NatureWorks intends to invest more than $600 million in the complex, which will include plants for producing lactic acid, lactide and polymer, making it the world’s first PLA facility that is designed to be fully integrated.

“Thanks to the ongoing support of our parent companies, our plans for a second Ingeo PLA manufacturing location continue to progress,” said Rich Altice, president and CEO of NatureWorks. “This authorization was an important milestone that ensures we will be ready to begin construction in 2022 on an integrated manufacturing complex that will help us address the increasing global market demand for sustainable materials.”

Construction at the site in the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex in Nakhon Sawan province will begin in the second quarter of 2022. The facility will have an annual capacity of 75,000 t and is expected to go online in 2024, producing the full portfolio of Ingeo grades.

Engineering partners for the next phase of the project have already been selected. Jacobs, which previously provided the front-end engineering design, will now complete final detailed engineering. IAG is providing project management, project controls and procurement services.

Last September, NatureWorks announced it would expand PLA capacity at its facility in Blair, Nebraska, USA, by 10%. The additional capacity is expected to be available by the end of this year. 

The company said its expanded global production of Ingeo biopolymers will support growth in markets including 3D printing and hygiene, as well as compostable coffee capsules, tea bags, flexible packaging, and food serviceware that demand sustainable, low-carbon materials.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist