NatureWorks
NatureWorks is a world-leading manufacturer of Ingeo™ PLA, a biopolymer made from renewable resources. Ingeo PLA is used in a wide range of applications, including 3D printing, packaging, food serviceware, fibers, and nonwovens.
- CEO / Founder
- Erik Ripple
- Team Size
- 201-500
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $500M
- Latest Round
- Debt
- Key Investors
- Cargill, PTT Global Chemical, Krung Thai Bank
Technology & Products
Key Products
["Ingeo™ PLA Biopolymer"]
Technological Advantage
Proprietary manufacturing process for Ingeo PLA, strong partnerships with key players in the plastics industry, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
NatureWorks provides a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, with a lower carbon footprint and a wide range of performance characteristics.
How They Differentiate
NatureWorks differentiates itself through its focus on sustainability, its large-scale production capacity, and its strong brand recognition in the bioplastics market.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Manufacturers and converters in the packaging, food service, and textile industries, as well as 3D printing filament producers.
Industry Verticals
["3D Printing","Packaging","Food Service","Textiles","Medical","Hygiene"]
Competitors
Total Corbion PLA; BASF; DuPont; Arkema; Futerro; Evonik Industries
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Annual revenue estimated at $35M-$100M; Sold 1 billion pounds of Ingeo in 2013; Operating a 150,000 metric ton facility in Nebraska; Constructing a second $600M facility in Thailand
Major Milestones
["1997: Founded as Cargill Dow LLC.","2002: Opened the world's first commercial-scale PLA manufacturing facility in Blair, Nebraska.","2005: Became NatureWorks LLC.","2021: Announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Thailand.","2023: Appointed Erik Ripple as new President and CEO.","2024: Secured a $350M loan for the construction of the new Thailand plant."]
Notable Customers
3D-Fuel; MatterHackers; Slant 3D (Titan Robotics); IC3D; Jabil; Printed Solid