PLYMOUTH – NatureWorks has selected TTCL as the general contractor for procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup support services for its new Ingeo PLA manufacturing complex in Thailand.
The new facility is designed to be fully integrated and will include production of lactic acid, lactide and polymer. Located on the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC) in Nakhon Sawan Province, the manufacturing site will have an annual capacity of 75,000 tons of Ingeo biopolymer and will produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades.
In June 2022, site preparation for the new facility was completed and NatureWorks signed an agreement with Sino Thai Engineering and Construction (STECON) to begin early-works construction for piling, underground piping, storm water management and tank foundations. Currently underway, the early-works construction progress keeps completion of the facility on schedule for the second half of 2024.
“We are pleased to see the continued progress on the construction of our second Ingeo manufacturing complex that will help us address the increasing global market demand for sustainable materials,” said Steve Bray, VP of operations at NatureWorks. “With the selection of TTCL as our general contractor, we are looking forward to leveraging their expertise in executing large, highly technical capital projects in Thailand.”
NatureWorks expects to hold a cornerstone laying ceremony to honour the progress of site construction in February 2023.
In 2021, NatureWorks first announced the authorisation for initiating its global capacity expansion plan beginning with its second Ingeo biopolymer manufacturing facility. It became the first company to produce PLA biopolymers at commercial scale in 2002. NatureWorks expanded its flagship facility in Blair, Nebraska, to an annual total capacity of 150,000 metric tons in 2013.
The expanded global production of Ingeo biopolymers will support growth in markets including 3D printing and nonwovens for hygiene as well as compostable coffee capsules, tea bags, flexible packaging, and food serviceware that demand sustainable, low-carbon materials and require the high-performance attributes that Ingeo is uniquely suited to deliver.
