NCGA, Industry Partners Continue to Advance Biobased Consumer Market (4-19-04)
Through the efforts of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)
and industry leaders like Cargill Dow, the market for corn-based
bioproducts in the United States and abroad is quickly expanding.
In early April, Cargill Dow took another step toward establishing
a viable biobased economy by introducing a complete line of compostable
tableware made entirely from corn.
The disposable forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups, bowls and storage
containers are made from NatureWorks polylactic acid (PLA) and are
available to consumers in bulk quantities. Cargill Dow said the items,
which are ideal for picnics and barbecues, should appeal to organizations
interested in showing support for U.S. corn growers. Continued development
of the bioproducts industry could provide a boon for the Midwest
economy, the company said.
“For farming communities this may be the spark needed for
sustained growth, as research and manufacturing facilities sprout
up amidst an abundant feedstock,” according to a Cargill Dow
release. “What the Silicon Valley is to computer technology,
the Corn Belt can be to bio-industrial products.”
NCGA CEO Rick Tolman said biobased items are catching on with consumers
because of the environmental benefits they offer. He pointed out
that PLA-based products are compostable and production of bioproducts
generates less greenhouse gas than traditional petroleum-based items.
“NCGA and Cargill Dow have been working together for years
to sow the seeds of a biobased economy,” Tolman said. “We
are happy to report that NatureWorks PLA is quickly finding success
here at home, as well as overseas. From the Midwest to Europe, grocery
chains the world over are experiencing strong demand for fresh food
packaged in nature-based containers.”
The NatureWorks PLA plates are available in lots of 2,000, while
cold-drink cups, lids, forks, spoons and knives are sold in 1,000-piece
lots. The company said prices are comparable to quality, heavyweight
plastic tableware. The items may be purchased online at www.natureworkspla.com.
NCGA and the Corn Refiners Association will showcase the latest
developments in corn-based production at the Corn Utilization and
Technology Conference in June. For more information on the conference,
go to http://www.corntechconf.org/.