NatureWorks has opened its fully integrated Ingeo biopolymer production facility in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand.
The plant combines three stages of manufacturing at one location: lactic acid production using “locally sourced” sugarcane, lactide monomer output and polymer production.
The site extends its existing Ingeo manufacturing base and adds capacity for supplying polylactic acid (PLA) materials to international markets.
NatureWorks described the plant as its second production plant for PLA. According to the company, the move comes as demand rises for lower-carbon materials used in packaging, fibre and consumer goods.
The Nakhon Sawan facility has an annual capacity of around 75,000 metric tonnes of Ingeo biopolymer. It is set up to manufacture the full range of Ingeo grades.
Based in the Nakhon Sawan BioComplex, the site is intended to support regional supply networks and provide access to renewable feedstock.
According to NatureWorks, the Ingeo biopolymer made at the facility uses carbon from annually renewable resources.
Operations at the site are structured to support a carbon-neutral to net-negative profile at the polymer level, based on life cycle assessment data.
The project will also support the regional economy through skilled employment and demand for sugarcane from local farming communities.
The company added that the location within the Nakhon Sawan BioComplex links production with other parts of the local value chain.
The plant is expected to serve uses such as flexible packaging, compostable food serviceware, non-woven fibres and 3D printing. The facility also adds to its footprint in the Asia Pacific.
In May 2024, NatureWorks received financial backing from Thailand’s Krungthai Bank for the facility.
The funding package from Krungthai Bank amounted to Bt12,600m ($350m).
NatureWorks CEO Erik Ripple said: “With the opening of our Nakhon Sawan facility, we are taking a major step forward in scaling access to Ingeo biopolymers globally.
“This fully integrated site enables us to better serve our customers while advancing the transition to renewable, lower-impact materials.”
