Sofia Martinez
NatureWorks' Ingeo is a range of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers used in plastic goods and packaging. Unlike conventional oil-based plastics, Ingeo is a plant-based, compostable, and economically viable solution that can be easily recycled. However, the challenge lies in identifying Ingeo among other plastics during the recycling process. While current waste reduction systems are evolving, technologies like near-infrared sorting have proven effective in accurately identifying Ingeo for recycling. As NatureWorks advocates for recycling and composting, they are committed to introducing Ingeo responsibly and addressing any recycling concerns through partnerships and initiatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers |
| Manufacturer | NatureWorks |
| Distributor (Europe) | Resinex Group |
| Introduced | 2003 |
| Composition | Carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis, dextrose sugar |
| Manufacturing Process | Fermentation, separation, injection molding, film extrusion, thermoforming, textile extrusion |
| Biodegradability | BPI certified for commercial composting |
| Disposal Options | Mechanical and chemical recycling, clean incineration, industrial composting |
| Sorting Technology | Near-infrared sorting, NIR optical sortation |
| Safety | Does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), food-grade compliant |
| Applications | Food and beverage packaging, serviceware, consumer electronics, durable goods, textiles |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingeo plastic can be recycled, composted, incinerated, or sent to landfill
- Near-infrared sorting technology can identify Ingeo plastic for recycling
- Ingeo plastic is made from plant sugars, specifically dextrose from corn
- Ingeo is a brand of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers owned by NatureWorks
- Ingeo plastic is safe, food-grade compliant, and free from Bisphenol A (BPA)
Ingeo plastic can be recycled, composted, incinerated, or sent to landfill
Ingeo is a bioplastic made from plant sugars and created by NatureWorks. It is a more environmentally friendly alternative to oil-based plastics, as it is simple and economical to recycle. Ingeo can be mechanically and chemically recycled, with an Ingeo bottle, for example, able to be remade into another bottle, unlike oil-based plastic bottles which are typically down-cycled.
However, the current plastics recycling infrastructure is not yet set up to easily identify and sort bioplastics. NatureWorks is working to address these concerns and ensure that Ingeo can be effectively recycled. Near-infrared sorting technology has been proven to identify Ingeo in mixed waste plastic with high accuracy, and NatureWorks has worked with Titus MRF Services in California to design a multi-plastic sorting business model that benefits the environment and is affordable for communities.
Ingeo is also compostable in commercial facilities, offering another end-of-life option for items that are hard to recycle, such as single-use food and beverage containers. Ingeo is BPI certified for composting, which means it can be composted in commercial compost facilities. Composting is a more environmentally beneficial option than sending waste to landfill, and Ingeo is not contaminated with petroleum-based plastics, which often condemns food waste to landfill.
If Ingeo cannot be recycled or composted, it is still a better alternative to oil-based plastics as it is landfill stable and will not produce methane in landfills. It can also be incinerated without causing harm. NatureWorks advocates for the concept of zero waste, and Ingeo offers more end-of-life options than conventional plastics.
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Near-infrared sorting technology can identify Ingeo plastic for recycling
NatureWorks' Ingeo is a range of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers. Ingeo is created using carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis, which is then converted into a biopolymer through the processes of fermentation and separation. The resulting resin can then be injection-molded into plastic goods. Unlike conventional oil-based plastics, Ingeo can be simply and economically recycled. For example, an Ingeo bottle can be remade into another bottle, again and again.
However, identifying Ingeo in the recycling stream is challenging. The industry's preferred plastics sorting technology is near-infrared (NIR) sorting technology, which can accurately identify the many different polymers already in use (different polymers reflect an identifiable light spectrum). Testing on widely-used present-day technology proved that Ingeo can be identified in the mixed waste plastics stream with very high accuracy. Titech has demonstrated the ability of its near-infrared sorting systems to eject concentrated amounts of PLA in a PET sorting operation. Titech's near-infrared sorting is perhaps the most dominant technology used worldwide. Sorting efficiency in a single pass was found to be a minimum of 97.5% accuracy.
Eagle Vizion provides NIR optical sorting equipment that can sort PLA from mixed plastic streams. The test confirmed that Ingeo emits a unique polymeric signature. Its unique signature means that the equipment could be programmed to identify Ingeo as Ingeo or simply as "other plastics". Pellenc ST near-infrared sorters are used at the Titus MRF Services facility in Los Angeles and have been very effective at sorting out PLA for recycling from mixed plastic streams and MRF residuals.
However, NIR plastic sorting is not a perfect solution and has some limitations. NIR sensors cannot separate plastics by color and have challenges identifying dark-colored plastic packaging due to pigmentation absorbing too much of the near-infrared beam. NIR plastic sorting can be combined with other methods such as visual sensing and manual sorting to help increase accuracy and create an optimal recycling stream.
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Ingeo plastic is made from plant sugars, specifically dextrose from corn
Ingeo plastic is a bioplastic created by NatureWorks using carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis. The carbon is converted into simple plant sugars, specifically dextrose from corn, through the process of photosynthesis. This dextrose sugar is then converted into a biopolymer through fermentation and separation. The resulting resin can be injection-molded into plastic goods, extruded for film applications, thermoformed into packaging, or used in textiles.
NatureWorks uses plant sugars derived from 100% annually renewable field corn as the source material for manufacturing Ingeo. This corn is already grown for many industrial and functional end uses, and Ingeo uses less than 1/20th of 1% (0.05%) of the annual global corn crop today, contributing little to no impact on international or local food chains. The process of creating Ingeo does not require corn specifically; any sugar source, such as sugar beets, sugar cane, or wheat, can be used.
Ingeo is a range of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers, which are owned by NatureWorks and distributed in Europe by the Resinex Group. PLA is made from corn starch, specifically corn-based resins, which makes it non-toxic and annually renewable. Unlike regular plastics made from petroleum, PLA is environmentally friendly, compostable, and biodegradable. Due to its biodegradability, PLA is often used in geotextiles, where the objective is for the material to disappear over time.
Ingeo offers consumers a range of natural-origin lifestyle products, from food and beverage packaging to serviceware, consumer electronics, durable goods, and even fiber for clothing. It provides an alternative to fossil fuel-resourced products and contributes to the concept of zero waste. However, identifying Ingeo bioplastic and paperboard in the recycle stream is a challenge, and the success of waste reduction systems relies on partnerships and momentum.
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Ingeo is a brand of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers owned by NatureWorks
Ingeo is created using carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis, which takes the form of dextrose sugar. In the process of polymerization, the lactide ring is opened and linked together to form the long chain of the polylactide polymer. This biopolymer is similar to polystyrene in terms of tensile strength and modulus, and like polyester, it resists grease and oil. Ingeo is also used in packaging and plastic bottles, and its appearance can range from clear to opaque, rigid to flexible.
NatureWorks' patented technology was the first to industrialize the conversion of sugars to bioplastics, creating a range of Ingeo biopolymer lifestyle products that serve as alternatives to fossil fuel-derived products. Ingeo is used in natural plastics for food and beverage packaging, serviceware, consumer electronics, durable goods, and even fibre for clothing. The source material for manufacturing Ingeo is plant sugars derived from 100% annually renewable field corn, which contributes little to no impact on international or local food chains.
Ingeo is a compostable, plant-based solution that can be recycled through mechanical and chemical processes, clean incineration, and industrial composting. Unlike conventional oil-based plastics, Ingeo can be economically recycled, providing true closed-loop, cradle-to-cradle solutions to zero waste. NatureWorks strongly supports the concept of zero waste, advocating for recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
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Ingeo plastic is safe, food-grade compliant, and free from Bisphenol A (BPA)
Ingeo plastic is a safe, natural plastic that is free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and is food-grade compliant. It is created using carbon stored in plants via photosynthesis and takes the form of dextrose sugar. These sugars are then converted into a biopolymer through the processes of fermentation and separation. The resulting resin can be injection-molded into plastic goods, making it a good alternative to fossil fuel-based products. Ingeo plastic is safe for use with food and beverages and offers excellent protection and preservation properties. It is lightweight and tough, with good moisture barrier properties, making it ideal for meat products, dairy, and whole eggs. Its rigid packaging also has good form and stiffness properties, resulting in lighter packages compared to PET.
Ingeo plastic is also a good alternative to polystyrene foam, which is known to give off dangerous levels of BPA. Unlike polystyrene, Ingeo plastic is safe for use with hot and cold drinks, with good moisture, grease, and oil resistance. Its flexible films have excellent folding and twist fold capabilities, superb printability, and easier shrink properties than conventional films.
In terms of safety, Ingeo plastic is free from harmful chemicals such as BPAs, which are unsafe for human consumption and can lead to health problems. Its biodegradability makes it a good option for geotextiles, where the objective is for the material to disappear over time. Ingeo plastic is also more resistant to ultraviolet light than some synthetic plastics and has relatively low flammability.
When it comes to end-of-life options, Ingeo plastic offers more choices compared to conventional plastics. It can be mechanically and chemically recycled, cleanly incinerated, or industrially composted. Ingeo bottles, for example, can be continuously recycled into new bottles, providing a true closed-loop solution to zero waste. NatureWorks, the company behind Ingeo, strongly advocates for recycling, composting, and the concept of zero waste. They support diverting food waste from landfills and promoting environmentally beneficial composting.
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Frequently asked questions
Ingeo plastic is made from dextrose (a sugar) derived from corn or other cellulosic plant starches.
Yes, Ingeo is BPI-certified for composting in commercial facilities. It is also landfill-stable and will not produce methane.
Yes, Ingeo plastic can be recycled. However, identifying Ingeo plastic in the recycle stream is challenging as most municipal recycling facilities do not sort for it specifically. Near-infrared sorting technology can be used to identify Ingeo plastic with high accuracy.
Ingeo plastic can be recycled into new products, such as bottles, through mechanical and chemical recycling processes.
Ingeo plastic is manufactured by NatureWorks LLC, a company located in Nebraska, USA.
