NatureWorks LLC has a fundamental duty to all those that use our products, and for the environment in which we live today and in the future. This duty is the basis for our Product Stewardship philosophy, by which we assess the health and environmental information on our products and their intended use. Our job is to maintain an effective product stewardship program to ensure that our customers involved with our product receive sufficient information and training to store, use, and dispose of our product with no harm to human health or the environment. If you further information regarding the toxicology or safe handling of our material please feel free to contact us.

Food Packaging Materials Compliance

NatureWorks® PLA packaging grades suitable for food contact have compliance with a number of food contact packaging regulations around the globe. Below is a sample of the data from the US and Europe, if you need data on Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Uruguay, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, or another geographic region please contact us.

As supplied from our factory, the above grades comply with the following requirements:

In the US under FCN 178 (Food Contact Notification) which is inclusive of all food types with the limitation of condition of use B-H.

In Europe as a raw material with 1935/2004/EEC and Commission Directive 2002/72/EC as amended by 2004/19/EC and 2005/79/EC. This applies to all EU Member States. Commission Directive 2002/72/EC specify overall migration less than 10 mg/dm2. No SML’s for the above referenced grade exist in Commission Directive 2002/72/EC or as amended by 2004/19/EC and 2005/79/EC.

As supplied from our factory, the above grades comply with the following requirements:

In the US under FCN 475 (Food Contact Notification) which is inclusive of all food types with the limitation of condition of use C-H.

In Europe as a raw material with 1935/2004/EEC and Commission Directive 2002/72/EC as amended by 2004/19/EC and 2005/79/EC. This applies to all EU Member States. Commission Directive 2002/72/EC specify overall migration less than 10 mg/dm2. No SML’s for the above referenced grades exist in Commission Directive 2002/72/EC or as amended by 2004/19/EC and 2005/79/EC.

More information about the FCN process or current list of materials can be found on FDA’s website at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa-fcn.html.

We urge all of our customers to perform GMP (Good Manufacturing Procedures) when constructing a package so that it is suitable for the end use. Please note that it is the responsibility of both the manufacturers of finished food contact articles as well as the industrial food packers to make sure that these articles in their actual use are in compliance with the imposed specific and overall migration requirements.

Organic Recycling – Industrial Composting

Composting is a method of waste disposal that allows organic materials to be recycled into a product that can be used as a valuable soil amendment. NatureWorks® PLA is a compostable material in municipal and industrial composting facilities where available. PLA breaks down, like other carbon based organic matter under industrial composting conditions.

PLA products are intended for industrial-based composting systems which regulate temperature, moisture, and aeration. NatureWorks LLC does not recommend PLA for use in home composting due to inconsistent control of moisture and oxygen.

Below is a sample data set of our certifications in the US and in Europe. If you need further data on composting or the certification systems in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and others please contact us.

In the United States

NatureWorks LLC has carried out compost testing in accordance to ASTM D-6400 guidelines at an independent testing laboratory and find NatureWorks® PLA to pass all required tests. NatureWorks® PLA as supplied from our factory is covered under our BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certificate with the limitation of:

In Europe:

NatureWorks LLC has carried out compost testing in accordance to EU guidelines at an independent testing laboratory (OWS) and found NatureWorks® PLA to pass all required tests. NatureWorks® PLA as supplied from our factory is covered under our DIN CERTCO certificate according to EN-13432 with the limitation of:

This data is not intended to relieve you from the requirement to test your compostible packaging. We recommend you examine the regulation and your responsibilities as a manufacturer to ensure your product comply with any limitations. Any post addition of additives or colorants to NatureWorks LLC resin will have to pass all required testing to meet compostiblity standards.

Chemical Control Law Compliance

Across the globe regulations exist for local environmental authorities to evaluate materials to assure the protection of human health and the environment from any unreasonable risks associated with chemical substances. NatureWorks PLA as supplied from the factory gate complies with the below global chemical inventories:

United States (TSCA) – Listed
European Union (EINECS) – Compliant
Japan (ENCS) – Listed
Australia (AICS) – Listed
Korea (KCL) – Listed
Philippines (PICCS) – Not Listed
China (Inventory of existing chemical substances) - Listed

The information herein is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate as of the effective date of this document. However, no warranty, express or implied is given. Regulatory requirements are subject to change and may differ from one location to another; it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that its activities comply with federal, state or provincial, and local laws. The following specific information is made for the purpose of complying with numerous federal, state or provincial, and local laws and regulations.

Document Control – RACI111006
Authorized Individual – Director of Regulatory Affairs