Ingeo is the trademarked brand name for a range of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers owned by NatureWorks.[1]

Ingeo is created using carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis in the form of dextrose sugar. These sugars are converted into a biopolymer through a process of fermentation and separation. The resulting resin can then be injection molded into plastic goods, extruded for film applications, thermoformed into packaging, or extruded for use in textiles applications.[2]

PLA is more resistant to ultraviolet light than most other synthetic plastics, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE).[3] It has relatively low flammability and smoke generation. Because it is more hydrophobic than common polyester fibers, Ingeo is often blended with cotton and wool to result in lighter garments that repel moisture.[4]

The bio-polymer is also used in packaging, including bottles for mineral water, which can already be found on the market (e.g. in Italy[5]). Applications can be clear, opaque, flexible, or rigid. The bio-polymer is similar to polystyrene and exhibits tensile strength and modulus comparable to hydrocarbon-based thermoplastics. Much like polyester, it resists grease and oil and offers a flavor and odor barrier.[6] Ingeo provides heat sealability at temperatures equivalent to these of polyolefin sealant resins.[7]

Resinex Group distributes Ingeo in Europe.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ingeo". Bioplastics News. 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  2. ↑ Vink, Erwin T.H.; Davies, Steve (June 2015). "Life Cycle Inventory and Impact Assessment Data for 2014 Ingeo ™ Polylactide Production". Industrial Biotechnology. 11 (3): 167–180. doi:10.1089/ind.2015.0003. ISSN 1550-9087.
  3. ↑ Sabee, Mohd Meer Saddiq Mohd; Uyen, Nguyen Thi Thanh; Ahmad, Nurazreena; Hamid, Zuratul Ain Abdul (2022), "Plastics Packaging for Pharmaceutical Products", Encyclopedia of Materials: Plastics and Polymers, Elsevier, pp. 316–329, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-820352-1.00088-2, ISBN 978-0-12-823291-0, S2CID 235833076, retrieved 2022-08-13
  4. ↑ Farrington, D.W.; Lunt, J.; Davies, S.; Blackburn, R.S. (2005), "Poly(lactic acid) fibers", Biodegradable and Sustainable Fibres, Elsevier, pp. 191–220, doi:10.1533/9781845690991.191, ISBN 978-1-85573-916-1, retrieved 2022-08-13
  5. ↑ "NatureWorks | Significant Years for Ingeo Natural Plastics Bottles Made from Plants, Not Oil".
  6. ↑ John, Rojan (March 2011). "POLY LACTIC ACID: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER". ResearchGate.
  7. ↑ From corn to plastics. NatureWorks Archived March 17, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ NatureWorks LLC partners with the RESINEX group to guarantee a new integrated logistics and distribution system for Ingeo resin in Europe
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