Ingeo News: May 2024
Closed Loop report provides reassurance compostable packaging is part of successful composting infrastructure
The Composting Consortium, led by Closed Loop Partners ' Center for the Circular Economy, tackled a groundbreaking study, analyzing the disintegration of over 23,000 units of compostable packaging in an 18-month study. The newly published report provides insights, data on the realities of compostable packaging disintegration, and identifies the optimal composting conditions that support it. Read the Report
A Big Idea
NatureWorks Meets with eSUN in China
On April 17th, NatureWorks visited Yisheng New Materials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. in China. The two companies have collaborated for long time over the years with focus on developing innovative applications of Ingeo™️ polylactic acid (PLA) in biobased 3D printing, sustainable fiber, and packaging products. NatureWorks and eSUN also agreed to pursue further efforts on promoting the circularity of Ingeo PLA products to meet the markets’ needs for sustainable, traceable materials that enhance their ESG strategy as well as company competitiveness. Read the Press Release
Click of the Month
NatureWorks responds to recent Eunomia report on bioplastic
Commissioned by the Plastic Pollution Council, the recent report, ‘Bioplastics Are Trash: the unforeseen environmental consequences of PLA from production to disposal’ makes overall conclusions that give pause for thought. Sustainable Plastics spoke with Leah Ford, Global Marketing & Communications director at NatureWorks, one of the PLA producers mentioned in the report, about that company’s perspective on its contents.
“This [report] felt like it was trying to take a little position on shaping that debate. But we can't be in this market if we aren't trying to hit really high sustainability goals and be able to answer questions like the ones raised here. Because brands won't take that risk. They too have a responsibility and must report on their material choices. We've learned a lot in the time since we started manufacturing this material, and we know the sustainability credentials we need to get.” - Leah Ford
Quick Hits
NatureWorks at the CSP 2024 Annual Meeting
NatureWorks colleagues attended the Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) 2024 Annual Meeting on April 25th. 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.
NatureWorks at INC-4
Celmira Susana Sousa and Shannon Pinc represented our industry through European Bioplastics and Plant Based Products Council at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Ottawa, Canada. Working on the plastics problem isn't just an industry issue, it's also a critical global issue.
What We're Reading
Compostables break down in real-world conditions, but more work needed: report, Packaging Dive
New, Affordable PHA-Based Compounds Available for Compostable Film Packaging, Sustainable Plastics
New Georgia Composting Council chapter aims to approve zoning, other rules, Waste Dive
NatureWorks and IMA Announce Turn-Key Compostable Coffee Pod Solution for North America, NatureWorks
Design and Sustainability Opportunities Draw in the Next Generation of Packaging Students, Packaging Dive
Recent Events
Chinaplas
April 23 - 26 | Shanghai, China
NatureWorks featured Ingeo-based apparel and hangtags at this year’s Chinaplas exhibition. Also on display were Ingeo rigid applications like compostable coffee capsules, flexible films like a biaxially-oriented PLA packaging film and multi-layered lidding for chocolate and cheese containers.NatureWorks’ Eric Tu presented, “Exploring the Future of 3D Printing with PLA Materials,” during the Tech Talk session of the event.
Upcoming Events
NPE2024 | May 6 - 10 | Orlando, FL
NatureWorks will exhibit at this event.
TCT Asia | May 7 - 9 | Shanghai, China
NatureWorks will exhibit at this event.
Circularity | May 22 - 24 | Chicago, IL
NatureWorks’ Leah Ford will join the panel, “Scaling Biobased Solutions” at this event.
PLA World Congress | May 28 - 29 | Munich, Germany
NatureWorks’ Eamonn Tighe will present, “Enhancing Functionality of PLA in Compostable Food Packaging & Emerging Applications to address current market demands,” at this event.
Green Sports Alliance Summit | June 11 - 13 | Los Angeles, CA
NatureWorks will speak at and sponsor this event.
Stay up-to-date with where NatureWorks will be on our News & Events page