Industrial Biotechnology Products

Plastics Pioneer: Cargill Dow LLC, Minnetonka, Minn.: A pioneer in the large-scale production of plant-based plastics (NatureWorks PLA), Cargill Dow is now applying the same technology to make and market a textile product. The company's motto is, "Changing the world without changing it at all." Over the Memorial Day weekend, PLA cups were used during the dedication of a memorial monument in Washington, D.C. Making A Recyclable Car: Toyota Japan has developed its own plant-derived plastics, Toyota Eco-Plastics, and has used them to manufacture spare-tire covers and floor mats for the Raum, a vehicle the company is producing with as much recyclable material as possible. Additionally, says Toyota Japan, the fact that the plastics don't emit carbon dioxide during their manufacture offsets C02 produced in other parts of the manufacture of the vehicle. Taking Ideas To Market: Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati: In March, P&G announced a joint venture with Japanese company Kaneka Corp., to complete research and bring to market a portfolio of Nodax products. Nodax is a bio-based, biodegradable plastic. The two companies have been working together since an earlier agreement was made in 2001. Replacing Petroleum: Du Pont & Co., Wilmington, Del., has developed a process to replace petroleum in the production of its Sorona material with a plant-derived ingredient. Washing With Less Energy: Novazymes, Denmark, has developed Stainzyme, which the company says can remove difficult stains and retain the colors of clothes. Stainzyme is distinct from other detergent enzymes because it works at low temperatures and with less washing. It is being marketed to detergent manufacturers. Reducing Textile Waste: Diversa Corp., San Diego: In June, Diversa announced the U.S. launch of Cottonase enzyme for cotton-based textile processing. The global market for textile processing enzymes is $125 million, according to Diversa, which will manufacture the product and market it worldwide through regional distributors. The enzyme can replace a process that in the past has produced more waste and more noxious waste.