thailandedition
GC Opens NatureWorks Factory 2 for 75,000 tons/yr PLA from Sugarcane

GC Opens NatureWorks Factory 2 for 75,000 tons/yr PLA from Sugarcane

Prachachat•Economy•19d ago

Reader Briefing

GC, in a significant move for Thailand's bioeconomy, has launched its second NatureWorks factory in Nakhon Sawan to produce 75,000 tons annually of Ingeo™ PLA bioplastic from local sugarcane.

  • •GC has inaugurated its second NatureWorks facility, located in the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, to produce bioplastics.
  • •The new plant will have an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons of Polylactic Acid (PLA) derived entirely from Thai sugarcane.
  • •This expansion aims to strengthen Thailand's position as a key hub for high-value bioplastics in Asia and supports the country's Bioeconomy and BCG model.

Overview

  • •GC has opened its new NatureWorks factory in the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, resulting in an increase in bioplastic production capacity.
  • •The NatureWorks factory in Nakhon Sawan has an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons of PLA.
  • •The new factory utilizes 100% sugarcane grown in Thailand as its raw material for producing environmentally friendly PLA.
  • •Dr. Nattaphon Rangsitphon stated that the bioplastic factory is a meaningful investment for Thailand due to its value addition to agricultural raw materials.
  • •Mr. Erik Ripple highlighted that the new base in Thailand will enhance agility in meeting bioplastic demand, particularly in Asia.
  • •The Ingeo™ PLA produced is biodegradable under suitable conditions and has a low carbon footprint, suitable for diverse applications.
  • •The operation of the factory is expected to increase competitiveness and stability for the agricultural sector, create jobs, and distribute income to the regions.
  • •Mr. Saroj Pithamwong emphasized that the factory reflects the global growth trend of low-carbon materials and positions NatureWorks as a key driver of GC's Sustainable Portfolio strategy.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on Prachachat (Thai Version)View in Google Translate

Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Mr. Saroj Pithamwong
"This factory is another important step for NatureWorks, reflecting the global growth direction of low-carbon materials."
โรงงานแห่งนี้เป็นอีกหนึ่งก้าวสำคัญของ NatureWorks ที่สะท้อนทิศทางการเติบโตของวัสดุคาร์บอนต่ำในระดับโลก
Dr. Nattaphon Rangsitphon
"This bioplastic production facility is a highly meaningful investment for Thailand, as it builds upon and adds value to Thai agricultural raw materials."
โรงงานผลิตไบโอพลาสติกแห่งนี้ถือเป็นการลงทุนที่มีความหมายต่อประเทศไทยอย่างยิ่ง เพราะเป็นการต่อยอดและสร้างมูลค่าเพิ่มให้กับวัตถุดิบทางการเกษตรของไทย
Mr. Erik Ripple
"Having a new production base in Thailand will increase agility in responding to bioplastic demand, especially in the Asia region."
การมีฐานการผลิตแห่งใหม่ในประเทศไทยจะช่วยเพิ่มความคล่องตัวในการตอบสนองความต้องการใช้ไบโอพลาสติก โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งภูมิภาคเอเซีย

Key Entities

Organization

GCℹ️
A Thai petrochemical company that has opened its second NatureWorks factory in Nakhon Sawan.
NatureWorksℹ️
A joint venture between GC and Cargill, operating a new bioplastic factory in Nakhon Sawan.
Cargillℹ️
A partner in the NatureWorks joint venture with GC.

Place

Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex(นครสวรรค์ไบโอคอมเพล็กซ์)
The location of GC's new NatureWorks bioplastic factory.

Product

PLAℹ️
Polylactic Acid, a bioplastic produced by NatureWorks from sugarcane.
Ingeo™
The trade name for NatureWorks' bioplastic PLA.

Person

Mr. Saroj Pithamwong(นายสาโรจน์ พุทธธรรมวงศ์)
Chief Operating Officer of GC's Value Added Products Business Group, who commented on the factory's significance.
Dr. Nattaphon Rangsitphon(ดร. ณัฐพล รังสิตพล)
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, who highlighted the investment's importance to Thailand.
Mr. Erik Ripple(นายอิริค ริพเพิล)
Chief Executive Officer and President of NatureWorks, who spoke about expanding production capacity.

Policy

Bioeconomyℹ️
A national economic model that the new bioplastic factory aligns with.
BCG modelℹ️
The 'Bio-Circular-Green' economic model of Thailand that the new factory supports.