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Cargill acquires full NatureWorks ownership from Teijin

Join venture to be dissolved in a friendly manner, relations will remain close

-- Packaging Digest, 7/1/2009 11:45:00 AM

Cargill announced today that it will assume full ownership of NatureWorks, LLC, as part of Teijin Limited’s general portfolio restructuring in response to the global economic downturn. Previously a 50-50 joint venture, NatureWorks is now an independent company wholly owned by Cargill.

NatureWorks, maker of Ingeo™ biobased plastics and resins, derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources, had operated as a Cargill-Teijin joint venture since October 2007. It was the first biopolymers business with commercial scale for Teijin. Teijin and Cargill officials indicated they are dissolving the joint venture in a friendly manner and intend to maintain close relations.

The ownership transfer will not affect day-to-day operations at NatureWorks. CEO Marc Verbruggen indicated the company retains strong prospects for continued growth. NatureWorks operates the only production facility of its kind with the economies of scale needed to compete with traditional oil based plastics.

“We like our position right now,” said Verbruggen. “While the economic downturn slowed sales growth, we still show growth, which can’t be said of many conventional materials today. Sales have notably rebounded since January – a clear demonstration that the Ingeo product traits and environmental advantages are important to customers, even in times of lower oil prices.”

Cargill officials said that establishing the business as an independent, wholly owned Cargill entity provides NatureWorks with the flexibility to pursue a wide range of opportunities.

“The green product space is ripe for investment and expansion as never before,” said Cargill Senior Vice President Paul Conway. “As a green pioneer, NatureWorks is well established with a broad product and customer base. While others put up pilot plants, NatureWorks has been commercial for six years, is increasing Ingeo production availability at its first facility and exploring possibilities for a second plant. We’ve rounded the first turn while others are at the starting gate.”

Ingeo fibers and plastics are used by over 100 leading brands and retailers in the United States, Europe and Asia. Product innovations in broad plastics applications include flexible & rigid fresh food packaging, durable consumer articles, beverage packaging, and in fibers: apparel, home textile, personal care and hygiene applications.

Source: NatureWorks LLC; Cargill

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