Ingeo News: July 2024
PLA does not create persistent microplastics
New meta-study finds that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze and no persistent nano- or microplastics will accumulate. On June 25th, Holland Bioplastics released an important meta-study that summarizes currently available peer-reviewed research on how polylactic acid (PLA) interacts with the environment. This study, conducted by HYDRA Marine Sciences, found that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze, and no persistent nano- or microplastics will remain or accumulate in the environment.
Read the Executive Brief (PDF)
Read the Technical Summary Report (PDF)
PLA does not create persistent microplastics
New meta-study finds that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze and no persistent nano- or microplastics will accumulate. On June 25th, Holland Bioplastics released an important meta-study that summarizes currently available peer-reviewed research on how polylactic acid (PLA) interacts with the environment. This study, conducted by HYDRA Marine Sciences, found that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze, and no persistent nano- or microplastics will remain or accumulate in the environment.
Read the Executive Brief (PDF)
Read the Technical Summary Report (PDF)
A Big Idea
Pack with Impact
In the latest NatureWorks News Post and in reference to the new meta-study from Holland Bioplastics, Global Marketing and Communications Director, Leah Ford, points out that the process of disintegration by hydrolysis followed by biodegradation is the same process that products made from PLA undergo when in a composting environment. This is also why we should also understand PLA does not create persistent microplastics in compost. Read the News Post
Click of the Month
New Playbook from Green Sports Alliance highlights the importance of biobased materials in reuse programs
During the latest Green Sports Alliance Summit, the “Reuse Playbook” was announced as the latest sustainable sports playbook edition and Leah Ford and Doug Kunnemann from NatureWorks were proud contributors to the edition. Even in cases of reuse, the materials chosen still matter. View the New Playbook
Quick Hits
Study finds bio-based polylactic acid poses no microplastics risks
Packaging Insights interviewed Holland Bioplastics board member, Erwin Vink, about the new meta-study from Hydra Marine Sciences that found PLA doesn’t create persistent microplastics Read more
Evolving the National Organics Program to increase food diversion rates by allowing compostable packaging
Join this webinar to hear from an expert panel on how markets and feedstocks for composters will be limited if changes to the National Organics Program aren’t made and why USCC should actively support BPI’s petition for allowing compostable products into organic compost. Register here
Composting could be set for US boom and it needs one, decades behind recycling
Composting has many benefits for the environment. It keeps food out of landfills, leading national food chains including Chipotle to expand its use at restaurants, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
What We're Reading
Phoam Labs’ Floral Revolution, Financial Times
Exciting News from Polymaker: Introducing Fiberon and Panchroma, Polymaker
Comprehensive Study Confirms PLA bioplastic Fully Degrades without Persistent Microplastics, Environment + Energy Leader
3D Printed Chandelier, The Hedron, Outshines Conventional Ceiling Lights, bigrep
Recent Events
Rapid + TCT
June 25 - 27 | Los Angeles, CA
Ingeo PLA is revolutionizing 3D-printing from large-format additive manufacturing to small desktop prints. NatureWorks had a booth at the recent Rapid + TCT show and showcased how Ingeo-based 3D applications like an SLS powder from Jabil and a composite used to print the BioHome3D offer high performance with a low-carbon sustainability benefit.
New Playbook from Green Sports Alliance highlights the importance of biobased materials in reuse programs
During the latest Green Sports Alliance Summit, the “Reuse Playbook” was announced as the latest sustainable sports playbook edition and Leah Ford and Doug Kunnemann from NatureWorks were proud contributors to the edition. Even in cases of reuse, the materials chosen still matter. View the New Playbook
Upcoming Events
BPI Summit 2024 | September 10 - 12 | Berkley, CA
NatureWorks will speak at this event.
AMI Bioplastics Conference | September 17 - 18 | Cincinnati, OH
NatureWorks’ Rahul Rasal will speak at this event.
AMI Single-Serve Capsules | September 30 - October 2 | Malaga, Spain
NatureWorks’ Celmira Sousa and Viviana Conti will present, "PPWR - Unwrapping and assessing the future opportunities for compostable plastics applications," at this event.
SPC Advance | September 30 - October 2 | Chicago, IL
NatureWorks' Leah Ford will present, "Sharing a New Value Proposition for Compostable Packaging," at this event.
Stay up-to-date with where NatureWorks will be on our News & Events page