NatureWorks, maker of Ingeo bioplastic, partners with Climate Action to highlight carbon footprint reduction initiatives at UN conference in Durban, South Africa

Alison Gallant

DURBAN, South Africa , December 15, 2011 (press release) – Key decision makers in attendance and engaging discussions make Climate Action Networking Reception at COP-17 in Durban, South Africa, a great success.

Confirming its commitment to innovation and sustainability, NatureWorks, maker of the market-leading Ingeo™ bioplastic from plants, not oil, again partnered with Climate Action for this year’s Conference of the Parties-17 (COP-17) in Durban. NatureWorks was an event partner with Climate Action at a reception on December 7. This networking opportunity was designed to help stimulate interest in supporting industry and governments in making more sustainable choices. This year’s networking reception was one of the event’s most successful editions with key decision makers and personalities in attendance, proof that issues surrounding climate and sustainability are gathering momentum for non-governmental organizations and businesses.

“The increased capacity from the second plant and more Ingeo in the hands of brand owners will mean additional climate benefits by way of reducing CO2 emissions”

The networking reception began with a welcome from Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), followed by statements from Mike Brown, Chief Executive, Nedbank; His Excellency Mr. Salvador Namburete, Minister of Energy, Mozambique, and Chairman of the AU Conference of Energy Ministers of Africa (CEMA); and HSH Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

Many global brands already committed to greater sustainability have launched Ingeo-based products, including Bioserie, Earth’s Best®, Electrolux, Elements Naturals, Henkel, LG Hausys, Shiseido, Stonyfield, Walmart, and Target. Through these products global brands contribute to tangible CO2 reduction and by supporting international events such as COP-17 they generate visibility for sustainable and innovative products and business practices.

These brands represent a small portion of the latest Ingeo applications captured in a COP-17 special edition Ingeo LookBook, which illustrates the breadth and increasingly mainstream nature of low-carbon-footprint products now available to consumers. New Ingeo products span multiple industries and categories, including packaging, electronics, clothing, house wares, health and personal care, semi-durable products, and the foodservice industry.

In 2011, NatureWorks estimates that its aggregated total Ingeo sales into consumer products such as these has reduced CO2 emissions equivalent to driving a car 312,708,697 miles in the US, as well as contributed fossil energy savings equivalent to the electricity consumed by 534,138 U.S. residents in one month.

“In the three years we have been involved with COP, we have noticed a growing presence, interest, and concern among decision makers,” says Marc Verbruggen, President and Chief Executive Officer, NatureWorks. “We feel honored and satisfied at seeing prominent thought leaders such as HSH Prince Albert II participate at this event. One of the core elements of our strategy is to communicate as well as innovate, by being present at industry events in order to showcase practical examples of intelligent innovation that reduce CO2 and dependence on petroleum.”

NatureWorks has recently attracted investment from leading Thai company PTT Chemical, which will allow NatureWorks to continue its growth internationally and supports the company’s intent to begin construction of the next state-of-the-art Ingeo manufacturing facility. The facility, which will be located in Thailand, will allow NatureWorks to meet global demand for Ingeo bioplastic, which is growing by 20 to 30 percent per year. “The increased capacity from the second plant and more Ingeo in the hands of brand owners will mean additional climate benefits by way of reducing CO2 emissions,” Verbruggen said.

Climate Action is a multimedia platform consisting of a website, newsletter, and annual publication, produced in partnership with the UNEP. It aims to encourage businesses and large organizations to reduce their carbon footprint, and puts forward the business case for climate change – namely, that environmentally responsible operations can also be profitable. Climate Action in 2012 will continue to bring together an array of authors focusing on the green economy as a pathway to climate resilience and low emission growth. Read the 2011/2012 edition. The organization will provide some of the latest thinking from all sectors on climate change and the green economy.

Follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworksllc) for the latest updates and visit www.natureworksllc.com.

About NatureWorks

NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available, low-carbon-footprint Ingeo biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. For more information, visit www.natureworksllc.com.

Ingeo™ and the Ingeo™ logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NatureWorks LLC in the USA and other countries.

About Climate Action

Since the Conference of Parties in Bali (COP-13), Climate Action, in partnership with UNEP, has been the essential platform for governments, industry, international opinion leaders, distinguished academics, and environmentalists to develop the business case for sustainable development and carbon neutrality. It is a multimedia platform and global forum that provides concrete steps that governments and businesses can take to reduce carbon footprints through ongoing dialogue and dedicated actions. With key editorial briefings and special reports from academics and leading figures on global climate change issues, Climate Action is an invaluable source of information for green issues. www.climateactionprogramme.org/

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