acetate from ethanol using its proprietary Prairie Green™ process. For Sailesh Kumar, VP of Process Technology, that’s more than a technical achievement – it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to serve customers and the industries that rely on this essential chemistry. Sailesh was eager to talk about what makes the Viridis process unique, the benefits to customers, and what’s next.
Viridis is the only U.S. producer making ethyl acetate entirely from ethanol. What’s the technical significance of that, and why does it matter?
Developing bio-based solvents from renewable feedstocks is one of the most promising opportunities in our industry. Our ethyl acetate is a “drop-in” replacement for the petroleum or coal-based equivalents – with the added advantage of a lower carbon footprint and a renewable origin. More and more regulations are encouraging sustainable sourcing, and Viridis offers customers a way to meet those goals without sacrificing performance or cost-effectiveness.
What sets the Viridis Prairie Green™ process apart from other production methods?
All other ethyl acetate is still made from petroleum-based feedstocks. At Viridis, we start with 100% bio-based ethanol and convert it into ethyl acetate with hydrogen and water as the main byproducts.
That difference isn’t just technical – it reflects a mindset. Few phrases frustrate me more than “This is the way we’ve always done it.” That’s never a good reason to keep doing anything, especially in manufacturing. At Viridis, we’ve proven there’s a better way to make sustainable solvents like ethyl acetate – and a smarter way to serve the people who need it.
What’s the value proposition for customers beyond the chemistry?
In addition to our sustainability advantage, Viridis’ supply chain is remarkably simple. We produce our own ethanol right on site, so we’re not dependent on imports or vulnerable to long supply routes. Our plant is in the Midwest – close to major customers and transportation corridors, and safely outside hurricane zones. That means reliable supply, faster turnaround, and the stability customers need to plan their own operations. It also means far less shipping, which reduces fuel use and emissions, unlike other companies who move raw materials and product between multiple sites, often in multiple countries. Here, corn comes in and renewable ethyl acetate goes out!
Add to that the fact that we’re the only dedicated ethyl acetate plant in the U.S. – and the largest of its kind – and we’re uniquely positioned to support customers not just in meeting sustainability goals, but also in achieving the reliability, consistency, and performance their operations demand.
What challenges are most rewarding when you’re bringing new technology online at this scale?
Moving from Columbus, Nebraska, to Peoria, Illinois, has been a big lift, but it gave us a rare opportunity to improve everything from the ground up. We took the best of what worked in Columbus and reimagined the plant for greater efficiency, reliability, and safety. It’s a bit like moving into a new house – you keep what adds value, replace what doesn’t, and reconfigure the space so it works even better.
Now, we’re on an aggressive timeline to start up, hit our production targets, and keep optimizing as we go. It’s a high-energy, high-focus environment – and exactly the kind of challenge that drives us.
What made this role – and this moment at Viridis – the right fit for you?
I’ve had a long career in large corporations, working on major projects that could take years – sometimes more than a decade – to complete. I made meaningful contributions, but often only as a chapter of a much larger story. At Viridis, it’s completely different. We’re a small, highly focused team, and every decision we make moves us toward very real, very visible outcomes. The sense of ownership and momentum here is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and that’s incredibly motivating.
What’s next for Viridis?
Priority one is a flawless start-up and getting product into customers’ hands. From there, we’ll ramp up to full capacity in 2026. After that, the possibilities are wide open. Ethanol is a highly versatile starting point, and we’re already looking at what else we can produce – whether that’s complementary solvents, niche products, or new chemistries that help customers meet emerging needs. The question we keep asking is simple: what do our customers need next, and how can we deliver it faster and more effectively? Because the future of chemistry isn’t just about making more – it’s about making it better.