Processor Taps Pla Polymer For Food Containers

Wilkinson Manufacturing, Ft. Calhoun, NE, is running the first North American line for thermoforming food containers out of NatureWorks PLA polylactic acid polymer by Cargill Dow, Minnetonka, MN. The biodegradable material, which is based on corn, is already in use in Europe. Full-scale output should start next quarter, says Bob Dalziel, Wilkinson’s president.

The company modified a sheet extruder extensively to handle PLA, but it can thermoform the material on its 10 existing lines for oriented polystyrene with a bit of fine-tuning, says Dalziel.

Wilkinson markets the PLA polymer containers under the “NaturesPLAstic” banner. Initial tests indicate the containers offer performance comparable to PET, Dalziel notes. They are more expensive, but may provide better low-temperature durability, he adds.

Wilkinson could process up to 2 million lb of PLA resin this year, says Dalziel, which would translate to about 5% of company sales.