NatureWorks to Open New Headquarters and Advanced Biopolymers R&D Facility

Biopolymer producer NatureWorks will open a new headquarters and advanced biopolymer R&D facility in Plymouth, Minn. This in response to rapid growth in the market for sustainable biomaterials.  The move is scheduled to commence in February.

The new R&D center’s state-of-the-art laboratory will support research into the full circular lifecyle of Ingeo PLA biopolymers from next generation fermentation technology to new applications, to increased functionality. The expanded R&D capabilities will also support the construction and operation of NatureWorks’s new fully integrated Ingeo PLA manufacturing complex located in Thailand.

With an expected opening in 2024, that facility will have an annual capacity of  165 million lbs/yr of Ingeo biopolymer and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades.

The new space is designed to embody NatureWorks’s mission to create sustainable, high-performance materials by incorporating low environmental impact materials including lighting, flooring, and art made with Ingeo as well as systems for reducing water and energy usage. A robust organics recycling collection system will divert food waste away from landfills to compost with compostable food serviceware, coffee pods, and tea bags all available to visitors and employees.  Whether participating in trials in their applications lab or meeting with employees, visitors will find a redesigned experience that facilitates collaboration and showcases examples of Ingeo in applications from appliances to 3D printing, to compostable and recyclable paper coatings.

Said NatureWorks president and CEO Rich Altice, “In the face of these challenging times, we’ve designed a space that will enable research, invention, and collaboration between us, our partners, and the market, no matter where we are located in the world. These new facilities will help accelerate the pace of research and innovation as the urgent need for real, safe solutions that help address climate and environmental challenges from plastics and chemicals continues to grow.”