GC and Cargill to construct integrated biopolymer production facility
Published by Callum O'Reilly,
Senior Editor
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
GC International Corp. Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical Public Co. Ltd (GC) and Cargill Incorporated, joint owners of NatureWorks LLC, have announced the construction of a new fully-integrated biopolymer production facility in Thailand to meet increased demand for sustainable materials in the global market.
The decision follows recent investment promotion approval from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) in May 2021.
This project supports sustainable development in Thailand, specifically the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, further driving economic growth, improving competitiveness and helping the country achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO of GC, said: "GC, Thailand's leading chemical company and the world's leading environmentally friendly bio-chemical producer, is committed [to] operating in accordance with sustainability guidelines and circular economy principles. Sustainability creates balanced growth in economic, social and environmental dimensions, driven by the framework of the SDGs. Today, GC and Cargill, joint owners of NatureWorks, the top PLA biopolymer manufacturer globally, are ready to expand investment in the biochemical sector following the BOI's investment promotion approval of NatureWorks."
The new fully integrated biopolymer production facility will use advanced biopolymer technology and sugar from Thai sugarcane farmers as raw materials, which will expand partnerships in the bio-polymer market including the production and development of various products to meet demand for the sustainable use of materials. With an investment value in excess of US$600 million or 20 billion baht, the production facility, to be located at the Nakhon Sawan Bio-complex (NBC) in Nakhon Sawan Province, will be the first bio-complex in Thailand established in accordance with the BCG Economy model, supporting the Thai government's policy to enhance competitiveness and expand trade opportunities with partners internationally, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
"Cargill is excited to take this next step with GC to support the expansion of NatureWorks through its second production facility," said Colleen May, President of Cargill's Bioindustrial Group. "This marks an important milestone in our continued efforts to invest in sustainable solutions for bioindustrial customers around the world."
This second polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer production facility for NatureWorks, operating under the Ingeo™ trade name, will add value to Thai agricultural raw materials, meet the needs of an expanding market and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2024.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/clean-fuels/11082021/gc-and-cargill-to-construct-integrated-biopolymer-production-facility/
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