Cargill Dow, Biocorp launch PLA plastic cup product
05 March 2001 17:45 [Source: ICIS news]
HOUSTON (CNI)--Cargill Dow and Biocorp said Monday they are introducing a clear plastic cup based on Cargill Dow's polylactide (PLA) plastic, made from biomass materials.
The companies said the new cup has competitive physical properties with petroleum-based plastics "with the added environmental benefit of being fully compostable." Compostability makes products attractive in venues where the volume of waste can be controlled, Cargill Dow said.
Frederic Scheer, chairman of Biocorp, noted that large sporting and entertainment venues are constantly looking for ways to better meet environmental needs while minimising disposal costs.
Said Scheer. ``There is a real need, and in some cases a legislative mandate, to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. However, it is not possible to economically separate conventional food service items in order to divert the food wastes from landfills and incinerators. That is not the case with the cold drink cups made from NatureWorks PLA."
He estimates that the ability to fully compost the food scraps allows venues to realise up to 35% cost savings when compared to landfill options.
Based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Cargill Dow is a 50:50 joint venture between Cargill and Dow Chemical. It offers a family of polymers derived entirely from annually renewable resources - such as corn - that compete with traditional fibres and packaging materials.
Founded in 1996 and based in Redondo Beach, California, Biocorp is a leading developer and manufacturer of biodegradable products, including lawn and leaf bags, bin liners, and food serviceware. It is in partnership with Cargill Dow to find applications for NatureWorks PLA.
By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653
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