1. What is NatureWorks™ PLA What is Ingeo™ Fibers?
NatureWorks is the brand name of Cargill Dow's polylactide (PLA) polymer.
Ingeo is Cargill Dow's brand name for fibers made from polylactide.
2. What is the composition of the corn used?
According to Blanchard (Technology of Corn Wet Milling and Associated
Processes) the average composition of No. 2 Yellow Dent is:
Component
Weight percent
Starch
66.12%
Protein
8.84%
Oil / fat
4.24%
Crude fiber
2.67%
Ash
1.29%
Sugars
1.84%
Moisture
15%
3. What is PLA?
PLA stands for Polylactide, and is a versatile polymer produced by Cargill Dow
LLC. PLA is made from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made from dextrose by
fermentation. Dextrose is made from cornstarch and cornstarch is made from
carbon dioxide and water.
4. What can be made from PLA?
PLA is a new, versatile, bulk polymer family and can be used in a
wide range of applications. An overview of the Cargill Dow's
business segments and examples of commercially available
products are given in following table.
Business
segment
Commercially available applications
• Clear, short shelf life trays & lids
• Opaque dairy containers
Rigid
thermoforms
• Consumer displays & electronics packaging
• Disposable articles
• Cold drink cups
• Shrink wrap for consumer goods packaging
Biaxiallyoriented films
• Twist wrap candy and flower wrap
Bottles
• Short, shelf-life milk and oil packaging
• Windows for envelopes, bags and cartons
Apparel
• Sport, active and underwear
• Fashion
• Agricultural and geo textiles
• Hygiene products (diapers and feminine hygiene)
Non-wovens
• Wipes
• Shoe liners
• Blends with natural fibers – hemp, sisal and flax
Household,
industrial
and
institutional
fabrics
Carpet
• Bedding, drapery, table cloths, curtains, mattress ticking
• Wall and cubicle fabrics, upholstery
• Surface yarns and fibers
• Pillows
Fiberfill
• Comforters
• Mattresses
• Duvets
5. How much corn is required to produce 1 kg PLA (1 lb. PLA)?
The answer on this question depends on several variables including the average
starch content and the respective yields of starch/dextrose conversion (in the
Corn Wet Mill), dextrose/lactic acid conversion (fermentation process) and lactic
acid/lactide/polymer conversion (polymerization processes). On average one
could say that approximately 2.5 kg of corn (15% moisture) are required per kg
PLA (or 2.5 lbs./lb. PLA). This
6. How does Cargill Dow define Sustainability
Cargill Dow defines sustainability as conducting its business in a way that meets
the needs of today while ensuring that we do not compromise the ability of the
Earth to meet our needs in the future. We guide our efforts and measure our
progress according to the "triple bottom line" of economic, environmental and
social sustainability. Cargill Dow pursues these objectives and seeks to maximize
performance in all three aspects simultaneously. Although implementation of this
concept is challenging in practice, explaining it is relatively simple.
• Economic sustainability is about building and growing a viable business that
also, for example, provides markets for agricultural products, new career
opportunities for researchers and staff, and other economic benefits to
investors and society.
• Social sustainability is reflected in social responsibility, and involves
concepts of equitable opportunity for all participants in the value chain as
well as strong bias against business and operational practices that take
unfair advantage of particular segments of society. From Cargill Dow's
perspective, social sustainability implies that business success must not
disadvantage, for example, feedstock suppliers (farmers). More broadly, the
environmentally friendly production processes and compostability and
recyclability of PLA products helps to ensure that production, use and
ultimate disposal of products do not impose disproportionate burdens on any
particular segment of society.
• Environmental sustainability is about making products that serve useful
market and societal functions with less environmental impact than currently
available alternatives. Moreover, environmental sustainability necessarily
implies a commitment to continuous improvement in environmental
performance. The key measurement tool for environmental sustainability is
Life Cycle Assessment.
7. What is Life Cycle Assessment?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique for assessing the environmental
aspects associated with a product over its life cycle. The most important
applications are: Analysis of the contribution of the life cycle stages to the overall
environmental load, usually with the aim to prioritize improvements on products
or processes. Comparison between products for internal or external
communication.
8. How much of the annual crop of corn in the U.S.A. is used by Cargill Dow?
At full capacity, the Cargill Dow production facility in Blair, Nebraska, U.S.A. will
produce 300 million pounds of PLA per year (136,080 metric tons). To produce
this, 750 millions pounds (340,200 metric tons) of corn (15% moisture) are
required. The total 2002 US corn for grain production was: 9 billion bushels or
504 billion pounds (1 bu = 1 bushel = 56 pounds = 25.4 kg). So, at full capacity
Cargill Dow will take 0.15% of the total corn for grain production in the USA —
less than one fifth of one percent.
9. How many PLA yogurt cups can be produced from an acre or hectare of land?
Using a corn yield of 130 bu/acre, one can produce about 188,000 cups/acre or
466,000 cups/hectare (assuming a cup that is made with 7 grams of PLA).
10. Which type of corn is used?
The source of the dextrose we use is known as “Number 2 Yellow Dent,” the
most common corn variety, with more than 80% of the crop grown to feed
animals. Although a minor use, No. 2 Yellow Dent corn can also be used to make
food products like dextrose and fructose (used as sweeteners in a wide range of
food products). No. 2 Yellow Dent is considered safe as a raw material for human
food products.
.
11.
Who is Cargill Dow?
Answer
Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC is based in Minnetonka, Minn., U.S.A. It is
the first company to offer its customers a family of polymers derived entirely
from annually renewable resources with the cost and performance necessary to
compete with packaging materials and traditional fibers. The company has
achieved this breakthrough by applying its unique technology to the processing
of natural plant sugars to create a proprietary polylactide polymer (PLA). Cargill
Dow uses an optimal combination of agricultural processes and biological and
chemical technologies. Cargill Dow has offices in The Netherlands and Japan.
12.
What are the raw material sources for NatureWorks™ PLA?
Answer
The basic raw materials for PLA are carbon dioxide and water. Growing plants,
like corn, take these building blocks from the atmosphere and the soil. They are
combined in the plant to make carbohydrates (sucrose and starch) through a
process driven by sunlight called photosynthesis. Today, Cargill Dow uses
dextrose, a natural sugar derived from the starch in kernels of corn (or maize) as
the primary raw material for PLA. (Other agricultural raw materials, such as rice,
sugar beets, sugar cane, wheat and sweet potatoes, can also serve as sources
for the starch or sugars used to make PLA, so in the future, the polymer could
be made from the dominant locally available crops.) Looking ahead, Cargill Dow
is working to develop technologies to facilitate the use of lignocellulosic biomass
feedstocks, such as corn stover, wheat and rice straw and bagasse. So, today
we are using agricultural products, ‘tomorrow’ we intend to use agricultural
waste streams.
13.
What is Cargill
Dow’s production
capacity?
Answer
Cargill Dow's facility in Blair, Nebraska has a full capacity of
300 million pounds (140,000 metric tons) of PLA per year. Our
lactic acid plant located next to the polymer plant has a
capacity of 400 million pounds per year.
14.
What is Cargill Dow's
LCA publication plan
for 2003/2004 and
what are the
limitations?
Answer
Recognizing that increased transparency is inherent in
progress toward sustainability, Cargill Dow plans a series
of LCA/LCI-related publications in peer reviewed journals
over the next two years. These articles will report detailed
representative corn production data, corn wet milling
process data, lactic acid and polylactide production
process data, and disposal or recycling data. In striving
for this increased openness, the challenge facing Cargill
Dow is that as the sole commercial producer of PLA,
publication of too much specific data threatens to reveal
trade secrets and confidential commercial information.
Incumbent competitors in a mature market space enjoy
the opportunity to use industry averages to obscure
individual facility performance or process attributes;
Cargill Dow's data is the industry average data for PLA.
Proprietary concerns will likely continue to prohibit exact
disclosure of Cargill Dow's processes, though much
information can be shared under appropriate
confidentiality agreements. If you fill out the "Register for
E-mail Updates" form and we will keep you posted about
new development.
15.
Why is
NatureWorks™ PLA
a more sustainable
product?
Answer
First of all, it is important to remember that sustainability is
not an endpoint, but a journey. Still, at Cargill Dow, we
believe we are well along the way to being able to create
truly sustainable products. 1. NatureWorks™ PLA is made
from annually renewable resources. The first generation of
PLA will be produced from the annually renewable
resource corn, the cheapest and most widely available
fermentable sugar in the world. In other parts of the world,
locally available crops such as rice, sugar beets,
sugarcane, wheat or sweet potatoes can be used as
starch/sugar feedstock. However, Cargill Dow will carefully
evaluate the social impact use of these human food
sources prior to manufacturing PLA. Cargill Dow is also
working to develop new conversion technologies to
facilitate the use of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks,
such as corn stover (the residue left in the field), grasses,
wheat and rice straws, and bagasse (the residue of sugar
cane production). 2. To produce NatureWorks™ PLA,
fewer fossil resources are required. The conventional
hydrocarbon polymers use limited reserves of oil and
natural gas as their feedstock source. Fossil fuels take
millions of years to regenerate. In contrast, the monomer
for NatureWorks™ PLA is derived from annually renewable
resources such as corn. Energy from the sun and carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere are harnessed in agricultural
crops. About one-third of the energy required of PLA is
derived from these renewable resources, resulting in PLA
utilizing 25-55 percent less fossil fuel than other polymers
derived directly from hydrocarbons. This percentage is
valid for the "cradle to the factory gate" part of the
polymers life cycle. 3. NatureWorks™ PLA emits less
carbon dioxide because it uses renewable resources as a
feedstock. Carbon dioxide is believed to be the most
important contributor to global climate change (often
referred to, somewhat inaccurately, as "global warming").
Because carbon dioxide is removed from the air when corn
is grown, the use of NatureWorks™ PLA has the potential
to emit fewer green house gases compared to competitive
hydrocarbon based polymers. 4. NatureWorks™ PLA fits
into any waste management system with a benefit. At the
end of their useful life, NatureWorks™ PLA products can
be disposed of by all traditional waste management
methods such as incineration, landfill and mechanical
recycling. In addition, PLA products can be composted in
industrial composting facilities, thereby providing an
alternative means of managing municipal solid waste. Also
chemical recycling (is recycling back to the monomer) and
anaerobic digestions followed by a composting step are
possible future routes. 5. NatureWorks™ PLA is produced
in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. As
stated before, sustainability is a journey and not an endpoint. We are not ready to declare victory, but PLA is a
good start. We believe the fundamental building blocks
have been established and we are following a plan for
creating an environmentally friendly manufacturing
process. 6. NatureWorks™ PLA has performance equal to
or better than comparable petroleum-based products in
many aspects. A product is sustainable only when it has an
at least equivalent function as the products it is replacing.
NatureWorks™ PLA meets and often exceeds this
requirement.
16.
Where can I
buy
NatureWorks
PLA sheet?
Film?
Answer
Cargill Dow parnters with film and sheet extruders around the
world to help initiate product development and sales. Visit our
partner page at our website.
(http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/partner_package.asp) Here
you will find companies that make everything from sheet and film
to finsihed articles such as spoons to deli containers.
17.
How much does
NatureWorks PLA cost?
Answer
Pricing is dependent upon grade and final market use.
Please contact a commercial representative regarding
pricing.
18.
What is Cargill Dow LLC? Is
Cargill Dow LLC a public
company? How long has
Cargill Dow been in
business? What are the
annual sales of Cargill Dow
LLC?
Answer
Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC is based in
Minnetonka, Minn. It is the first company to offer its
customers a family of polymers derived entirely
from annually renewable resources with the cost
and performance necessary to compete with
traditional fibers and packaging materials. The
company has achieved this breakthrough by
applying its unique technology to the processing of
natural plant sugars to create a proprietary
polylactide polymer (PLA). Cargill Dow LLC is
privately owned and does not release annual sales
information.
19.
How could NatureWorks
PLA be used as a floral
wrap?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA film, also known as ‘bi-ax’ film, has
excellent clarity and toughness. This is an ideal
application for combining a natural package with a
natural product.
20.
Does NatureWorks™ PLA
contain genetically modified
material?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA does not contain genetically
modified material, nor does its production require
any genetically modified raw material.
21.
Is Cargill Dow
LLC a public
company?
Answer
Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC is based in Minnetonka, Minn.
It is the first company to offer its customers a family of polymers
derived entirely from annually renewable resources with the cost
and performance necessary to compete with traditional fibers and
packaging materials. The company has achieved this
breakthrough by applying its unique technology to the processing
of natural plant sugars to create a proprietary polylactide polymer
(PLA).
Cargill Dow LLC is privately owned and does not
release annual sales information.
22.
What is NatureWorks PLA's
melting point?
Answer
It is dependent on grade and crystalline content.
Generally between 150-180 C.
23.
If the fabric is
compostable, how
quickly does it
break down?
Answer
Similar to other natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk and
wool), Ingeo fiber will decompose. Ingeo fibers do,
however, require the specific conditions of high temperature
(roughly 180 degrees) and high moisture (roughly 95
percent humidity), found in municipal compost systems in
order to decompose. These specific conditions allow for
normal activewear use.
24.
Why do I need to
compost PLA? Is
PLA biodegradable?
Answer
Composting is a method of landfill diversion that allows
organic materials to be recycled into a product that can be
used as a valuable soil amendment. Cargill Dow has carried
out compostability testing according to global standards at
an independent testing laboratory and find certain PLA
grades pass required testing. Biodegradation is the
transformation & deterioration of polymers solely by living
organisms (including the microorganisms and/or enzymes
excreted by them). Compostable Plastics undergoes
degradation by biological processes during composting to
yield carbon dioxide (CO2), water, inorganic compounds
and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable
materials and leaves no visible, distinguishable or toxic
residue.
25.
What is the Tg of PLA?
Answer
The glass transistion temperature is 55-60C.
26.
What happens after
repeated washing and
drying?
Answer
The fabrics have the same durability as incumbent
materials. Garments will not decompose during
washings or drying.
27.
Which PLA - LCA
related
publications are
available?
Answer
The available PLA - LCA related publications are given at the
Life Cycle Information page. The most recent one is:
"Applications of Life Cycle Assessment to NatureWorks"
Polylactide (PLA) production." It gives information about
Cargill Dow, PLA production technology, applications, CD's
business philosophy, definition of sustainability, definition and
applications of the tool called LCA, a description of the current
and future PLA production systems, data about benchmarking
PLA against competitive polymers focussing on fossil energy
use, global warming and water use and an overview of the
potential reductions in fossil energy use and global warming
of PLA production.
28.
How much land
is required to
produce the corn
used by Cargill
Dow to make
PLA?
Answer
The average 2002 US corn for grain yield was 130 bu/acre
(www.nass.usda.gov:81/ipedb/). So when the Cargill Dow PLA
plant runs at full capacity, the total land required is
approximately 103,000 acres (41,700 hectares, 160 square
kilometers). In 2002, more than 79,000,000 acres of corn was
planted in the U.S.A. The land use per kg PLA averages 3
square meters per kilogram of PLA (103,000 acres x 4047
m2/acre / 136,080,000 kilograms = 3 m2/kg PLA). Please note
that land used for corn production also generates other
products in addition to the starch used to make dextrose for the
Cargill Dow plant. These additional products include germ,
gluten meal, gluten feed and corn stover. In life cycle
assessment studies these additional products are properly
allocated a share of the impacts associated with corn farming.
29.
What is Cargill Dow’s mission?
Answer
Cargill Dow is the leader in producing plastics from renewable resources, and is
dedicated to meeting the world's needs today without compromising the earth's
ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.
30.
Will PLA
thermally
degrade?
Answer
Yes. If PLA's melt temperature is too high, depending on the
grade, it can degrade in the processing equipment. This can
result in a loss of properties and melt strength.
31.
What is the role of
Life Cycle
Assessment within
the Sustainability
concept
Answer
The key measurement tool for environmental sustainability
is Life Cycle Assessment. Cargill Dow uses LCA and
compiles Life Cycle Inventories (LCI) for a variety of
applications: 1. LCA/LCI improves insight about the PLA
production chain, highlighting areas in which PLA does
well, areas of potential concern, and areas where more
data is required. As a result, careful LCA can help prioritize
efforts to improve environmental performance. 2. LCA/LCI
information is used to make further
environmental/economic improvements in the PLA
production chain, such as process improvements and the
selection of raw materials, energy sources, production
locations and waste management routes. 3. Information
collected through an LCI/LCA process provides insight into
how to position PLA products in the marketplace. 4. The
results of LCA are useful to Cargill Dow in achieving
transparency and in responding to requests for information.
5. LCI data can be used to calculate contributions to
particular impact categories. This information is used to
benchmark environmental performance against the
petrochemical polymers and other incumbent competitor
products. 6. Published LCI/LCA data for PLA can be used
by external LCA practitioners (governmental agencies,
academics, non-governmental organizations, customers
and consumers) in performing and improving their own
studies.
32.
Where can I
find PLA
processing
information for
packaging
applications?
Answer
Our website has data sheets available in PDF format, which can
be downloaded or printed. At
http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/partner_package.asp you
will find a link beneath the photos of our different products for
data sheets.
.
33.
Where can I buy
blankets made with
Ingeo fiber?
Answer
Today you can purchase blankets made by Faribault Mills
using Ingeo fiber by visiting www.ingeoblankets.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA)
visit the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from
Pacific Coast Feather Co.
To purchase other sustainable items such as cutlery, plates,
cold drink cups, trays and more made from NatureWorks
PLA, visit: www.natureworkspla.com
34.
Can I buy
compostable
plates?
Answer
Yes! Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize in
thermoformed plates, and other parts. Check our website for our
partners in Serviceware items. Plates, cold drink cups, cutlery,
trays and more are available for immediate purchase via our
Web-store at: www.natureworkspla.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA) visit
the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from Pacific
Coast Feather Co.
35.
What is the market
potential for
NatureWorks PLA
products?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is already highly sought after by the
global marketplace as the first natural-based plastic resin
versatile enough to fit packaging and fiber applications
based on performance. We believe its aptitude to perform
is key to our ability to compete in the marketplace. This
message, coupled with its sustainability, is why we often
work directly with retailers and brand owners to inform
about the point-of-sale differentiation NatureWorks PLA
brings to the shelf.
Initially, we’re working in the packaging and fiber markets.
Cargill Dow has aggressively pursued a range of
applications and successfully test marketed and launched
products in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. Initial
heavy market demand has come from the Asia Pacific Rim
and Europe coinciding with needs based on their
environmental issues.
In the United States the, we launched the first Ingeo
fiberfill bedding (pillows, comforters, etc.) with Pacific
Coast Feather Company. These products are now on store
shelves at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Younkers, Carson Pirie
Scott and the Land’s End catalog. Additionally, venue cups
made from NatureWorks PLA were used by The CocaCola Company at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt
Lake City.
36.
How much fossil
resources are used to
produce PLA compared
with some competitive
petroleum based
polymers?
Answer
In the chart below, fossil resource requirements are
calculated for some petroleum-based polymers and
polylactide. More details about the analysis and
correct interpretation of the results are given in section
7.3 of Cargill Dow’s publication "Application of LCA to
NatureWorks polylactide production.
Measured in millijoules (MJ) of energy per kilogram
(kg) of pellets (MJ/kg pellets)
Future Production of PLA = 7
Current Production of PLA = 54
PET AM = 77
PP = 77
PET SSP = 79
LDPE = 81
GPPS = 87
Cellophane = 91
HIPS = 92
PC = 117
Nylon 6 = 120
Nylon 66 = 142
37.
How many people does Cargill Dow
employ?
Answer
Cargill Dow employs just around 250
people today.
38.
What's the cost of
bringing PLA to
market?
Answer
Cargill Dow has made a several hundred million-dollar
investment to bring the company and manufacturing facility
on-line. Currently the company employs more than 200
employees.
39.
Is PLA a crystalline
or amorphous
polymer?
Answer
PLA is a semi-crystalline polymer. It can be both
amorphous or crystalline. Crystallinity can be produced
quiescently, or by strain induction eg. biax orientation.
40.
Does NatureWorks
PLA contain GMO?
Answer
No. There is no detectable genetic material found in
PLA. The processing used to create the polymer
removes all traces of genetic material.
41.
Does apparel made from
Ingeo fiber require special
care? Can it be ironed or drycleaned?
Answer
The unique structure of the fiber makes it naturally
wrinkle-resistant in clothing applications, so
ironing is not necessary. It can be both washed
and dry cleaned.
42.
What is
NatureWorks
made from?
Answer
The feedstock for NatureWorks PLA is any natural sugar.
Currently, Cargill Dow is using fermentable sugars from
agricultural crops like corn. In the future, Cargill Dow will
use biomass – the stalks and leaves of the plant – as the
feedstock for the production of NatureWorks PLA. Biomass
will enable Cargill Dow to purchase directly from the farmer
and have more influence on the agricultural practices used
to raise the crop.
43.
What is the potential value
of NatureWorks PLA to
Cargill Dow?
Answer
Because PLA resins are differentiated and unique
products, we anticipate the potential value to be
higher than typical hydrocarbon-based polymers in
many applications.
44.
How can
PLA be
disposed of?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA provides customers and regulators with a
number of waste management options because it is fully
compatible with all standard waste management practices, and is
fully compostable in municipal/industrial composting facilities.
45.
What are the
anticipated film
applications?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA has proven performance in a broad range
of film end-uses. These include: High clarity/high stiffness films
as an alternative to cellophane in uses from confectionery
twist wrap to premium wrapping for flowers, toiletries and
prestige gifts; A wide variety of multi-layer films for packaging
uses such as flavored cereals, coffee packs and pet foods;
Window films for envelopes, cartons and other packages;
Lamination films including end-uses where cellulose acetate
can be replaced; Low temperature heat seal layers and/or
flavor and aroma barriers in co-extruded structures where its
combination of properties allows layer simplification or
replacement of nylons; Shrink sleeve films and high modulus
label films: and Non-fogging films for fresh produce packaging.
46.
Why corn? What
is it about the
nature of corn that
makes it good for
fabric?
Answer
To make PLA, Cargill Dow needs dextrose or raw sugar.
Crops like corn are full of starch that can be converted to
sugars. Other agricultural crops like soybeans and alfalfa are
full of oils and protein and are not ideal for this process. Corn
is the most abundantly grown source of natural sugar in the
world at this time. As additional facilities are built around the
world, the company is looking at what is the most abundant
crop for that region, this can be anything that has a natural
sugar, and examples include sugar beets, wheat or any other
natural source. Cargill Dow will eventually use biomass, the
stalks and leaves of the plant, as the feedstock to produce
NatureWorks PLA. There are a number of inherent
performance attributes of the PLA when spun into fibers
including wicking and low odor retention. In addition, there are
benefits in the production of NatureWorks PLA. The process
requires 20 percent to 50 percent fewer fossil fuel resources
than conventional resins. PLA can also be broken down into
its original chemical components for reuse and fits current
disposal methods.
47.
What is the
processability of the
resulting resin?
Answer
Most customers have been able to process PLA with
only minor modifications to their equipment and in many
cases have seen processing advantages.
48.
Will Ingeo™ fibers be
able to compete against
PET fibers?
Answer
Yes. NatureWorks PLA (used to make Ingeo fiber)
performs as well as, and in some cases better than,
PET in a wide range of applications.
49.
Why was Blair,
Nebraska, USA,
chosen as the site
for the new plant?
Answer
A North American location initially provides the lowest cost
source of available dextrose, offering CDP attractive supply
chain costs to produce NatureWorks™ PLA. Based on a
number of factors including the proximity to existing Cargill
operations, access to major transportation and the available
work force, Blair proved a perfect fit.
50.
What is Bi-ax film?
Answer
Bi-ax film is film that has been stretched on two directions. PLA is made into
sheet form and then stretched both in the machine process direction and the
transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction. This biax or
biaxially orientation adds toughness to PLA film.
51.
Is Cargill Dow a
seed corn or agrichemical
company?
Answer
Cargill Dow is not a seed corn or agri-chemical company and
does not grow or directly purchase corn. Though Cargill Dow
does not purchase corn, they do buy dextrose, a simple plant
sugar derived from corn in the milling process, to produce
NatureWorks PLA, which is the resin that goes into fiber
production.
52.
Why is NatureWorks
PLA better than some
conventional
petrochemical-based
polymers?
Answer
Because NatureWorks uses plant sugars rather than
petroleum, the process to create NatureWorks PLA
uses 20 percent to 50 percent less fossil resources
than is required by conventional plastic resins. And,
because carbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere in growing corn, the overall carbon dioxide
emissions are lower than comparable plastics. There
are also a number of waste management options
because the products are fully compatible with all
standard waste and recycling management practices
and are fully compostable in municipal and industrial
facilities.
53.
What is the
structure of
Cargill Dow
LLC?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC is a young and aggressive stand-alone company,
a product of a joint venture between Cargill Incorporated, the
largest privately held food and feed company in the world, and
The Dow Chemical Company, a leading science and technology
company. Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow is based in Minnetonka,
Minn., and is the first company to offer its customers a
commercially viable family of plastic resin derived entirely from
annually renewable resources - Midwest corn. Known as
NatureWorks PLA, this plastic resin is currently being used in the
fiber and packaging markets with the performance and cost
necessary to compete with traditional plastics like polyester. The
company has achieved this breakthrough by applying its unique
technology to the processing of natural plant sugars to create a
proprietary polylactide polymer (PLA).
54.
Is PLA
transparent?
Answer
Yes. PLA is trasparent provided it is in its amorphous state, or
crystalline via strain induction.
55.
What future
applications are
you looking at for
your PLA?
Answer
The unique balance of cost and performance achievable with
NatureWorks™ Polylactide polymers will enable this
revolutionary new material to participate in many
new/emerging applications over the next couple years. These
applications will likely include injection stretch blow molded
bottles, foam, and emulsion coatings.
56.
What is the price Ingeo
fiber? Is it competitive
with Polyester or Down?
Answer
Ingeo fibers are positioned and priced between
performance polyester fill and down. This is based on
its performance characteristics and the consumer
appeal of its natural origin.
57.
How does the
technology
work?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA harnesses carbon naturally stored in plants
through the process of photosynthesis. This is achieved by
tapping into the carbon stored in plant starches, which can be
broken down into natural plant sugars. The carbon and other
elements in these natural sugars are then used to make plastic
through a process of simple fermentation and separation.
Applications include packaging, clothing, carpet tiles, upholstery
and interior and exterior furnishings.
58.
How does
PLA compare
vs. PHA?
Answer
PLA is made from a completely different process and is easier to
work with from a commercial standpoint. Since PLA is made from
lactic acid, we can adjust its properties, as necessary, to meet
application needs. In addition, PLA is more cost effective to
produce.
59.
Are there other
biopolymer resins that
compete with
NatureWorks PLA
resins?
Answer
PLA is the first biopolymer made entirely from annually
renewable resources that has a broad range of
applications based on cost and performance. On a global
scale, customers are increasingly interested in utilizing
annually renewable resources that have the performance
of hydrocarbon-based resins and, therefore, we are very
optimistic about the future of PLA and biopolymers.
60.
Who else is producing
PLA? Are they a
competitive threat? How
is Cargill Dow different?
Answer
We are currenlty the global PLA technology and
manufacturing leader. There are currently several
manufacturers of PLA in Japan and we will support
their development efforts because their presence helps
to continue to grow the PLA market.
61.
Where can I
purchase
comforters made
with Ingeo fiber?
Answer
Today comforters and pillows made with Ingeo fiber are being
produced by several companies around the globe. For a list of
store locations in North America where you can purchase
bedding made from Ingeo fiber, visit: www.ingeofibers.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA)
visit the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
To purchase other sustainable items such as cutlery, plates,
cold drink cups, trays and more made from NatureWorks PLA,
visit: www.natureworkspla.com
62.
Can I buy
NatureWorks
PLA cups?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize in
thermoformed drinking cups. These cups are very clear, glossy
and printable and are intended for cold drink applications only.
Cold drink cups, plates, cutlery, trays and more are available for
immediate purchase via our Web-store at:
www.natureworkspla.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA) visit
the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from Pacific
Coast Feather Co.
63.
What is the proper
carrier for
NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Typically, the best carrier for NatureWorks PLA is the actual
grade of PLA polymer you are currently using. Be sure,
however, that you do not use polyolefin carriers, as this
may casue imperfections in the resulting product.
64.
Why can't I process PLA that
has not been dried?
Answer
PLA will degrade significantly during processing if
the moisture level is too high (>200ppm).
65.
Where is the current
demand for resin coming
from? Which market
sectors? Which
geographies?
Answer
We are seeing a strong demand on a global basis,
especially in Europe, Japan and the U.S. In terms of
market sectors, our primary targets are the packaging,
film, fiber and non-woven markets. There is
considerable interest in NatureWorks PLA across all
markets and geographies. In addition, there is also
considerable interest in using NatureWorks PLA in a
number of emerging applications.
66.
What other
biopolymers compete
with NatureWorks
PLA?
Answer
To date, there are no other competing biopolymer resin on
the market. In many cases PLA can be added to other
biopolymer resins to further improve performance of these
products, or to obtain a performance trait not found with
either polymer.
67.
What resins does NatureWorks
PLA compete with most directly?
Answer
PLA resins will compete in certain applications
where PET, PP, PE, PS or cellophane are
currently used.
68.
What are the benefits
of Ingeo fiber in nonwoven applications?
Answer
When used for agriculture and geotextiles, wipes, diapers
and binding fiber, Ingeo fibers offer the distinct advantages
of degradability, enhanced wicking, low linting, resilience,
controllable thermal bonding, enhanced wet strength, and
is made from a natural product.
69.
What are the annual sales of
Cargill Dow LLC?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC is privately owned and does not
release annual sales information.
70.
Can you give a brief
overview of both Cargill
and Dow and an
explanation of how and
why they got together?
Answer
Today Cargill Dow is a stand-alone company,
operating separately from the two original investors,
Cargill Inc. and Dow Chemical Company. A team of
scientists began development of NatureWorks PLA
about 12 years ago while working for Cargill, Inc. Its
development started as a small-scale research project,
exploring new uses for corn matter derived from the
wet milling processes. Specifically, they were looking
for a renewable resource-based product that offered
competitive value and would lead to substantial market
size. To further develop and commercialize
NatureWorks PLA, Cargill, Inc. and The Dow Chemical
Company formed Cargill Dow LLC, which today exists
as a stand-alone company, dedicated to making
significant steps in the path towards creating truly
sustainable products. Cargill Dow has taken a fresh
look at the polymers industry and brought fresh ideas
and new concepts to revolutionize the market.
71.
Can I buy
NatureWorks PLA
cutlery, spoons,
knives, and forks?
Answer
Yes. NatureWorks PLA can be made into serviceware
items. In addition to cutlery, plates, cold drink cups, plates,
trays and more are available for immediate purchase via
our Web-store at: www.natureworkspla.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber
(PLA) visit the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from
Pacific Coast Feather Co.
72.
What is the
potential
market share
for PLA resins?
Answer
Since the revolutionary nature of NatureWorks„· PLA offers
application potential in a broad range of diverse markets, it is
difficult to specify exact market shares per segment. We expect
NatureWorks PLA to compete in a variety of applications across
a broad range of markets. It is our anticipation that within the
next few years, PLA will be a major polymer platform similar to
other hydrocarbon-based polymer platforms and support
numerous, world scale production facilities by the end of the
decade.
73.
Can prospective
customers purchase
quantities of the
NatureWorks PLA
resins?
Answer
Yes, Dow and Cargill have been working with a number
of innovative customers who are able to develop and
market new applications. We work closely with
customers to identify their application needs with current
resin capabilities as part of our developmental program.
74.
Will PLA be able to
compete against
PET fibers?
Answer
Yes. Testi
as and in some cases better than PET in a wide range of
applications, specifically the activewear market.
75.
What modifications
are you targeting for
NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Like all businesses, we are looking at how we can improve
our production process to increase efficiencies. In addition,
we are looking at a number of variations of our current resin
offerings to meet the needs of a wide range of applications
outside packaging and fibers, as well as to further perfect
our performance to compete in a larger number of
applications within these key markets.
76.
Who are some
corporate
partners that
recognize the
benefits of
NatureWorks
PLA?
Answer
While we are continually adding to the list of leading companies
that work with us around the world to put more sustainable
products on store shelves, we currently have an impressive list of
customer partners. For a complete list of Ingeo fiber partners,
visit: http://www.cargilldow.com/ingeo/partners.asp For a list of
partners using NatureWorks PLA, visit:
(http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/partner_package.asp)
77.
What makes your technology process cost competitive?
Answer
Cargill Dow's commitment to process technology development and large-scale
production has resulted in an efficient manufacturing process that provides
economies of scale, quality and costs comparable to mass-market plastics.
78.
Are applications
requiring biodegradable
products the focus of
marketing efforts?
Answer
No, not the focus. Compostability is a very valuable
attribute in select applications, however most markets
value NatureWorks PLA's other performance
characteristics, such as clarity and gloss, tensile
strength, and deadfold. Based on field trials and
customer feedback, the performance of NatureWorks
PLA makes it a great fit in these markets, regardless of
the fact that it is compostable.
79.
Where can
NatureWorks PLA be
used in the Dairy
section of my store?
Answer
Grocery retailers are starting to use trays and over-wraps
made from NatureWorks PLA for packaging fresh
cheese. Single serve milk bottles and yogurt cups are
currently under development. Clear egg packaging is
another natural fit being used today.
80.
What are the greatest
regulatory hurdles
facing Cargill Dow LLC
and NatureWorks
PLA?
Answer
PLA is broadly accepted around the globe in food
packaging and fiber applications. The
regulatory/legislative issues facing Cargill Dow LLC today
are actually opportunities that could significantly increase
the value of PLA for its customers. These include
regulatory actions that would exempt PLA from the DSD
tax in Europe and also legislation that would promote
composting.
81.
What specialty items
and special application
can PLA
accommodate?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA can be thermoformed into virtually
any shape and form. NatureWorks PLA can be
processed on most existing equipment and machinery
with minimal modification Cargill Dow LLC works with
multiple partners who offer custom packaging solutions.
82.
Where can I purchase trays made from NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize in thermoformed trays.
The "natural food in natural packaging" concept is ideal for fresh prepared
foods, cut friut/vegetables, cheese trays and bakery items, just to name a few.
Trays, plates, cutlery, cups and more are available for immediate purchase via
our Web-store at: www.natureworkspla.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA) visit the following
links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from Pacific Coast Feather
Co.
83.
Are any special
modifications required to
existing machinery to spin
Ingeo
Answer
No. Ingeo fiber is processable on existing fiber
spinning and downstream fabrication equipment.
Processing advantages include high extrusion/spin
speeds, reduced temperatures, and reduced energy
consumption
84.
You claim to have the first
commercially viable
polymer product made
100% from annually
renewable resources?
Answer
We’ve been in the market since 1994 in
developmental quantities. Cargill Dow LLC is the first
company to offer its customers a family of polymers
made entirely from annually renewable resources
with the cost and performance necessary to compete
on a commercial scale with traditional fibers and
packaging materials.
85.
Why is Cargill Dow
focusing on
reducing its use of
fossil resources?
Answer
The use of fossil energy resources on our Earth is in an
important global issue. Petroleum resources are limited and
many experts believe that there will be supply disruptions
and possible limitations within the next few decades. An
even more important problem with the use of fossil energy is
the movement of carbon from the ground into the
atmosphere with emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides as
well as all kinds of hydrocarbons and metals. One of Cargill
Dow’s environmental objectives is the phase-out of the use
of fossil resources by using biomass as energy source
combined with wind power.
86.
Why
sugar?
Answer
Sugar is a natural feedstock that is produced annually in the United
States and throughout the world. Rather than using a non-renewable
resource like petroleum, Cargill Dow is dedicated to creating consumer
goods from annually renewable resources. Fermentation technology has
been used for hundreds of years throughout the world. Using annually
renewable plant sugars and simple fermentation, Cargill Dow can begin
achieving it's objective of replacing petroleum-based materials with more
naturally based materials.
87.
Whom do you see as
your greatest
competitor?
Answer
In a broad sense it is the hydrocarbon-based polymers we
are replacing. However, if you define our market as
polymers from renewable resource, we have no current
competition.
88.
Do you have plans
to sell NatureWorks
PLA in Europe?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is very well received in the Japan and
European markets. In fact, there have already been
launches of products made from NatureWorks PLA in the
European market. These launches were very successful and
the response was extremely positive from all segments of
the market.
89.
What is the
timetable for
going after
future markets?
Answer
Cargill Dow continues to invest in technological advancements
of PLA that will further its application range in all markets. We
see the greatest growth and value potential in the food and nonfood packaging markets as well as the fiber and textile markets
that we are working in now. But we also view this as our starting
point. Long term, there seems to be no end to the possibilities
for NatureWorks PLA.
90.
Does PLA shear-thin
like GPPS?
Answer
No GPPS shear-thins to a greater extent than PLA. Work is
being done to enhance shear-thinning in PLA.
91.
What is the key selling
point of your
NatureWorks PLA in
the packaging market?
Answer
The NatureWorks brand is capturing shoppers' attention
and loyalty as they seek to provide natural, wholesome
and convenient meal solutions for their families.
Consumers prefer fresh foods in the 100 percent cornbased packaging because it offers all of the convenience
of traditional packaging while helping reduce
environmental impact.
92.
What waste issues
are associated with
PLA production?
Answer
There are no significant waste issues associated with Cargill
Dow’s manufacturing process for NatureWorks PLA. The
resulting residual material is well within health and safety
standards and poses no known health or safety risk to
humans or the environment.
93.
What are the greatest
challenges of balancing the
business goals of two very
different parent companies?
Answer
While the objectives of the parent companies are
different, the goals for Cargill Dow LLC are the
same. The funding of the Blair, Nebraska, USA,
plant is evidence of the parent companies’ unified
commitment to the success of Cargill Dow.
94.
What are the limitations of your biotechnology technology?
Answer
We don’t know yet, but it is already better than anything we imagined. We are
continuing to push the envelope further and don’t see the limitations of the
technology even being an issue for many years to come. Keep in mind that most
major polymers have been around for 30-60 years. We are still in our infancy
and have a long way to go with this technology.
95.
Is Cargill Dow ready to
supply companies with
products?
Answer
Construction is complete at the company’s first
world-scale PLA manufacturing facility in Blair, Neb.
The manufacturing plant can produce up to 300
million pounds (140,000 metric tons) of NatureWorks
PLA per year.
96.
Where can I
purchase
carpet made
with Ingeo
fiber?
Answer
Today, Interface Flor and Interface Flooring Systems are
currently manufacturing carpet using Ingeo fiber. Spring
Planting™ by Interface Flor is a revolution for both design and
the environment. Spring Planting’s face fibers are made from
Ingeo fiber. The Look: Graphic and strong. Bold high contrast
stripes in a tightly looped linear weave. The Feel: A cross
between sisel and wool. The Fun: Helping the environment
through beautiful design. To purchase carpet from the spring
Planting line, visit: SpringPlanting For other sustainable products
made from Ingeo fiber (PLA) visit the following links:
Blankets from Faribault Mills
Comforters, Pillows, Fiberbeds and Matress Pads from Pacific
Coast Feather Co.
To purchase other sustainable items such as cutlery, plates, cold
drink cups, trays and more made from NatureWorks PLA, visit:
www.natureworkspla.com
97.
What assurances does the
industry have that NatureWorks
PLA is a long-term, viable market
when there have been a number
of biodegradable polymer
ventures that have begun with
great fanfare only to fail.
Answer
Many previous degradable start-ups failed
because they could not meet market needs on
the basis of cost and performance. That is not
the case with NatureWorks PLA. At Cargill
Dow, we have the technology that provides a
product that performs as good as, or better
than, incumbent materials, and we have the
large-scale access to the raw materials and
manufacturing base needed to compete on a
cost basis. Based on field trials, and
commercialization of the product, it is clear
that the NatureWorks PLA will be a long-term
competitor based on its cost and performance
properties. Furthermore, the high levels of
consumer and business interest in products
made from annually renewable resources will
make NatureWorks PLA products a desired
option in a wide range of polymer applications
for many years to come.
98.
What products in the home furnishings
markets carry Ingeo fiber tags?
Answer
Everything from pillows and comforters
to carpets and draperies.
99.
Why is Dow
supporting a
competitive plastic?
Answer
Dow is interested in meeting customer needs. Dow and
Cargill want to be leaders in satisfying the growing demand
for annually renewable, and more sustainable, products and
technologies.
100.
What will happen to the water
used in the production of
NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Much of the water will be recycled. Any water
leaving the site will go through an on-site
treatment plant for reclamation.
101.
What is your
company
overview?
Answer
As a stand-alone entity, Cargill Dow LLC, located in Minnetonka,
Minn., is the first company to deliver a family of polymers derived
entirely from annually renewable resources that offer the cost and
performance necessary to compete with traditional fibers and
packaging materials.
Built on the basis of a revolutionary technology – NatureWorks™
PLA – Cargill Dow is changing the polymers industry and the
future of bio-based products.
102.
Can PLA be
recycled?
Answer
Yes. NatureWorks PLA has the potential to be recycled once there
is a sufficient volume of product in the market and the infrastructure
is in place to make recycling economically feasible.
103.
Is Cargill Dow
truly a standalone company?
Answer
Yes. Cargill Dow LLC operates as a separate business entity
from its parents Cargill Inc. and Dow Chemical Company. There
are some functions where natural synergies make shared
resources a wise business decision, however, as a business
platform, CARGILL DOW LLC is a stand-alone company with its
own business plan and objectives.
104.
Where can I
purchase pillows
made with Ingeo
fibers?
Answer
Today pillows and comforters made with Ingeo fiber are being
produced by several companies around the globe. For a list of
store locations in North America where you can purchase
bedding made from Ingeo fiber, visit: www.ingeofibers.com
For other sustainable products made from Ingeo fiber (PLA)
visit the following links:
Carpet Tiles (Spring Planting series) from Interface Flor
Blankets from Faribault Mills
To purchase other sustainable items such as cutlery, plates,
cold drink cups, trays and more made from NatureWorks PLA,
visit: www.natureworkspla.com
105.
What is
Cargill
Dow
LLC?
Answer
Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC is based in Minnetonka, Minn. It is
the first company to offer its customers a family of polymers derived
entirely from annually renewable resources with the cost and
performance necessary to compete with traditional fibers and
packaging materials. The company has achieved this breakthrough by
applying its unique technology to the processing of natural plant
sugars to create a proprietary polylactide polymer (PLA).
Cargill Dow LLC is privately owned and does not release
annual sales information.
106.
How do you separate a
low fraction of D/mesolactide into "low D lactide
stream" and "high D/meso
lactide stream"?
Answer
Meso lactide and l lactide have significantly different
boiling and freezing points. The physical property
differences provide the opportunity for separation via
multiple chemical engineering unit operations such as
distillation and crystallization. There is a lot of
literature, including our patents, to review if you want
to better understand the technology. To do so,
please contact one of our experts.
107.
How is
NatureWorks PLA
produced today? In
the future?
Answer
After harvesting, the corn is transported to a corn mill where
the starch is separated from the kernel and turned into
dextrose. The dextrose is fermented into lactic acid. The
lactic acid is turned into lactide, which is then turned into
polylactide or PLA In the future, Cargill Dow hopes to use
corn “biomass” (stalks and leaves and other material from
the corn plant) to produce lactic acid. With improvements in
the future, Cargill Dow will lead to lower fossil fuel and raw
material use as well as lower air emissions, water emissions
and solid waste production.
108.
Can NatureWorks PLA be
formed into a blister
package?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is excellent for use in blister pack
applications, rivaling the clarity, gloss and sealability
of traditional petroleum-based plastic.
109.
What is the distribution system for NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
In packaging, Cargill Dow is selling resin to converters. In fibers, Cargill Dow
LLC is becoming a development partner with key fiber and fabric manufacturers
by selling resins.
110.
How does NatureWorksä compete in the rigid thermoformed container
business?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is an exciting new alternative for
the packaging business. It benefits include:


outstanding gloss and clarity
the relative ease of processing that
NatureWorks PLA exhibits in thermoforming
enables it to be used for both conventional
and form fill seal applications


high stiffness allows down-gauging versus
incumbent materials
High surface energy results in excellent
printability
NatureWorks PLA’s environmental attributes make it
a preferred packaging alternative where disposal
requirements or consumer appeal are significant
issues.
111.
What is the specific gravity of PLA?
Answer
1.25
112.
Will NatureWorks PLA
be used in medical
applications?
Answer
No. We are not planning on pursuing any medical device
applications for NatureWorks PLA. That niche market is
currently served by a number of specialty players. It is our
goal to keep focused on high volume opportunities.
113.
Where can PLA be used
in the Dairy section of
my store?
Answer
Consumers have enjoyed the single serving milk bottles
made from PLA. One of our partners in Europe has
used PLA for yogurt cups.
114.
DuPont has made a
substantial commitment to
renewable resources. What
about the parent
companies, Cargill and
Dow?
Answer
We cannot speak on behalf of the parent companies
and they would best answer that question. However,
we believe that their support of a business based on
annually renewable resources is a significant
statement about their commitment to the
development of renewable resources.
115.
What is your
company
overview?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC was established in 1997. As a stand-alone entity,
Cargill Dow LLC, located in Minnetonka, Minn., is the first
company to deliver a family of polymers derived entirely from
annually renewable resources that offer the cost and performance
necessary to compete with traditional fibers and packaging
materials. Built on the basis of a revolutionary technology –
NatureWorks™ PLA – Cargill Dow is changing the polymers
industry and the future of bio-based products.
116.
Can I use
PLA as
food wrap?
Answer
PLA is typically too rigid to be used as a conventional food wrap,
shrink-wrap, or stretch-wrap. PLA films are best suited for twist wrap
candies, floral wraps, and window film applications. PLA is being
used in combination with PLA trays as a cover film sealed to the tray.
117.
What are the target
packaging applications
for NatureWorks
PLA?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA unique blend of physical properties
make it well suited for a range of packaging applications
including rigid packaging for fresh food and blister
packaging not to mention ideal for disposables used at
venues or sporting events. Films made from NatureWorks
PLA are ideal for windows and candy wrappers for the
confectionery markets.
118.
Does Cargill
Dow sell
carrier or
garbage bags?
Answer
No. At this time, a flexible film like that required to make
garbage or carrier bags has not been developed from 100%
NatureWorks PLA. PLA can, however, be oriented into a
tough crystal clear film as use in candy wraps, or window
envelopes.
119.
What will the impact of
NatureWorks PLA
resins be on the
plastics industry?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA resins will have little impact on the
overall annual 60+ billion pound plastics industry,
however, NatureWorks PLA resins are already
competing on a cost/performance basis in specific enduse markets where its penetration will be significant.
120.
Why does the product of
fermentation process
consist of 99.5% L-latic
acid and 0.5% of R-latic
acid rather than pure Llactic acid?
Answer
Fermentation processes producing l-lactic acid do
not typically result in 100% l-lactic acid. A small
quantity of lactic acid may be contained in
fermentation nutrients (which is typically a mixture of
d&l lactic) and biocatalysts typically produce a small
quantity of d lactic. Additionally lactic acid can
racemize due to chemical/thermal activation that can
occur in the recovery and purification process. The
end result is a lactic acid with a small fraction of dlactic acid.
121.
Will the PLA
business cannibalize
existing Dow
markets and product
lines?
Answer
In some cases, NatureWorks PLA resins will displace
certain hydrocarbon-based resins where our PLA has a
better cost/performance fit. Generally, NatureWorks PLA
resins are seen as complementary to Dow's wide range of
thermoplastics. The PLA technology may also allow both
companies to develop new markets and replace
applications that are currently non-plastic.
122.
How many fermentation tanks does the lactic
acid plant have?
Answer
The Lactic Acid plant has 10
fermentation tanks.
123.
How is Cargill Dow’s
product sustaining
the environment?
Answer
Our company mission is to produce products from
renewable resources, which meet the world’s needs of
today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the
needs of tomorrow. We believe and live this through
sustainability practices. We measure our success using the
triple bottom line – which encompasses all the economical,
social and environmental aspects of our business.
124.
What advantages
does fiberfill made
from Ingeo fibers
offer the consumer?
Answer
Ingeo fibers are a new, natural alternative that compete
head-to-head with competitive products based on
performance and cost. They offer consumers the
opportunity to participate in a new generation of natural
products – products that use annually renewable resources
together with some of today’s best synthetic technologies.
Independent testing has show that the resulting products
are hypoallergenic, and have better loft, resilience,
moisture management and thermal properties – all
outstanding performance advantages that excite the
consumer.
125.
How much lactic acid can
the lactic acid plant
produce?
Answer
The Lactic Acid plan can produce 400,000,000
pounds of lactic acid per year (about 2/3 of the
world's supply).
126.
What is the key
selling point of
Ingeo fiber in the
fibers market?
Answer
Ingeo fiber is the first man-made fiber derived 100% from
annually renewable resources. Ingeo fiber provides a
¡§bridge¡¨ between natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk,
and conventional synthetics. NatureWorks PLA is melt
processable, complements natural products and combines the
performance advantages of both natural and synthetic
materials. The result is a unique property spectrum allowing
the creation of products with superior hand and touch, drape,
comfort, moisture management, UV resistance and resilience
127.
How is
NatureWorks
more sustainable?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA, made entirely from renewable resources
and with the cost-performance to compete with traditional
materials, represents a real breakthrough and a significant
step towards more sustainable products. Because
NatureWorks uses plant sugars rather than petroleum, the
process to create NatureWorks PLA uses 20 percent to 50
percent less fossil resources than is required by
conventional plastic resins. And, because carbon dioxide is
removed from the atmosphere in growing corn, the overall
carbon dioxide emissions are lower than comparable
plastics. There are also a number of waste management
options because the products are fully compatible with all
standard waste and recycling management practices and
are fully compostable in municipal and industrial facilities
128.
How long has
Cargill Dow
been in
business?
Answer
Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC is based in Minnetonka,
Minn. It is the first company to offer its customers a family of
polymers derived entirely from annually renewable resources
with the cost and performance necessary to compete with
traditional fibers and packaging materials. The company has
achieved this breakthrough by applying its unique technology to
the processing of natural plant sugars to create a proprietary
polylactide polymer (PLA).
129.
Is there a danger of groundwater
contamination due to the
presence of PLA in landfills?
Answer
No. In standard waste management facilities,
PLA will ultimately break down into its original
form, lactic acid, and a naturally occurring
metabolite.
130.
Why was Blair, Nebraska, USA, chosen as the site for the new plant?
Answer
A North American location initially provides the lowest cost source of available
dextrose, offering CARGILL DOW LLC attractive supply chain costs to produce
NatureWorks™ PLA. Based on a number of factors including the proximity to
existing Cargill operations, access to major transportation and the available
work force, Blair proved a perfect fit.
131.
Can
NatureWorks
PLA be used
for bakery or
cake
applications?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize in
thermoformed stock items as well as custom parts for use in deli
and bakery applications such as, cakes, pies, fruits, candy ,
sandwiches and salads. To locate current partners, please visit:
http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/nw_pack_bakery.asp
132.
Why would Ingeo
fiber be a desired
synthetic
alternative?
Answer
Ingeo fibers offers producers and downstream converters
revolutionary new product options. New products derived from
Ingeo fibers can provide the desired cost/performance
differentiation in broad market applications that will make the
new technology widely accepted and highly desired. One
advantage is that the product by itself offers new and exciting
opportunities for consumer products with a distinct look, feel
and performance. Secondly, Ingeo fiber is an exceptional
partner material for use in blends with natural and synthetic
fibers
133.
What can be made with respect
to thermoformed trays?
Answer
Trays, tray inserts, tray lids, clamshells, and
more items can be thermoformed from PLA.
134.
How fast does the PLA plant
produce polymer?
Answer
The PLA plant is capable of producing 35,000
pounds of PLA an hour.
135.
What is
NatureWorks PLA
and why is it so
unique?
Answer
The technology used to produce the renewable resourcebased plastic – NatureWorks PLA – “harvests” carbon from
plants, such as corn, which has been removed from the air
during photosynthesis. This is achieved by tapping into the
carbon stored in plant starches, which are then broken down
into natural plant sugars. The carbon and other elements in
these natural sugars are then used to make plastic, called
polylactide (PLA) through a simple process of fermentation
and separation. The end result is a process that uses 20
percent to 50 percent less fossil fuels than petroleum-based
plastics. Plus, because carbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere in growing corn, the overall carbon dioxide
emissions and greenhouse gasses are lower than
comparable plastics.
136.
DuPont has made a
substantial commitment to
renewable resources. What
about the parent
companies, Cargill and
Dow?
Answer
We cannot speak on behalf of the parent companies
and they would best answer that question. However,
we believe that their support of a business based on
annually renewable resources is a significant
statement about their commitment to the
development of renewable resources.
137.
What kind of sugar does Cargill Dow use to produce NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Cargill Dow uses natural plant sugars (dextrose) to produce NatureWorks PLA,
currently this comes from standard field corn (yellow dent #2). The field corn that
produces the dextrose is the same crop used to feed livestock, and not the
sweet corn that humans consume. Field corn is the most abundant and
cheapest source of the fermentable sugar in the world, which is why it is the
current feedstock for NatureWorks PLA.
138.
Can I use
PLA to
wrap
meat?
Answer
PLA is typically too rigid to be used as a conventional meat wrap, food
wrap, shrink-wrap, or stretch-wrap. PLA films are best suited for twist
wrap candies, floral wraps, and window film applications. PLA is being
used in combination with PLA trays as a cover film sealed to the tray.
PLA may have oxygen barriers and water barriers that might or might
not be suited for your specific needs.
139.
Does Cargill Dow's
use of corn increase
the planting of GMO
crops?
Answer
No. At market maturity of roughly 1 billion pounds of PLA
produced each year, PLA will require less than 0.5% of the
annual corn grown in the United States. Currently, the U.S.
over produces the amount of field corn consumed by
roughly 10% each year.
140.
Is PLA
hydroscopic?
Answer
Yes. PLA is hydroscopic and needs to be dried before
processing.
141.
How big
is the
plant?
Answer
Pictures of the facility can be seen at:
http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/plant_photo.asp The pictures show
the plant from the groundbreaking to the current size of the
manufacturing facility.
142.
Is NatureWorks
PLA more
sustainable than
other packaging
materials? Is
NatureWorks PLA
renewable?
Answer
: Please visit our website link for more information regarding
sustainability and LCI
http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/life_cycle/index.asp
143.
Is NatureWorks
PLA edible?
Answer
While NatureWorks PLA is well suited for food contact and
packaging, it is not recommended for human consumption.
However, if it is accidentally ingested it will either pass through
the body, or break down into lactic acid, which is a naturally
occurring substance of the human body. This natural substance
is consumed by people everyday in a variety of foods and it
poses no know health hazards.
144.
How much does a box of NatureWorks
PLA weigh?
Answer
One 4X4X4 foot box (gaylord) weighs
1,500 pounds.
145.
What is it
exactly that
Cargill Dow
does to the
corn?
Answer
Cargill Dow does not process corn. The Cargill Dow process
starts with simple sugars purchased from a corn wet-mill, the
same sugars used in colas and sweeteners. Cargill Dow then
takes the sugar and ferments it like a wine or beer, and turns it
into lactic acid. The lactic acid is what is then turned into the
polymer known as NatureWorks PLA. The polymer can then be
made into a number of different packaging articles or can
be processed into fibers for countless fabric and fiberfill
applications.
146.
Does PLA
require the
use of biotech
crops?
Answer
No. What is required to make PLA is a carbohydrate source. Corn
is the most abundant and cheapest source of the fermentable
sugars in the world, which is why Cargill Dow uses this source.
Dextrose derived from conventional crops is chemically identical to
dextrose made from enhanced crop and thus, equally suitable.
Dextrose can also be made from other crops and other sources
such as wheat, rice and sugar beets, casaba, cane sugar and
molasses. The direction we are heading as a business is toward
being able to use any biomass in the world. This means that as
Cargill Dow expands its production capabilities throughout the
world, the company will be able to use locally available sources of
dextrose to produce PLA.
147.
In what fiber segments will Ingeo
fibers appear?
Answer
Carpeting, wall coverings, home furnishings,
fiberfill and many more.
148.
What does
Cargill Dow use
for feedstock?
Answer
The feedstock for NatureWorks PLA is any natural sugar.
Currently, Cargill Dow is using fermentable sugars from
agricultural crops like corn. In the future, Cargill Dow will use
biomass – the stalks and leaves of the plant – as the feedstock
for the production of NatureWorks PLA. Biomass will enable
Cargill Dow to purchase directly from the farmer and have more
influence on the agricultural practices used to raise the crop.
149.
Why does Cargill
Dow need a factory
just to make
NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
The industry has recognized a need for NatureWorks PLA
and the new plant can make the polymer available on a
larger commercial scale and to a greater number of
companies interested in using the product. The plant, in
Blair, Nebraska, USA has a capacity of 300 million pounds
(or 140,000 metric tons). The plant in Blair, NE also uses
20-50% less petroleum and emits less CO2 in the
manufaturing process, futher reducing the environmental
footprint of this new polymer.
150.
How do you plan
on controlling raw
materials costs?
Answer
Cargill’s integration into corn milling and dextrose production
ensures we will have adequate, low cost supply of the
feedstock we need. In addition, Cargill Dow is developed its
own lactic acid production capabilities and is investigating
alternative, lower cost routes to lactic acid (other than
dextrose).
151.
Will NatureWorks PLA
resins displace
hydrocarbon-based
resins? How will that
impact Dow’s sales of
those resins?
Answer
In some cases, NatureWorks PLA resins will displace
certain hydrocarbon-based resins where they have a
better cost/performance fit. Generally, PLA resins are
seen as complementary to Dow’s range of
thermoplastics allowing Dow to more effectively meet
their customers needs. PLA resins may also allow
Dow to develop applications that currently are nonplastic (e.g., paper bags).
152.
What are some of the
hurdles you have
faced in establishing
Cargill Dow LLC?
Answer
Like any new company based on new technology, we
faced development hurdles, as well as economic and
market issues. But as a company, we have taken
everything in logical steps that are based on real
objectives and it has paid off. In just five years, we made
NatureWorks PLA a commercial reality and created global
market demand. In just two years, we put the first worldscale manufacturing plant of NatureWorks PLA in
operation. We are extremely fortunate to have assembled
such a talented group of employees that have literally
worked around the clock to make this happen.
153.
How much corn is required
for PLA?
Answer
100 bushels of corn is required per 1 metric ton of
NatureWorks PLA.
154.
Will NatureWorks PLA
production impact the
world’s available food
supply?
Answer
No. Our production process is based on the use of
dextrose as the base feedstock to create the polymer
which is converted to packaging or fiber. This dextrose
will initially be made from corn, in the US, but even
when our plant is at capacity, Cargill Dow is using less
than one half of one percent of the available US corn
crop. In the future, the NatureWorks PLA could use nonfood biomass as feedstock.
155.
Is Ingeo
Answer
Ingeo fiber, produced from PLA, is more sustainable than most other synthetic
fibers on the market. It is important to remember that sustainability is not an
endpoint, but a path, and we are well along the way to being able to create truly
sustainable products. Our breakthrough process is the only commercially viable
one that uses annually renewable resources such as corn, has a good lifecycle
profile, can compete with traditional materials based on cost and performance,
and will ultimately harness a variety of biomass feedstock, allowing
NatureWorks PLA, and thus Ingeo fibers, to be produced anywhere in the world
using natural sugars. Cargill Dow is seeking the input of industry and nonbusiness leaders as it continues to drive toward more sustainable marketing
offerings and business systems.
156.
How much did the
factory cost?
Answer
The plant investment is several hundred million dollars.
How are Ingeo fibers
made?
Answer
Ingeo fibers are manufactured by the extrusion
of NatureWorks PLA polymer.
157.
What are your plans for the
development of additional plants?
Answer
Today we are focusing on further improving
the efficiencies of our first commercial facility.
158.
How much did the factory
cost?
Answer
The plant investment is several hundred million
dollars.
159.
How are you
helping agriculture
producers stay in
business?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is made from 100 percent simple plant
sugars like Midwest grown corn, and some day even biomass
(plant leaves and stalks). The significance of this was fully
recognized in April of 2002 when Cargill Dow announced the
operation of the world’s first global-scale PLA manufacturing
facility in Blair, Neb. – representing a $750 million investment
on the part of Cargill Dow. At capacity, the plant will produce
300 million pounds of NatureWorks per year, requiring 40,000
bushels of locally grown corn per day as the raw material for
the manufacturing process. We are also exploring
opportunities in the area of using biomass to help fuel our
process.
160.
What advantages do
Ingeo fibers offer
manufacturers and
retailers?
Answer
Ingeo fibers offer the opportunity for our manufacturing
and retail customers to differentiate themselves with
revolutionary new fibers that present consumers both
emotional and performance advantages.
161.
What are the benefits of
Ingeo
and home furnishing
applications?
Answer
Ingeo fibers exhibit a number of potential
attributes that make it competitive in carpet,
office and home applications. These include:




resiliency;
excellent UV resistance;
reduced flammability, smoke generation
and toxicity;
good soiling resistance and stain removal
when compared to nylon 6 and 6.6 and
product sustainability coming from a combination
of its renewable resource base and waste
management through recycling and composting.
162.
What kind of continued
investments will Cargill Dow
make in PLA to enhance its
market position?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC intends to remain the world-leader
in PLA and will make the necessary investments to
maintain this position.
This will include making major investments to further
enhance product attributes, process efficiencies and
overall environmental performance to build a
competitive advantage over a range of traditional
materials.
In addition, the unique balance of cost and
performance achievable with NatureWorks PLA will
enable this revolutionary new material to participate
in many new/emerging applications over the next
couple years
163.
How much corn does the
plant use?
Answer
The NatureWorks PLA plant requires 40,000 bushels
of corn per day.
164.
What is
"The Triple
Bottom
Line"?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC abides by the triple bottom line. This means
economic, social and environmental sustainability govern our
company and our mission. Economically, we have to make money
or we don’t exist. Socially, products need to provide value and
make a better quality of life. And environmentally, we have to leave
a smaller footprint or we will inevitably destroy our environment.
Because of technology like NatureWorks PLA we can leave a
smaller footprint, while adding value to the quality of life by offering
a better solution to the production of everyday plastic packaging
and fiber items.
165.
Can I utilize
NatureWorks
PLA in my
produce
area?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize in
thermoformed stock and custom parts for use in produce
applications such as berry trays, tomato trays, fruits, herbs, and
more. See also, deli and bakery applications
http://www.cargilldow.com/corporate/nw_pack_produce.asp
166.
How many years has
NatureWorks PLA
been in development?
Answer
The process to create NatureWorks PLA began in 1992,
when a team of scientist was charged with finding new
uses for corn by-products. From that time the company
has developed the polymer into a natural performance
product with endless applications.
167.
What fiber and nonwoven applications
are you targeting?
Answer
Ingeo fiber can be used in a wide range of fiber and nonwoven applications. These include clothing, wool, wipes,
carpet tiles, diapers, upholstery, fiberfill and sleep
products as well as interior and outdoor furnishings.
168.
Is biotechnology used in
the production of
NatureWorks PLA?
Answer
Yes, we use fermentation, which is considered
industrial biotechnology. Our fermentation process is
similar to the production method used to make beer
and wine.
169.
In what fiber
segments does PLA
appear?
Answer
Branded as Ingeo fiber, PLA appears in carpeting, wall
coverings, home furnishings, fiberfill, nonwovens, apparel
and many more segments.
170.
What are the Life
Cycle implications
of the NatureWorks
PLA?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is made from annually renewable
resources and uses 30 percent to 50 percent less fossil
fuel than is required by conventional plastic resins. In
addition, because carbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere in growing corn, the overall carbon dioxide
emissions are lower.
When plants grow, they use CO2 and sunlight. That’s
where our material originates from and what is used as the
feedstock for NatureWorks PLA. There are no
petrochemicals in the product.
171.
How can PLA
be used as a
window film?
Answer
Window envelopes, window film for pasta boxes are examples
where PLA bi-ax films may be used to create a product which is
compostable, and also meets the desired application needs from
a functional perspective.
172.
Why does Cargill Dow use dextrose from GM crops?
Answer
We use what is available in the supply chain. Today, the corn growing,
distribution and processing supply chain does not maintain segregation of
genetically enhanced corn and conventional corn through to the dextrose Cargill
Dow purchases.
173.
Does residual material left over from
the manufacturing process pose any
health threats?
Answer
No. The remaining materials from Cargill
Dow’s PLA production process are nontoxic and non-hazardous
174.
What other products in those markets will carry Ingeo tags?
Answer
Everything from pillows and comforters to carpets and clothing.
175.
How many different strains of
corn has Cargill produced over
the years?
Answer
Cargill is a separate company from Cargill Dow.
Please visit www.cargill.com for information
about Cargill, Inc.
176.
What is
Ingeo
fiber used
for?
Answer
PLA is converted into Ingeo
furnishings. . Ingeo fibers combine the best physical characteristics of
natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk, and conventional synthetics.
The fiber complements natural products and combines performance
advantages of both natural and synthetic materials. Given the unique
blending of properties, NatureWorks fibers are said to bridge the gap
between natural fibers and synthetics, creating an exciting new fiber
alternative for a variety of textiles and fashion applications including
activewear, carpet, industrial fabrics, fiberfill and nonwovens.
177.
What is Cargill
Dow’s stance on
biotechnology?
Answer
Cargill Dow believes that, when properly used, corn varieties
developed through biotechnology offer significant
sustainability benefits, including economic benefits to
farmers and their families, environmental benefits due to
reduced chemical contamination to the environment, and
social benefits in support of rural communities and farmer
families.
178.
Is the lactic acid you use the
same as the lactic acid that
makes your legs weak after a
sprint?
Answer
Yes. Lactic acid is a food ingredient found in
yogurt and sour-tasting fruit like lemons and is the
same lactic acid that makes muscles sore after
exercising.
179.
How many NatureWorks PLA
cups can be produced from an
acre of land?
Answer
Using a corn yield of 130 bushels per acre, one
can produce about 188,000 cups per acre
(assuming a cup is made with 7 grams of PLA).
180.
Can PLA be used for
bakery or cake
applications?
Answer
Cargill Dow LLC partners with companies who specialize
in thermoformed parts, custom parts for use in deli and
bakery applications such as, cakes, fruits, and
sandwiches.
181.
How is PLA
different from
PTT?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is made from 100 percent annually renewable
resources. As a product, it has much greater potential for use
across a broad range of markets and applications than current
competitive chemistries.
182.
What can we
expect from
Ingeo fibers in
the future?
Answer
Picture a room where everything from the window shades to the
mattresses are made from Ingeo fibers. Every morning you get
out from under the covers, made from PLA , and step onto a
carpet made from Ingeo fibers. When you get ready for your
morning run you put on your PLA shirt, shorts, and socks
because of the comfort they give you when you run. Products
made from Ingeo fibers will be a part of everyday life, from
morning until evening.
183.
Is “compostable fabric” a real selling point of Ingeo fiber?
Answer
It depends on the application, but typically the number one selling point of Ingeo
fibers is the performance. Cargill Dow has a performance product with natural
origins. Product disposal, including compostability, is more important in some
areas of the world but it's important to note that PLA fits all disposal methods
including re-cycling and with the new option of being compostable.
184.
What is
maize?
Answer
Maize is another word for corn. Maize is the original feedstock for
NatureWorks PLA and Ingeo fiber.
185.
Why will customers
choose NatureWorks
PLA over traditional
materials?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is a revolutionary polymer exhibiting a
balance of material and cost properties that are
comparable to or, in many cases, superior to those of
traditional thermoplastics and other conventional
materials. It is the first family of polymers derived entirely
from annually renewable resources with the cost and
performance necessary to compete with traditional fibers
and packaging materials. Based on existing market
demand and the excitement shown by our Marquee
accounts towards the new technology, Cargill Dow's
technology benefits over traditional plastics are clear,
distinct and a reality. Depending on the application, PLA
meets customer needs in different ways.
186.
Can I use
NatureWorks PLA
to wrap meat?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is typically too stiff to be used as a
conventional meat wrap, food wrap, shrink-wrap, or stretchwrap. NatureWorks PLA films are best suited for twist wrap
candies, floral wraps, and window film applications. PLA is
being used in combination with PLA trays as lidding film.
Thermoformed rigid packaging made from NatureWorks PLA
is being used by retailers for packaging fresh meat.
187.
Is an ear of corn
grown for
NatureWorks PLA
edible?
Answer
At this time the sugar comes from standard field corn (yellow
dent #2), which other companies process into products
ranging from breakfast cereal and sweetener to livestock
feed and now fibers. No special corn is developed or grown
for production of NatureWorks PLA. The corn used by
Cargill Dow LLC for plastics does not compete with
corn grown for the food market.
188.
How much is 300
million pounds of
NatureWorks? How
many vests is that?
Answer
The 300 million pounds of NatureWorks PLA produced
by the world-scale facility will be used for all applications
of the polymer, this includes fibers as well as packaging,
and therefore we are unable to provide a specific
number of applications to be produced from 300 million
pounds of PLA.
189.
What makes In
fibers different than
other new natural
fibers on the
market?
Answer
Our products are made from 100 percent annually
renewable resources. We see Ingeo fibers leading the way
for the next revolution in fibers and more sustainable
products. Together with market leaders from all points in the
supply chain, we are leading a significant change and invite
the industry to come along with use on our journey towards
a more sustainable future.
190.
Does Cargill
Dow grow or
directly
purchase corn?
Answer
Cargill Dow is not a seed corn or agri-chemical company and
does not grow or directly purchase corn. Though Cargill Dow
does not purchase corn, they do buy dextrose, a simple plant
sugar derived from corn in the milling process, to produce
and fiber production.
191.
What is it
exactly that
Cargill Dow
does to the
corn?
Answer
Cargill Dow does not process corn. The Cargill Dow process
starts with simple sugars purchased from a corn wet-mill, the
same sugars used in colas and sweeteners. Cargill Dow then
takes the sugar and ferments it like a wine or beer, and turns it
into lactic acid. The lactic acid is what is then turned into the
polymer known as NatureWorks PLA. The polymer can then
processed into fibers for countless fabric and fiberfill applications.
192.
What is
corn?
Answer
Corn is another word for maize, and is the original feedstock for
NatureWorks PLA and Ingeo fiber.
193.
Does an ear of corn made for
NatureWorks look any
different from the corn you'd
buy at a county fair? How? Is
it edible?
Answer
At this time the sugar comes from standard field
corn, which other companies process into products
ranging from breakfast cereal and sweetener to
livestock feed and now fibers. No special corn is
developed or grown for production of NatureWorks
PLA or Ingeo fiber.
194.
Is NatureWorks
PLA
sustainable
product?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA, by Cargill Dow, is more sustainable than
any other plastics on the market. It is important to remember
that sustainability is not an endpoint, but a path, and we are
well along the way to being able to create truly sustainable
products. Our breakthrough process is the only commercially
viable one that uses annually renewable resources such as
corn, has a good lifecycle profile, can compete with traditional
materials based on cost and performance, and will ultimately
harness a variety of biomass feedstock, allowing NatureWorks
PLA to be produced anywhere in the world using natural
sugars. Cargill Dow is seeking the input of industry and nonbusiness leaders as it continues to drive toward more
sustainable marketing offerings and business systems.
195.
How did Cargill
Dow choose
which fiber
markets to focus
on?
Answer
The performance of the fibers has made it a natural fit with
many market segments and a new alternative to the incumbent
materials used across the fibers industry. With low odor
retention and excellent wicking characteristics, Ingeo fibers
made an ideal match for the outdoor industry. High UV
resistance is a characteristic that makes the fibers appealing in
the home furnishings and performance apparel markets.
196.
Where does Cargill
Dow get their corn?
Answer
Today, Cargill Dow’s raw material, dextrose, comes from
corn mills that use corn commonly found in the market.
197.
What is the Life
Cycle
Assessment?
Answer
The Life Cycle Assessment is a technique for measuring its
environmental impact associated with a product over its life
cycle. The aim is to analyze the overall environmental load
with a focus on the improvement of products or processes.
198.
Can I use
NatureWorks
PLA as food
wrap?
Answer
NatureWorks PLA is typically too stiff to be used as a
conventional food wrap, shrink-wrap, or stretch-wrap.
NatureWorks PLA films are best suited for stiffer film
applications such as twist wrap for candies, floral wraps, and
window film applications. NatureWorks PLA film is being used
in combination with NatureWorks PLA trays as lidding as well.
199.
Will the new
technology
benefit
farmers?
Answer
The real value of the NatureWorks PLA technology to farmers is
that it is the first to prove the viability of using annually
renewable resources as the basis for non-food, mass-market
commercial product applications. The future value of this
technological breakthrough is that it could have a significant
impact in inspiring other researchers and manufacturers to
embrace the notion that farm-based resources can be used in
industrial applications without sacrificing cost or performance.
200.
How much NatureWorks PLA can the plant silos hold?
Answer
Each silo holds 2,000,000 pounds and can fill 11 train cars.
201.
How many tons of corn & other
crops does Cargill "touch" in a
given year?
Answer
Cargill is a separate company from Cargill Dow.
Please visit www.cargill.com for information about
Cargill, Inc.
202.
Is the lactic acid you use the
same as the lactic acid that
makes your legs weak after a
sprint?
Answer
Yes. Lactic acid is a food ingredient found in
yogurt and sour-tasting fruit like lemons and is the
same lactic acid that makes muscles sore after
exercising.
203.
What is the value of
biopolymers in the
marketplace?
Answer
Clearly, consumer demand for products made from annually
renewable resources is on the rise. NatureWorks represents
the first family of commercially viable polymers derived from
such resources. We anticipate that it will be widely
embraced, not just based on its natural source, but on its
performance and competitive cost attributes.
204.
Who is growing the corn
for the factory?
Answer
The dextrose used in the plant comes from corn grown
by Midwest farmers in the United States.
205.
Does Ingeo™ fiber contain
genetically modified
material?
Answer
Ingeo fibers do not contain genetically modified
material, nor does its production require any
genetically modified raw material.
206.
Explain how
NatureWorks PLA is
the “new industrial
revolution”?
Answer
Cargill Dow is the first company to commercially produce a
renewable resource-based plastic material for the global
marketplace – replacing highly used everyday consumer
items with a quality solution. The enormity of possibilities
this technology offers is helping reshape industries views of
business that can be a little less reliant on finite fossil
resources and more on the reality that our future is now.
207.
How are you
planning to protect
your technology
investment?
Answer
Currently, we have more than 33 patents in the U.S. and 90
patents pending worldwide. The technology for making and
using NatureWorks PLA is changing rapidly and we are
actively adding to Cargill Dow's strong patent portfolio. We
are proactively working to ensure protection of our
intellectual property rights and to preserve our customers
ability to utilize PLA in a broad range of applications. This
will be critical to guarantee Cargill Dow's freedom to
manufacture and sell products produced through
NatureWorks PLA.
208.
Will clothes made from
Ingeo™ fiber break
down quicker?
Answer
No. Clothes made from Ingeo fibers have similar
performance and degradation properties comparable to
natural fibers such as wool, cotton and silk.
209.
In what fiber segments
doe Ingeo fibers appear?
Answer
Carpeting, wall coverings, home furnishings, fiberfill,
nonwovens, home furnishings, apparel and many
more.
210.
You claim to have the
first commercially viable
product made from
annually renewable
resources?
Answer
We’ve been in the market since 1994 in
developmental quantities. Cargill Dow LLC is the
first company to offer its customers a family of
polymers made entirely from annually renewable
resources with the cost and performance
necessary to compete on a commercial scale with
traditional fibers and packaging materials.
211.
What is the future of
biopolymers and
renewable-resourcebased products
generally?
Answer
There has been a significant rise in consumer and
business demand for biopolymers and renewableresource-based products, such as NatureWorks™ PLA
and Ingeo™ fiber. Current industry projections indicate
that this demand will continue to grow globally and could
reach nearly $3 billion in 2004.
212.
How can
NatureWorks PLA
be used as a
window film?
Answer
Window envelopes, window film for pasta or golf ball boxes
are examples where NatureWorks PLA bi-ax films can be
used to formulate a structure which will meet compostable
requirements, and also meets the desired application needs
from a functional perspective.
213.
What can
we expect
in the
future?
Answer
Picture a room where everything from the window shades to the
mattresses are made from Ingeo fibers. Every morning you get out
from under the covers, made from PLA , and step onto a carpet
made from Ingeo fibers. When you get ready for your morning run
you put on your PLA shirt, shorts, and socks because of the comfort
they give you when you run. Products made from Ingeo fibers will be
a part of everyday life, from morning until evening.
214.
production impact the
world’s available food
supply?
Answer
No. Our PLA process is based on the use of dextrose as
the base feedstock to create the polymer. This dextrose
will initially be made from corn, in the US, but even when
the new plant is at capacity, Cargill Dow will be using
less than 0.5 percent of the available US corn crop. In
PLA process could use
non-food biomass as feedstock.
215.
What are the Life
Cycle implications of
the process to create
Answer
PLA is made from annually renewable resources and uses
20 percent to 50 percent less fossil fuel than is required by
conventional plastic resins. In addition, because carbon
dioxide is removed from the atmosphere in growing corn,
the overall carbon dioxide emissions are lower. When
plants grow, they use CO2 and sunlight. That is where our
materials originate from and what is used as the feedstock
for NatureWorks PLA and Ingeo fibers. In addition, we are
evaluating alternative energy sources that will make the
life cycle better and continue to improve our processing.