North American converter first to use natural polymer

Wilkinson Manufacturing (Fort Calhoun, NE) has become the first packaging manufacturer in North America to adopt Cargill Dow’s biodegradable polyactide resin, NatureWorks, for commercial applications. Wilkinson will use NatureWorks PLA, which is made from corn, to produce transparent, thermoformed trays and lids for the retail deli and bakery grocery industry. The company will convert three of its production lines from oriented polystyrene to NatureWorks
Initially, PLA will be used under Wilkinson’s tradename NaturesPLAstic to manufacture the company’s DisplayPie, Just Fresh and PartiPak products. All three packaging product lines come in various sizes consisting of clear plastic bases and matching lids.
Cargill Dow says NatureWorks PLA offers processor high clarity and gloss, superior flavor and aroma barrier protection, and excellent strength.
“This marks the first opportunity for North American retailers to take advantage of a new marketing trend that many European retailers are capitalizing on,” said Lisa Owen, commercial leader for rigid packaging, Cargill Dow. Owen says European grocers emphasizing “natural food in natural packaging” have seen increased sales and customer loyalty.