 | Annually Renewable
Resource |
We start with an abundant, natural raw material like corn that can be easily and efficiently be reproduced each year.
|
 | The Kernals are Milled |
The corn is milled and the starch is isolated through a screening process.
|
 | Fermentation |
Micro-organisms convert sugar into lactic acid in a process similar to making yogurt.
|
 | Production |
Then the fermentation products are transformed into a high-performance polymer called polylactide, which is branded NatureWorks® PLA.
|
 | Fiber Extrusion |
Ingeo™ fiber is extruded from NatureWorks® PLA
|
 | Yarn Spinning |
The bounty of the prairie is transformed, as if by magic.
|
 | And now...
(drum roll)
Polartec® |
In arguably the most environmentally sound textile plant in the world, Malden mills knits, dyes, and finishes Polartec® fleece fabric. |
 | Try it on! |
Chuck Roast cuts the fabric and stitches it into jackets, vests, hats, scarves and mittens in its New Hampshire factory. |
 | Reduced
Fossil Fuel Resource Use |
The annually renewable natural source for Ingeo fibers means we don't have to draw upon depleting fossil fuels.
|
 | Reduced CO²
Emissions |
The production and use of Ingeo™ fiber means less greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gasses are the chief contributor to global climate change. Once produced, Ingeo fiber has a natural feel that enhances the end produce when used in apparel, furnishings, fiberfill, carpet and more.
|
 | How it's Unmade |
Compostibility and chemical recyclability mean that under the right conditions and with the right handling, the complete life cycle of production, consumption, disposal and reuse is neatly closed.
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1744
| | Responsible Innovation
The technology to produce NatureWorks
PLA allows an abundant, annually renewable
resource, corn, to replace finite ones,
such as oil and natural gas, in everyday
products. NatureWorks LLC is committed
to providing and encouraging responsible
innovation.This focus on product and
process advancement delivers value for
the company and its global customer base.
World's First Greenhouse-
Gas-Neutral Polymer
 Since corn is the feedstock,
NatureWorks PLA inherently offers a
significant reduction in energy use and
greenhouse-gas emissions as compared
to petroleum-based plastics.
NatureWorks LLC purchases U.S.-based
renewable energy certificates (RECs)
which offset any remaining emissions
from its Blair, Neb., and Minnetonka,
Minn., facilities.
The corn-to-pellet greenhouse-gasneutral
position also further reduces
fossil fuel use to a level more than 65%
less than traditional plastics, such as PET.
Recycling System Integration
NatureWorks PLA aids in landfill
diversion by offering the widest array
of end-of-life options of any plastic.
It is compatible with existing recycling
systems, can be composted, landfilled
and incinerates cleanly.
The company has instituted a “buy-back”
program in North America to encourage
large-scale recyclers and municipal
facilities to separate and bale PLA
bottles for alternative uses and disposal.
Source-Options Programs
NatureWorks LLC offers three sourceoptions
programs for customers who
view corn variety as an important
market issue.
Available programs include certification,
through an internationally recognized
third-party organization, that the polymer
has no genetic content; a source offset
option (guarantees an equal amount of
non-genetically modified corn is purchased
and delivered to our process facility),
and a seed-to-finished-product identitypreserved
grade of NatureWorks PLA.
By allowing customers to select the
option that best fits their specific
requirements and desired level of market
impact, these programs make it even
easier for retailers and brand owners
to adopt NatureWorks PLA. More about PLA
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