*Check out the complete Ingeo eco-profile and read about our improved carbon footprint potentials in The Ingeo Journey at www.natureworksllc.com

How it’s made.We use sugars taken from

plants grown every year and transform them into Ingeo biopolymer, an ingenious

material that’s used to design Ingeo innovations for clothing,

personal care, the home, garden, electronics,

appliances and new fresh food bio-packaging.

scienceplant sugarstransformed into Ingeobiopolymer

environmentless fossil fuel usedin production

plants100% annually renewable sources

recoveryoffers the potential

of more disposaloptions*

climateless greenhouse gas emissions

productionIngeo fibers

and natural plasticsare created Ingeo™ resin

product guideMaterials made from plants not oil.Better for the planet, so better for you and business too.

This Ingeo Resin Product Guide is intended to provide a collection of the physical, mechanical and thermal properties for the Ingeo grade family. In addition, regulatory approvals / specifications, grade characteristics, and typical applications are provided on each product line and its uses.

Please refer to individual technical data sheets on each grade for the most up-to-date data and information at www.natureworksllc.com

Ingeo and the Ingeo logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NatureWorks LLC in the USA and other countries.© 2011 NatureWorks LLC

Where can you learn more about Ingeo resin?visit www.natureworksllc.com

Ingeo Grade Overview

2003D – Extrusion/ThermoformingGeneral purpose transparent extrusion grade

2003D – Used as is or as part of a formulated blend on conventional extrusion equipment.

3000 Series – Injection Molding Designed for injection molding applications.

3001D – Unlubricated, High Flow Grade

3052D – Lubricated, High Flow Grade

3251D – Lubricated, Ultra High Flow Grade

3801X – Compounded High Heat Grade w/Impact

4000 Series – Films & SheetDesigned for use in the production of oriented films, cardstock and graphic arts.

4032D – High heat film

4043D – General purpose film

4060D – Heat seal layer for film

6000 Series – Fibers/NonwovensDesigned for fiber processes from mono to multifilament as well as spunbond and meltblown products. Melting point ranges from 130C to 170C with amorphous to crystalline grades.

6060D – Amorphous low melt for staple fiber/bico fiber sheath layer 3.5rv

6201D – Continuous filament / staple for dyed fiber applications

6202D – Staple fiber / spunbond for nonwovens, non-dyed fiber applications

6252D – Meltblown

6302D – Amorphous low melt for staple fiber/bico fiber sheath layer 3.0rv

6400D – Monofilament / BCF / Industrial multifilament products

6752D – Sheath polymer for spunbond applications

7000 – Injection Stretch Blow MoldingDesigned for use in injection stretch blow molded (ISBM) bottle applications.

7001D – General purpose ISBM bottle grade

7032D – Heat-set ISBM bottle grade

*Check out the complete Ingeo eco-profile and read about our improved carbon footprint potentials in The Ingeo Journey at www.natureworksllc.com

What is Ingeo ?Ingeo biopolymer is the world’s first performance material whose manufacture shows a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Made from plants, not oil, Ingeo is derived from abundant 100% annually renewable plant resources.

How is Ingeo made?Carbon is captured in these plant resources, sequestered from the atmosphere during plant photosynthesis and stored as plant starches. NatureWorks LLC uses dextrose derived from these starches as the starting point for Ingeo. Through a process of fermentation, separation and polymerization, the carbon and other elements in these natural sugars are transformed into the family of Ingeo grades captured in this resin guide.

Where is Ingeo used?Ingeo is used uniquely to create a full and diverse range of finished consumer lifestyle goods marketed under the Ingeo brand. Bridging both plastics and fiber categories, Ingeo is fueling innovation and spearheading a whole raft of creativity across a wide range of products from packaging, foodservice, automotive, electronic, and durable goods, to personal care products, clothing, and homewares.

Ingeo BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits• Production emits fewer greenhouse gases and requires less fossil fuel • Made from plants – not oil• Peer reviewed & 3rd party validated eco profile• Multiple end of life options after use • Cradle-to-cradle options

Performance Benefits Ingeo plastics• Excellent gloss, transparency, and clarity• Excellent form and stiffness• UV Stable• Non-allergenic• Exceptional flavor and aroma barrier properties• Easy to blend, mold, shape, emboss and print • Ability to lightweight

Ingeo fibers• Outstanding moisture management properties • Outperforms polyester for breathability, comfort and insulation • Low odor retention• High UV light resistance • Hypoallergenic, easy care, and quick drying

¤ Shown is a sample of data from the US and Europe, if you need data for other geographic regions please contact NatureWorks LLC.Ø Please note that it is the responsibility of both the manufacturers of finished food contact articles as well as the industrial food packers to make sure that these articles in their actual use are in compliance with the imposed specific and overall migration requirements.* RACI document is located at: www.natureworksllc.com/RACI

Ingeo Regulation Information and Scope/SpecificationsFood Packaging Materials Compliance ¤, Ø

• Ingeo products have food contact compliance in many regions of the world including the US (FDA) and EU (exception, see below). For conditions or limitations and information on other regions of the world please refer to the Regulatory Affairs Compliance Information (RACI) document* or contact directly.

• The formulation for 3801X is not approved for use in food contact applications in any region of the world.

Chemical Control Law Compliance• Ingeo products are compliant with chemical control laws in

many regions of the world including US, EU, Japan, China, etc. For more details or other regions of the world please refer to RACI document* or contact directly.

Biobased Content NatureWorks carries the “OK biobased” certification from Vinçotte. Certification based on the biobased content of Ingeo which can be determined through radiocarbon dating according to ASTM D6866-5. Vinçotte’s certification requires that both the raw materials and the final article carry certification in order to claim compliance.

Industrial Composting according to ASTM D6400 and EN13432Composting is a method of waste disposal that allows organic materials to be recycled into a product that can be used as a valuable soil amendment. Ingeo is a compostable material in municipal and industrial composting facilities where available. Ingeo carries certification through various organizations including:

• US: BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certificate, (see notes)

• EU: DIN CERTCO (see notes)• For further information refer to RACI document* or contact

directly.• Fiber applications have grown complex. Raw materials, final

articles, and finished use all need to be considered. For this reason our fiber grades are not certified.

Certification Notes: BPI and DIN CERTCO certification programs require both plastic articles and polymer products be certified. Therefore, NatureWorks certification cannot be leveraged by downstream customers.

BPI - ASTMD6400: • 3001D, 4032D,4043D, 4060D, 7001D, in parts up to 2.0 mm

thickness• 2003D, 3052D, 3251D, in parts up to 3.2 mm thickness

DIN CERTCO EU 13432:• 2003D, 3001D, 3052D, 4032D, 4043D, 4060D, 7001D in parts

up to 2.0 mm thickness(Physical Property) 6060D 6201D 6202D 6252D 6302D 6400D 6752DSpecific Gravity D792Relative Viscosity ^ D5225 3.3 2.5 3.0 4.0 3.3

23 80 7MFR g/10 min (210˚C) D1238Melt Density (230˚C)Crystalline Melt Temp (˚C) D3418 125-135 125-135 155-170 145-160Glass Transition Temp (˚C) D3417

8 16 14

(Physical Property)Specific Gravity D792Relative Viscosity ^ D5225MFR g/10 min (210˚C) D1238Melt Density (230˚C)Crystalline Melt Temp (˚C)TT D3418Glass Transition Temp (˚C)TT D3417

6060D 6201D 6202D 6252D 6302D 6400D 6752D

3.3 2.5 3.0 4.0 3.323 80 7

125-135 125-135 155-170 145-160

8 16 14

ASTM Test Method GRADE

1.243.1

Properties

^ 1.0 g/dL in chloroform at 30° C

1.08

55-60155-170

Fibers / Nonwovens

ASTM Test

Method(Physical Property) 7001DSpecific Gravity D792ClarityRelative Viscosity ^Peak Melt Temp (˚C) D3418 145-160Glass Transition Temp (˚C) D3418 55-60 Oxygen D3985 Carbon Dioxide internal Water Vapor F1249

GRADE

1.24Transparent

4.0

Properties

D1746 D5225

^ 1.0 g/dL in chloroform at 30° C

2700 - 3000 cc-mil/m2 - 24-hr-atm650 -700 cc-mil/m2 - 24-hr-atm

350 - 400 g-mil/m2 - 24-hr-atm

155-170

7032D

Injection Stretch Blow Molding

ASTM Test

Method(Physical Property) 4032D 4043D 4060DSpecific Gravity D792Melt Density (g/cc)Glass Transition Temp D3418MFR* (g/10 min) D1238 10Relative Viscosity ^ 3.4Morphology AmorphousPeak Melt Temp D3418 155-170˚C 145-160˚C NA Oxygen D3985 Carbon Dioxide Water Vapor F1249

Grade

650 - 700 cc-mil/m2 - 24-hr-atm2700 - 3000 cc-mil/m2 - 24-hr-atm

350 - 400 g-mil/m2 - 24-hr

1.241.08 @ 230°C

Semi-crystalline

55 - 60˚C7 6

4.0

Properties

D5225

* (210˚C/2.16kg) • ^ 1.0 g/dL in chloroform at 30°C

internal

Films and Sheet

Units

ASTM Test

Method Grade Grade(Physical Property) 2003D 3001D 3052D 3251D 3801XSpecific Gravity 1.24 1.25MFR g/10 min* 6 22 14 80

g/10 minØ 35 8Clarity Transparent OpaqueRelative Viscosity^ 4.0 3.1 3.3 2.5 3.1Peak Melt Temp ˚C D3418 145-160 155-170 145-160 155-170 155-170 Glass Transition Temp ˚C D3418 55-60 45

Tensile Yield Strength psi (Mpa) 8,700 (60) ж 3,750 (26) ◊ Tensile Strength @ Break psi (Mpa) 7,700 (53) ж 3,060 (21) ◊

Tensile Modulus kpsi (Gpa) 524 (3.6) ж 432 (3.0) ◊ Tensile Elongation % 6 ж 8.1 ◊ Notched Izod Impact ft-lb/in (J/m) D256 0.3 (16) 2.7 (144) Flexural Strength psi (Mpa) D790 12,000 (83) 6,400 (44) Flexural Modulus kpsi (Gpa) D790 555 (3.8) 413 (2.9) Heat Distortion Temp. at 66 psi ˚C 55E2092 65

9,000 (62) ◊(Mechanical Property)

55-60

Grade

1.24

Transparent

7,800 (54) ◊

55

0.3 (16) 15,700 (108)

515 (3.6)

3.5 ◊540 (3.7) ◊

Properties

* (210˚C/2.16kg) • Ø (190˚C/2.16kg) • Ж ASTM D882 • ◊ ASTM D638 • ^ 1.0 g/dL in chloroform at 30°C

D5225

D1238 D1238 D792

Extrusion / Injection Molding / Thermoforming

Ingeo Properties

Industry Terms – What You Need To KnowASTM 6400 –The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) 6400 D 99 specification establishes the requirements for labeling of materials and products, including packaging made from plastics, as “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities.”

Biodegradable – When materials will break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time after customary disposal. A biodegradable material is capable of being broken down completely under the action of microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It may take a very long time for a material to biodegrade depending on its environment (e.g. hardwood in an arid area), but it ultimately breaks down completely.

Biopolymers – “Biopolymer” is a term used to define polymers which fall into either of two categories – those derived from annually renewable resources, and those which may be biodegradable or compostable plastics according to ASTM- D6400 or similar standards. Some materials, such as Ingeo, fall into both categories.

Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) – Multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use, and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet appropriate requirements such as ASTM D6400 or D6868, based on testing in an approved laboratory. BPI acts as an independent, providing a compostable logo for products 3rd party tested and reviewed against ASTM stands, and designed to build credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM standards among consumers, composters, regulators and others.

Carbon Footprint – the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person, often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.

Climate Change – In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, climate change usually refers to the warming of the earth’s climate associated with increased concentrations of greenhouse gas in the earth’s atmosphere.

Compostable – Products or packages that break down, or become part of usable compost, in a safe and timely manner. Composting can be divided into home composting and industrial composting. Essentially the same biological processes are involved in both scales of composting; however industrial composting is characterized by a clearly defined set of conditions. A compostable material biodegrades via natural processes that convert organic materials to CO2, water and humus through the action of microorganisms.

cPLA – Crystallized PLA via a similar process used for PET. A nucleant is added and during sheet extrusion the PLA forms crystal sites. Ultimately used for thermoforming, the result is a PLA sheet with higher thermal properties.

Cradle to Gate – Describes the system boundaries of an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities from the “cradle” (i.e., the extraction of raw materials, agricultural activities and forestry) up to the polymer manufacturer’s factory gate.

Eco-Profile – Gives the total energy use, raw material use, air and water emissions and the total solid waste produced from the cradle to a factory gate. An eco-profile always starts with the extraction of the raw materials from the earth and ends with the production of the product of interest. The eco-profile is a key input to any life cycle analysis.

Industry Terms – What You Need To KnowASTM 6400 –The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) 6400 D 99 specification establishes the requirements for labeling of materials and products, including packaging made from plastics, as “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities.”

Biodegradable – When materials will break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time after customary disposal. A biodegradable material is capable of being broken down completely under the action of microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It may take a very long time for a material to biodegrade depending on its environment (e.g. hardwood in an arid area), but it ultimately breaks down completely.

Biopolymers – “Biopolymer” is a term used to define polymers which fall into either of two categories – those derived from annually renewable resources, and those which may be biodegradable or compostable plastics according to ASTM- D6400 or similar standards. Some materials, such as Ingeo, fall into both categories.

Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) – Multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use, and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet appropriate requirements such as ASTM D6400 or D6868, based on testing in an approved laboratory. BPI acts as an independent, providing a compostable logo for products 3rd party tested and reviewed against ASTM stands, and designed to build credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM standards among consumers, composters, regulators and others.

Carbon Footprint – the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person, often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.

Climate Change – In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, climate change usually refers to the warming of the earth’s climate associated with increased concentrations of greenhouse gas in the earth’s atmosphere.

Compostable – Products or packages that break down, or become part of usable compost, in a safe and timely manner. Composting can be divided into home composting and industrial composting. Essentially the same biological processes are involved in both scales of composting; however industrial composting is characterized by a clearly defined set of conditions. A compostable material biodegrades via natural processes that convert organic materials to CO2, water and humus through the action of microorganisms.

cPLA – Crystallized PLA via a similar process used for PET. A nucleant is added and during sheet extrusion the PLA forms crystal sites. Ultimately used for thermoforming, the result is a PLA sheet with higher thermal properties.

Cradle to Gate – Describes the system boundaries of an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities from the “cradle” (i.e., the extraction of raw materials, agricultural activities and forestry) up to the polymer manufacturer’s factory gate.

Eco-Profile – Gives the total energy use, raw material use, air and water emissions and the total solid waste produced from the cradle to a factory gate. An eco-profile always starts with the extraction of the raw materials from the earth and ends with the production of the product of interest. The eco-profile is a key input to any life cycle analysis.

Industry Terms – What You Need To KnowASTM 6400 –The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) 6400 D 99 specification establishes the requirements for labeling of materials and products, including packaging made from plastics, as “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities.”

Biodegradable – When materials will break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time after customary disposal. A biodegradable material is capable of being broken down completely under the action of microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It may take a very long time for a material to biodegrade depending on its environment (e.g. hardwood in an arid area), but it ultimately breaks down completely.

Biopolymers – “Biopolymer” is a term used to define polymers which fall into either of two categories – those derived from annually renewable resources, and those which may be biodegradable or compostable plastics according to ASTM- D6400 or similar standards. Some materials, such as Ingeo, fall into both categories.

Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) – Multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use, and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet appropriate requirements such as ASTM D6400 or D6868, based on testing in an approved laboratory. BPI acts as an independent, providing a compostable logo for products 3rd party tested and reviewed against ASTM stands, and designed to build credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM standards among consumers, composters, regulators and others.

Carbon Footprint – the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person, often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.

Climate Change – In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, climate change usually refers to the warming of the earth’s climate associated with increased concentrations of greenhouse gas in the earth’s atmosphere.

Compostable – Products or packages that break down, or become part of usable compost, in a safe and timely manner. Composting can be divided into home composting and industrial composting. Essentially the same biological processes are involved in both scales of composting; however industrial composting is characterized by a clearly defined set of conditions. A compostable material biodegrades via natural processes that convert organic materials to CO2, water and humus through the action of microorganisms.

cPLA – Crystallized PLA via a similar process used for PET. A nucleant is added and during sheet extrusion the PLA forms crystal sites. Ultimately used for thermoforming, the result is a PLA sheet with higher thermal properties.

Cradle to Gate – Describes the system boundaries of an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities from the “cradle” (i.e., the extraction of raw materials, agricultural activities and forestry) up to the polymer manufacturer’s factory gate.

Eco-Profile – Gives the total energy use, raw material use, air and water emissions and the total solid waste produced from the cradle to a factory gate. An eco-profile always starts with the extraction of the raw materials from the earth and ends with the production of the product of interest. The eco-profile is a key input to any life cycle analysis.

Greenhouse Gas Effect – The greenhouse gas effect is a term used to describe the effect when water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases prevent the heat from the sun from escaping from the atmosphere and thereby help keep the Earth warm.

Industrial composting – composting at a municipal or for-profit facility where heat and humidity are controlled during the compost cycle. Industrial composting meets ASTM 6400 standards.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – A life cycle assessment is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service over it’s entire life cycle.

Oxo degradable – Some companies have been claiming that they have created an additive that can be added to traditional plastics to make them biodegradable. These products become what is called OXO-Degradable, and sometimes is incorrectly identified as OXO-biodegradable. Although this allows the plastic to return to the environment, these products are not biodegradable. Instead, the additive allows the plastic material to break down physically when exposed to water, into pieces small enough to be accidentally ingested by microbes. However, the microbes are not able to actually break this material down further. The end result is therefore a material that combines biomass with polymer residue. The plastic never decomposes as a result of interaction with the organisms. This process is therefore more accurately called “disintegration” rather than “biodegradation.”

PHA – Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. The most common type of PHA is PHB.

Recycled Content – Labeled material includes recycled raw material, as well as, used, reconditioned, rebuilt and remanufactured components. If the package does not consist of 100% recycled content (excluding minor incidental components), qualifying word-like the percentage of recycled content in the product – must be used to limit the claim.

Renewable Resource – A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Plants and trees are renewable resources.

scPLA – A variation of PLA designed to enhance heat performance via a “stereocomplex” crystalline structure. Not yet offered at in the market at a commercial scale.

Source Reduction – Refers to reducing or lowering the weight, volume or toxicity of the product or package when it is made (i.e, at its ‘source’).

SPI Resin Code –Originally developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry, the “SPI code”, was designed to indicate the type of plastic from which the product is made, in order to facilitate the development of a national system for recycling of post-consumer plastics. In 2008, ownership of the resin identification codes was transferred to the ASTM.

Starch Modified Polymer – Starch, a renewable resource and naturally occurring polymer based on a glucose repeat unit, is added to traditional polymers to provide some “bio-content” as well as lower costs albeit via an additional compounding step. There are starch masterbatch products which can be added at the press. Starch is very hygroscopic so care needs to be taken when adding starch to polymers.

www.natureworksllc.com

Greenhouse Gas Effect – The greenhouse gas effect is a term used to describe the effect when water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases prevent the heat from the sun from escaping from the atmosphere and thereby help keep the Earth warm.

Industrial composting – composting at a municipal or for-profit facility where heat and humidity are controlled during the compost cycle. Industrial composting meets ASTM 6400 standards.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – A life cycle assessment is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service over it’s entire life cycle.

Oxo degradable – Some companies have been claiming that they have created an additive that can be added to traditional plastics to make them biodegradable. These products become what is called OXO-Degradable, and sometimes is incorrectly identified as OXO-biodegradable. Although this allows the plastic to return to the environment, these products are not biodegradable. Instead, the additive allows the plastic material to break down physically when exposed to water, into pieces small enough to be accidentally ingested by microbes. However, the microbes are not able to actually break this material down further. The end result is therefore a material that combines biomass with polymer residue. The plastic never decomposes as a result of interaction with the organisms. This process is therefore more accurately called “disintegration” rather than “biodegradation.”

PHA – Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. The most common type of PHA is PHB.

Recycled Content – Labeled material includes recycled raw material, as well as, used, reconditioned, rebuilt and remanufactured components. If the package does not consist of 100% recycled content (excluding minor incidental components), qualifying word-like the percentage of recycled content in the product – must be used to limit the claim.

Renewable Resource – A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Plants and trees are renewable resources.

scPLA – A variation of PLA designed to enhance heat performance via a “stereocomplex” crystalline structure. Not yet offered at in the market at a commercial scale.

Source Reduction – Refers to reducing or lowering the weight, volume or toxicity of the product or package when it is made (i.e, at its ‘source’).

SPI Resin Code –Originally developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry, the “SPI code”, was designed to indicate the type of plastic from which the product is made, in order to facilitate the development of a national system for recycling of post-consumer plastics. In 2008, ownership of the resin identification codes was transferred to the ASTM.

Starch Modified Polymer – Starch, a renewable resource and naturally occurring polymer based on a glucose repeat unit, is added to traditional polymers to provide some “bio-content” as well as lower costs albeit via an additional compounding step. There are starch masterbatch products which can be added at the press. Starch is very hygroscopic so care needs to be taken when adding starch to polymers.

www.natureworksllc.com

Greenhouse Gas Effect – The greenhouse gas effect is a term used to describe the effect when water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases prevent the heat from the sun from escaping from the atmosphere and thereby help keep the Earth warm.

Industrial composting – composting at a municipal or for-profit facility where heat and humidity are controlled during the compost cycle. Industrial composting meets ASTM 6400 standards.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – A life cycle assessment is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service over it’s entire life cycle.

Oxo degradable – Some companies have been claiming that they have created an additive that can be added to traditional plastics to make them biodegradable. These products become what is called OXO-Degradable, and sometimes is incorrectly identified as OXO-biodegradable. Although this allows the plastic to return to the environment, these products are not biodegradable. Instead, the additive allows the plastic material to break down physically when exposed to water, into pieces small enough to be accidentally ingested by microbes. However, the microbes are not able to actually break this material down further. The end result is therefore a material that combines biomass with polymer residue. The plastic never decomposes as a result of interaction with the organisms. This process is therefore more accurately called “disintegration” rather than “biodegradation.”

PHA – Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. The most common type of PHA is PHB.

Recycled Content – Labeled material includes recycled raw material, as well as, used, reconditioned, rebuilt and remanufactured components. If the package does not consist of 100% recycled content (excluding minor incidental components), qualifying word-like the percentage of recycled content in the product – must be used to limit the claim.

Renewable Resource – A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Plants and trees are renewable resources.

scPLA – A variation of PLA designed to enhance heat performance via a “stereocomplex” crystalline structure. Not yet offered at in the market at a commercial scale.

Source Reduction – Refers to reducing or lowering the weight, volume or toxicity of the product or package when it is made (i.e, at its ‘source’).

SPI Resin Code –Originally developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry, the “SPI code”, was designed to indicate the type of plastic from which the product is made, in order to facilitate the development of a national system for recycling of post-consumer plastics. In 2008, ownership of the resin identification codes was transferred to the ASTM.

Starch Modified Polymer – Starch, a renewable resource and naturally occurring polymer based on a glucose repeat unit, is added to traditional polymers to provide some “bio-content” as well as lower costs albeit via an additional compounding step. There are starch masterbatch products which can be added at the press. Starch is very hygroscopic so care needs to be taken when adding starch to polymers.

www.natureworksllc.com