NatureWorks LLC unveils new injection molding biopolymer grade for consumer goods segment

20-Dec-08

NatureWorks LLC, a biopolymer company and a JV between between Cargill (U.S.) and Teijin Limited (Japan) has unveiled Ingeo™ 3251D, a new and improved injection molding grade of Ingeo™ biopolymer. This new Ingeo™ grade has been designed specifically for the consumer goods segments such as electronics, cosmetics, housewares, toys and custom molding. The company applies its proprietary technology to process natural plant sugars to make its Ingeo™ biopolymer. Ingeo™ 3251D is suitable for semi durable applications are either clear or opaque; are currently molded in GPPS, HIPS, SAN, ABS or PET and those which require impact resistance similar to medium impact polystyrene. Ingeo™ 3251D improves productivity with shorter molding cycles, reducing entry cost, and allowing the same mold and screw use as styrenic's (GPPS, SAN, HIPS and ABS). NatureWorks also anticipates some injection molders will see potential for down gauging in some applications (e.g. GPPS, SAN) as well as possible energy savings. This new grade provides consumer goods manufacturers a sustainable solution with the performance characteristics of the oil-based plastics. This new grade is a compliment to the Ingeo-based compounds currently found in laptops, mobile phones and other consumer goods previously launched by NatureWorks partners.