Ingeo News: May 2023

NatureWorks has further expanded the performance attributes delivered by Ingeo biopolymer in hygiene applications with the introduction of Ingeo 6500D for nonwovens. The new Ingeo solution offers increased softness and strength as well as improved fluid management when combined with optimized hydrophilic surface finish technology. As a certified renewably sourced, low carbon and biobased material, Ingeo 6500D addresses growing demand from brands and consumers for products made from more sustainable materials. Read the press release.

Thanks to a lot of research, time, and effort, University of Georgia’s graduate student, Hunter Scully, organized a zero waste three-game baseball series at Foley Field that successfully diverted 1,221lbs of waste from landfill. During the weekend, the field used compostable cups and food serviceware, collecting them alongside food scraps in compost bins arranged around the field. The use of compostable food serviceware enabled the diversion of more food scraps away from landfill where they generate methane emissions, to compost where they become part of a valuable, nutrient-rich soil amendment. The organics and compostables were taken to Athens-Clarke County commercial composting facility for processing.

NatureWorks partnered on this event employing the Green Sports Alliance Food Waste Diversion and Compostable Packaging Playbook, which NatureWorks completed last year with the help of Ag-Recycle, EcoProducts, Max-R, Natur-Tec, and WM. The playbook provides an overview on how switching from petrochemical based plastics and materials to biobased compostable food serviceware and composting programs helps sports venues lower their carbon footprint.

Even Brendon Todd, PGA player, NatureWorks #SustainabilityInGolf ambassador, and UGA alum, relayed his enthusiasm for his alma mater’s contribution to green sports with a video.

NatureWorks colleagues attended the Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) 2023 Annual Meeting on April 20th. This meeting is an opportunity for researchers, Board Representatives, and industry members to hold scientific talks and poster review sessions to highlight and discuss the most recent research in the center. NatureWorks is a proud sponsor of this annual event.