NatureWorks & Ingeo Brands Join Climate Action to Highlight Carbon Reduction Initiatives at COP17

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 years Conference of the Partiers - (COP-17) in Durban. NatureWorks was an event partner with Climate Action at the 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 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, includingBioserie, Earth’s Best, Electrolux, Elements Naturals, Henkel, LG Hausys  Shiseido, Stonyfield, Walmart and Target. Through their products these 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 represents a small portion of the latest real-market Ingeo applications captured in a COP-17 special edition Ingeo™ LookBook (provide hyperlink), which  illustrates the breadth and increasingly mainstream nature of low-carbon-footprint products now available to the consumer.  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 240,000 automobile miles driven, and fossil energy savings equivalent to 12,000,000 gallons of gasoline.

“In the 3 years we have been involved with the Conference of the Parties, we have noticed a growing presence, interest and concern and concern among thought leaders” 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 aggressive 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 a year.