{"id":13068,"date":"2026-04-30T04:20:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:20:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=13068"},"modified":"2026-04-30T04:20:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:20:51","slug":"natureworks-launches-biopolymer-production-plant-in-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=13068","title":{"rendered":"NatureWorks launches biopolymer production plant in Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Nakhon Sawan facility has an annual capacity of around 75,000 metric tonnes of Ingeo biopolymer. Credit: Alicia97 \/ Shutterstock.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

NatureWorks has opened its fully integrated Ingeo biopolymer production facility in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand.<\/p>\n

The plant combines three stages of manufacturing at one location: lactic acid production using \u201clocally sourced\u201d sugarcane, lactide monomer output and polymer production.<\/p>\n

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The site extends its existing Ingeo manufacturing base and adds capacity for supplying polylactic acid (PLA) materials to international markets.<\/p>\n

NatureWorks described the plant as its second production plant for PLA. According to the company, the move comes as demand rises for lower-carbon materials used in packaging, fibre and consumer goods.<\/p>\n

The Nakhon Sawan facility has an annual capacity of around 75,000 metric tonnes of Ingeo biopolymer. It is set up to manufacture the full range of Ingeo grades.<\/p>\n

Based in the Nakhon Sawan BioComplex, the site is intended to support regional supply networks and provide access to renewable feedstock.<\/p>\n

According to NatureWorks, the Ingeo biopolymer made at the facility uses carbon from annually renewable resources.<\/p>\n

Operations at the site are structured to support a carbon-neutral to net-negative profile at the polymer level, based on life cycle assessment data.<\/p>\n

The project will also support the regional economy through skilled employment and demand for sugarcane from local farming communities.<\/p>\n

The company added that the location within the Nakhon Sawan BioComplex links production with other parts of the local value chain.<\/p>\n

The plant is expected to serve uses such as flexible packaging, compostable food serviceware, non-woven fibres and 3D printing. The facility also adds to its footprint in the Asia Pacific.<\/p>\n

In May 2024, NatureWorks received financial backing<\/a> from Thailand\u2019s Krungthai Bank for the facility.<\/p>\n

The funding package from Krungthai Bank amounted to Bt12,600m ($350m).<\/p>\n

NatureWorks CEO Erik Ripple said: \u201cWith the opening of our Nakhon Sawan facility, we are taking a major step forward in scaling access to Ingeo biopolymers globally.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis fully integrated site enables us to better serve our customers while advancing the transition to renewable, lower-impact materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

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