NatureWorks LLC Press Releases

February 10, 2009 - Ingeo™ Plastic Made from Plants Achieves a New Eco Plateau Reducing CO2 Emissions by 35%

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:19:07 GMT

UPDATED DATA: October 9, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., February 10, 2009 — NatureWorks LLC has achieved a manufacturing breakthrough with its Ingeo plastics made from plants, not oil. A new, proprietary fermentation process commissioned late last year has lowered CO2 emissions by 35 percent and reduced by 16 percent the fossil energy required to produce Ingeo plastics compared to previous Ingeo production. A series of energy saving projects now in development could produce further reductions in each of these key metrics.

The following charts show the improvements in the Ingeo ecoprofile already achieved from the new fermentation process, as well as the anticipated future advances from energy savings projects at the plant.

COMPARING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

*CIT is currently implemented technology

COMPARING NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY USE

*CIT is currently implemented technology

Through the advanced new fermentation process, Ingeo outperforms all of the most commonly used petroleum-based plastics in terms of CO2 emissions and fossil fuel usage. In determining the ecoprofile for the new Ingeo technology, NatureWorks calculated every significant input and output from seed planting to plastic resin being shipped through the factory’s gate.

The recent breakthrough in the ecoprofile brought about by the new fermentation process follows a decade-long collaborative research and development effort exploring advanced lactic acid production technologies. Research organizations involved include NatureWorks’ parent, Cargill, and a network of biotechnology firms, universities, and government research laboratories. The effort was supported in part by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, totaling about $25 million.

“This new fermentation production technology comes at a time when governments across the world are renewing efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Steve Davies, NatureWorks director of communications and public affairs. “Since its introduction, Ingeo has satisfied a market need for performance plastics and fibers with better eco-credentials. Today, the environmental piece of this equation takes a major step forward with the new fermentation process in place. That’s good news for the many companies across the globe that produce attractive, affordable consumer products from Ingeo plastics — everything from natural plastic food packaging and food service ware, to clothing, house wares, personal care products, and consumer electronics.”

In 2002, Ingeo was the first biopolymer to reach the plastics and fibers market in commercial quantities. From 2006 through 2008, NatureWorks purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to improve the biopolymer’s already solid environmental performance. With this latest Ingeo environmental and energy breakthrough from the new fermentation process, NatureWorks will no longer purchase RECs. The company will continue, however, to offer the REC option to every organization that has corporate goals for green energy use.

Davies concludes, “With even more advantages now, Ingeo plastics and fibers should be investigated by every manufacturer, brand owner, and retailer that is serious about a smart alternative to petroleum-based products.”

Companies in Europe, the Americas, and Asia that are looking for greater sustainability and performance in plastics or fibers should visit the NatureWorks website www.natureworksllc.com to locate the nearest sales office. Consumers are encouraged to visit the NatureWorks website to learn more about the many products made from plants, not oil.

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About NatureWorks LLC

NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low carbon footprint biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers.

2009年10月 1日 - 環境に優しいカップが日本とアジアの空へ

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:27:09 GMT

東京発－アジアNo.1の航空企業グループを目指す全日本空輸株式会社（ANA）は環境活動においてもリーデイングエアラインを目指しています。このANAの機内で、Ingeo™ バイオポリマーのカップでお飲み物をお楽しみいただけます。ネイチャーワークス社とANAが共同で、ANAが本日より運航する4年目の環境フライトキャンペーン『e-flight』の一環としてこのカップを企画・開発しました。

この飲料カップは、石油ではなく植物を原料とするネイチャーワークス社のIngeo （インジオ）バイオポリマーから作られています。Ingeo は毎年再生可能な植物から作られ、その製造工程では、石油由来プラスチックに比べて、より少ないエネルギーを使用し、二酸化炭素の排出量も少なくなります*。

ANAは2006年に最初の『e-flight』を開始しました。この社会的認識を高める取り組みとして、4年目となる2009年の『e-flight』では、「人と地球を考える」をキャッチフレーズに、地上や機内を中心とした商品・サービスのエコ化の促進、環境活動の見える化を図ることを目的に、Ingeoカップ、軽量化を図ったＰＥＴボトル入りワイン、カーボンオフセットといった環境配慮型のサービスや製品を中心にご提供いたします。

Ingeo™バイオポリマーのカップは、『e-flight』キャンペーンの中で、10月5日頃より、国内線の全線と国際線の成田－シンガポール線エコノミークラスで順次提供されます。

ANAグループは全社を挙げて航空機燃料の消費削減に取り組んでおり、2011年末までに国内線でのＣＯ２排出量の大幅な削減目標を定め、また、多くの森林や海の環境保全プロジェクトに深く携わっているなど、環境活動において先進的な企業です。これらの活動が評価されたことから、2008年11月に日本の環境省より運輸業界で初めて『エコ・ファースト企業』に認定されました。

ネイチャーワークス社の代表取締役社長であるMarc Verbruggen（マーク・フェルブルーゲン）は次のように述べています。「ANAのIngeo™プラスチックカップは、乗客の皆様にとっては、革新的な思考と技術から生み出された、より優れたサステナビリティ（持続可能性）の象徴的な製品を手にする機会となります。ANAの『e-flight』キャンペーンでIngeo™がそのような役割を提供できることを誇りに思います。」

また、今回は、サステナビリティ（持続可能性）と持続可能な製品に対してゆるぎない活動を続ける、日本の株式会社BPコンサルティング（本社：東京、代表：山松剛行、電話：03-6423-2712）が、ANAとネイチャーワークス社と協同してIngeo™プラスチックカップの開発と導入にあたりました。

*日本のANAのカップに使用されるIngeo™バイオポリマーを製造する工程では、一般的に包装・食品産業で使用されているプラスチックであるPETに比べて、 CO2を90%以上、非再生可能エネルギーを約60%削減します。

ANA “e-flight”の概要

1.	実施期間: 2009年10月1日～31日（注）サービスの一部には、期間外・途中の開始・終了のものがございます。
2.	対象便: 各路線のうちの指定便 (注)当日の運航状況によっては、e-flight便として運航できない場合もございます。
	A)	国内線合計38便
		羽田→札幌線	NH51, NH53, NH55, NH59, NH61, NH63, NH65, NH67, NH69, NH71, NH73, NH77
		札幌→羽田線	NH54, NH56, NH58, NH62, NH64, NH66, NH68, NH70, NH72, NH74, NH76, NH82
		羽田→沖縄線	NH121, NH123, NH127, NH129, NH997, NH131, NH135
		沖縄→羽田線	NH120, NH124, NH130, NH132, NH998, NH136
	B)	国際線合計4便
		成田→シンガポール線	NH111, NH901
		シンガポール→成田線	NH112, NH902

ネイチャーワークス社のIngeo プラスチックカップは、上記A)の便に限らず、国内線全線および国際線成田 – シンガポール線エコノミークラスで提供されます。

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【ネイチャーワークス社について】

地球環境に妥協することなく、世界が求める今日的・将来的ニーズに応えていくネイチャーワークス社は、100%毎年再生可能な資源を使用し、石油由来のプラスチックや繊維に匹敵するコストと品質を持つ低カーボンフットプリント(二酸化炭素排出量を抑えた)ポリマーを商業規模で製造・販売した初めての企業です。

October 1, 2009 - Green Cups Emphasize the Environment in the Skies over Japan and Asia

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:06:58 GMT

Tokyo, Japan, October 1, 2009 - High technology lies behind a seemingly simple innovation led by All Nippon Airways (ANA), which aims to be the number one airline group in Asia and also to be a leader of environmental action in the aviation industry. ANA’s passengers will now enjoy their drinks in an Ingeo natural plastic cup. The cup was planned and developed jointly by NatureWorks and ANA for ANA’s fourth environmental flights campaign, “e-flight”, which starts October 1, 2009.

The drinking cups consist of NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymer, made from plants, not oil. Not only is Ingeo made from annually renewable resources, but its manufacturing process requires far less energy and emits significantly less CO2 compared to plastics made from oil.*

ANA held its first “e-flight” campaign in 2006. Under the catchphrase “Think about the earth and human beings”, the fourth “e-flight” promotes these public awareness initiatives that feature eco-friendly services and products like the Ingeo cup in addition to other steps, which include wine in PET bottles and an optional passenger carbon offset program. The programs will enable ANA to realize its environmental goals both on the ground and in flight.

Plans call for the Ingeo natural plastic cup to be used on all the domestic flights in Japan and for coach class passengers on the Narita-Singapore route as a part of “e-flight” programs.

ANA group is an innovator in environmental action. The company has set targets to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2011 with its domestic flights in Japan, and has been saving fuel during the flights to achieve this corporate goal. In addition, ANA is deeply involved in a number of forest and marine environment restoration projects. As a result of these activities, ANA was the first company in the aviation industry to be certified as an “Eco-First Company” by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

“The new ANA Ingeo plastic drinking cups will give airline passengers the opportunity to hold a product symbolic of greater sustainability through innovative thinking and technology,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO, NatureWorks LLC. “We are proud to have Ingeo playing a role in the ANA e-flight program.”

BP Consulting (Japan, President: Takeyuki Yamamatsu, Phone: +81-3-6423-2712), an unwavering advocate for sustainability and sustainable products, also worked closely with both ANA and NatureWorks to develop, produce, and implement the Ingeo plastic cups concept.

*The process to manufacture Ingeo biopolymer for ANA’s cups in Japan emits over 90 percent less CO2 and requires about 60 percent less non-renewable energy compared to PET, a commonly used plastic in the packaging and food service industries.

About ANA’s “e-flight”

1.	Period: October 1 to October 31, 2009 (Some service(s) may continue or discontinue regardless of the period)
2.	Planned flights (“e-flight service may depend on the flight situation of the day)
	A)	Domestic in Japan – 38 flights
		Haneda – Sapporo	NH51, NH53, NH55, NH59, NH61, NH63, NH65, NH67, NH69, NH71, NH73, NH77
		Sapporo – Haneda	NH54, NH56, NH58, NH62, NH64, NH66, NH68, NH70, NH72, NH74, NH76, NH82
		Haneda – Okinawa	NH121, NH123, NH127, NH129, NH997, NH131, NH135
		Okinawa – Haneda	NH120, NH124, NH130, NH132, NH998, NH136
	B)	International – 4 flights
		Narita – Singapore	NH111, NH901
		Singapore – Narita	NH112, NH902

Note: Ingeo natural plastic cup will be in service with all the domestic flights in Japan, not only limited to the flights listed above A), as well as Narita-Singapore / Singapore-Narita flights.

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About NatureWorks LLC

NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low carbon footprint Ingeo™ biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. www.natureworksllc.com

September 21, 2009 - Performance Ingeo™ Meltblown Nonwovens Now a Demonstrated Reality

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:46:58 GMT

Minnetonka, Minn., September 21, 2009 - NatureWorks announced today at the 2009 International Nonwovens Technical Conference (INTC) being held in Denver that two grades of its low-carbon footprint Ingeo™ bioresin are now commercially available for the production of meltblown nonwovens, fabrics widely used in such products as wipes and filters.

“As interest grows in polymers made from renewable resources, equipment manufacturers, process developers, and researchers have been exploring solutions that offer meltblown nonwoven fabrics that both perform well and achieve a lower carbon footprint than the existing petroleum-based incumbents,” said Robert Green, director of fibers and nonwovens, NatureWorks.

Green was referring to meltblown fiber equipment manufacturer Biax-FiberFilm, which earlier this year conducted meltblown tests of Ingeo, made from plant sugars, not oil. Researchers at the University of Tennessee Nonwovens Research Lab (UTNRL) also evaluated Ingeo for its suitability for meltblown fabric substrates using conventional meltblowing equipment.

“Our development of an Ingeo meltblown substrate significantly broadens the variety of applications in which this material can be used,” said Doug Brown, president, Biax-FiberFilm. “An Ingeo meltblown nonwoven offers an estimated 30 to 50 percent cost savings over conventional fiber-based nonwoven roll goods and a significant advantage in price stability compared to petroleum-based products.” Brown also noted that mixing the Ingeo meltblown fiber with wood pulp or viscose greatly enhanced the material’s absorption, making it suitable for a broad range of performance wipes products.

In its development work, Biax-FiberFilm, www.biax-fiberfilm.com, demonstrated excellent performance of two Ingeo grades in their meltblown process. Ingeo 6252D and 6201D each provided broad processing windows and quality fabrics that meet requirements for a range of applications. The high pressure die design unique to Biax FiberFilm meltblown lines allow processing of higher viscosity grades of Ingeo, such as 6201D, offering even higher fabric strength than seen on conventional meltblowing equipment.

These recent advances provide the nonwoven market with a full range of Ingeo fabrics that can now be produced with all major fabric forming technologies from spunmelt to conventional carded nonwovens, offering the ability to meet consumers’ convenience needs with an annually renewable low environmental impact material. The charts below show the significant environmental advantage Ingeo offers over conventional petroleum based products.

REDUCED GREENHOUSE GASES (CO2)

LESS ENERGY INPUT (NON-RENEWABLE)

NatureWorks and Biax-FiberFilm will present the results of this work in separate sessions at the INTC. Also at the conference, Fiber Innovation Technologies will present a paper on thermal bonding with Ingeo, and the University of Tennessee as well as Oklahoma University will review research into Ingeo mulch fabrics and fiber production.

For more information on NatureWorks Ingeo bioresin for meltblown fiber applications, call Robert Green at (919) 363-1446. Visit www.natureworksllc.com for additional comprehensive information on NatureWorks and Ingeo.

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About NatureWorks LLC