Worlds First Greenhouse-Gas-Neutral Polymer

NatureWorks PLA claims to be the world s first greenhouse-gas-neutral polymer. This factor is important for European customers whereby NatureWorks PLA could assist them to achieve compliance with the greenhouse-gas-emission reduction requirements of the Kyoto Protocol that came into effect in February 2005. 

The greenhouse-gas-neutral claim is the result of the combination of renewable-resource-based feedstock, along with the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) backed by lifecycle assessment data. These RECs will serve as an offset to cover all of the emissions from the energy used for the production of NatureWorks PLA. The company will purchase certificates for projected 2006 production at its 140,000 tonne capacity manufacturing plant and 182,000 tonne capacity lactic acid plant in Blair, Neb., USA, as well as at its corporate offices in Minnetonka, Minn., USA. The purchase of renewable energy will allow NatureWorks to decrease its fossil fuel footprint by 68%. 

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