NatureWorks: Bioplastics offer a more sustainable future

NatureWorks, the US-based producer of plastics made from plants, has welcomed the publication of its letter to The Guardian responding to an article attacking the use of biopolymers in packaging.

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However, the article entitled "'Sustainable' bio-plastic can damage the environment" appeared in the newspaper five months ago, and the firm said it was "a pity" the letter had taken so long to appear.

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In the letter, NatureWorks chief executive Marc Verbruggen said bioplastics were "still on a journey to full sustainability" but the firm believed that they were the "greenest alternative" to conventional oil-based plastics.

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According to Verbruggen, studies have found that making polylactic acid (PLA) generates less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of making oil-based plastics.

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New innovations in the manufacturing process mean PLA will soon produce 75% lower emissions than petro-chemicals.

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PLA is also "infinitely recyclable", whereas oil-based products are "downcycled" into products of diminishing value, he said.

Eamonn Tighe, NatureWorks' business development manager for the UK, said the company "was on to it quite quickly" and had been in discussion "for some time" on how best to respond.

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"We put together a position paper within 10 days of the article appearing, which we made available to customers and brand owners," said Tighe. "We never shied away from discussion about the points raised."

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He added that there had been no fall off in business as a result of the article.

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"In fact, we're very optimistic and enthusiastic about the future. The big news is that we're investing in bringing our Nebraska plant up to its capacity of 140,000 tonnes by early 2009 and we're thinking about our next plant," he said.

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NatureWorks' business is spread 40% in the US, 30% in Asia Pacific and 30% in Europe.

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Tighe declined to say where the new plant would be located.

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"Interest in bioplastics – both for food packaging and fibres – is at an all-time high," he said.

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He added that NatureWorks had resin supplies now and would have "lots in 2009".

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"We will also manage our pricing to a reasonable level in 2009 – we're not as dependant on oil as other raw material producers."

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