I’ve been hearing that demand for biodegradable/compostable plastics have been very good this year, and PLA (polylactic acid) resins have been benefiting from this growing demand.

NatureWorks, the world’s largest PLA manufacturer, announced this week that it will increase its production of Ingeo™️ (PLA) biomaterials portfolio by 10% by installing additional monomer purification technology at its facility in Blair, Nebraska. Installation is already underway and will be completed by the end of 2021. The expansion will support growth in markets that include 3D printing and non-woven hygiene masks as well as compostable coffee capsules, teabags and coated-paper food serviceware.

The purification technology is said to be one of many additional capital improvements the company is actively working on at the Blair site. NatureWorks also confirmed that it is still pursuing a potential future second manufacturing site outside the USA to serve its growing international markets.

The additional feedstock that will supply the new manufacturing projects will become certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification System (ISCC). By 2020, NatureWorks said 100% of its agricultural feedstock used for Ingeo™️ made at Blair will be certified by ISCC.  By 2025, NatureWorks also committed that 100% of new feedstocks for additional manufacturing capacity will be certified as sustainably and responsibly managed via an independent third-party administered program.

NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand-based petrochemical and refining company, PTT Global Chemical, and US-based agribusiness firm, Cargill.