Overview

A new polymer platform derived entirely from natural-based resources is creating new product possibilities on a global scale. The polymer, NatureWorks (Trademark of Cargill Dow LLC) PLA, was developed from a revolutionary process to produce lactide and polylactide (PLA). Made by Cargill Dow LLC, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA, NatureWorks is changing the industry and the future of bio-based products. The company now offers a family of polymers that compete directly with hydrocarbon-based polymer materials on a cost, production and performance basis.

NatureWorks PLA is a commercially viable alternative to traditional materials. For consumers, this means new alternatives for apparel, household and industrial fabrics using a more sustainable material that bridges the gap between natural fibres, such as silk and wool, and synthetic fibres. Consumers also have the opportunity to benefit from packaging that is natural-based and fits all current disposal options, including being able to degrade in municipal compost facilities.

The project to develop PLA was started by Cargill Inc., in 1988 to add value to starch processed by the company. Dr. Pat Gruber, now Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Cargill Dow, was the initiator and project champion, and along with a small group of scientists and engineers at Cargill, invented the key lactic acid to polylactide step.

Competing technologies for PLA did exist but were regarded as higher-cost options. Cargill also had key technology patents for stabilising the polymer, leaving only very low concentrations of monomer in the final product. This technology is...