Polylactic acid (PLA) made from greenhouse gases. This process transforms greenhouse gases into PLA by using agricultural crops to sequester carbon and transform it to simple plant sugars through photosynthesis. The plants are milled to extract glucose as starch. Enzymes are then added to convert the glucose to dextrose via hydrolysis. Microorganisms then ferment the dextrose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is converted to lactide and lactide is polymerized into Ingeo™ PLA by opening the lactide ring and linking them together to form a long polylactide polymer chain. The company uses the most abundant, locally available, and sustainable source of biobased carbon in each area they produce their product. The production of Ingeo™ does not require genetically modified feedstock and uses only renewable agricultural resources. PLA is made from plants like corn, cassava, sugar cane, and beets. Manufacturing Ingeo™ produces roughly 80% less greenhouse gases and uses roughly 52% less non-renewable energy than traditional polymers like polystyrene. Depending on it's application, Ingeo™ can be composted and recycled.
NatureWorks is currently researching a way to directly convert greenhouse gases into lactic acid through microorganisms, completely skipping the need for plants.
EPA Green Chemistry Challenge: 2002 Greener Reaction Conditions Award
Cargill Dow LLC
