Renewable Resource-Based Packaging Gains Momentum in Japan with First GreenPla Designation

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For Immediate Release

Renewable Resource-Based Packaging Gains Momentum in Japan with First GreenPla Designation

MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS, Apr. 30 -/E-Wire/-- The use of plastic made from annually renewable resources has reached another milestone with the announcement that a new film wrap for Sony mini-discs, made from NatureWorksÃ PLA, will be the first product in Japan to carry the new GreenPla designation.

Developed with Unitika, Sony and Cargill Dow, the new packaging is premiering the new consumer logo signaling that the product has environmentally friendly and compostable physical characteristics. The GreenPla logo, short for green plastic, allows consumers to easily differentiate environmentally sound products from other plastics, which do not hold the same benefits. In addition to being the first product to carry the GreenPla symbol, NatureWorks PLA is also the first raw material to receive the designation in Japan.

"The differentiation of compostable plastics from other plastics is a significant advancement for Japan, the plastics industry and Cargill Dow," said Jim Hobbs, commercial packaging director, Cargill Dow LLC. "The approval of this logo and the introduction of new products meeting its stringent criteria are noteworthy steps in creating public awareness of compostable plastics and the usefulness and benefits to consumers and the environment."

Cargill Dow and Unitika developed the film for the wrap and joined forces with Sony to bring the packaging application to market. NatureWorks PLA is being used as the exterior film wrap for the mini-discs and was chosen because of the high performance characteristics like clarity and gloss, as well as being more sustainable than other plastics on the market.

The introduction of the mini-disk packaging also marks the gaining momentum of renewable resource-based packaging options around the globe. Recently, Cargill Dow teamed up with Biocorp Inc. to introduce a renewable resource-based food service option for large venues. The new cold drink cup has competitive physical properties with petroleum-based plastics, with the added environmental benefit of being fully compostable. In addition Cargill Dow also introduced a Dunlop golf ball sleeve laminated with NatureWorks PLA film developed by Sumitomo Rubber and Mitsubishi Plastics. These are a sample of recent mass-market applications of NatureWorks PLA in the U.S. and globally. Developed by Cargill Dow, NatureWorks PLA is a natural-based polymer that can be used for common consumer items such as clothing, cups, food containers, candy wrappers, as well as home and office furnishings. The technology used to create NatureWorks uses annually renewable resources like corn rather than petroleum for its feedstock. By substituting corn for petroleum, NatureWorks uses 20-50 percent less fossil resources than conventional plastics. In addition, since the production of PLA recycles the earth's carbon, the PLA system emits less CO2 compared to other petroleum based thermoplastics. Disposal of NatureWorks fits with existing systems including the additional option of composting.

"Cargill Dow has created a more sustainable way of doing business for ourselves and our partners," continued Hobbs. "The legislation in Japan is just one of many examples of our global efforts. We are truly leading the way for the next industrial revolution and it is happening across the globe."

Founded in 1997, Cargill Dow LLC company 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 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). Future applications of the technology could include use in injection blow molded bottles, foams, emulsions and chemical intermediaries. For more company information, please visit the Cargill Dow Web site at http://www.cargilldow.com.

http://www.cargilldow.com

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