NatureWorks LLC to Build a 75 KTPA Biopolymers Plant in Thailand

NatureWorks, in a move towards expanding its manufacturing globally has recently announced the construction of a new integrated Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) manufacturing plant in Thailand. NatureWorks is the world’s leading manufacturer of low carbon Polylactic Acid biopolymers. It is jointly owned by Cargill Incorporated and GC International Corporation Company Limited, a subsidiary of PTT Global Public Company Limited (GC).

The development comes after the company took authorization from its parent companies. The plan includes the construction of a fully integrated chemical complex which will include production sites for Lactic Acid, Lactide, and Polymer making it the world’s first of its kind fully integrated PLA facility.

The proposed plan includes an investment of around USD 600 Million and the construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022. The plant is likely to come online by 2024 subjected to no technical, operational, or managerial setbacks.  

The proposed site for plant is at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC) in Nakhon Sawan Province in Thailand and will have an annual production capacity of 75 KTPA of Ingeo biopolymer. The new plant will use the world’s most advanced biopolymer technology which uses the Lactic Acid route. The raw material for the plant will be sourced from Thai sugarcane farmers who will provide the required sugar to the plant. The plant will use around 110 KTPA of sugar.

The proposed facility to produce Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) biopolymer which will add value to the Thai agricultural raw materials. Ingeo PLA which will be produced in the facility is a compostable biopolymer with a low carbon footprint and has application in tea bags, coffee capsules, food packaging, 3D printing filament, home appliances etc.