NatureWorks mulls second factory for Ingeo biopolymer

The company said that growing demand for its Ingeo bioresin in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas had led to the plans for the second facility. No location for the plant has been decided as yet, although a selection process is underway based on the likely growth of sales and the availability of feedstock in the three regions.

The second plant is not expected to be built for at least three years. However, if the project goes ahead it will add to NatureWorks’ existing factory in Nebraska, which itself is currently undergoing an expansion programme that will allow it to produce 140,000 tonnes of Ingeo every year.

The investment may raise eyebrows given the debate that is currently raging over the merits of bioplastics, not least over concerns that they damage the strength other polymers in the recycling waste stream and their effect on agricultural capacity for food production.

However, Marc Verbruggen, NatureWorks chief executive, said that the investment would “support brand owners committed to environmentally preferable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics” and be a “significant step forward” for the company.

Verbruggen added: “We’re starting our assessment now, recognizing that typical timeframes for design and construction of such facilities can be 3 years after a decision is made.”

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