Cargill Renames Resin Company

NEW YORK - Feb 2/05 - SNS -- Cargill changed the name of the company that makes the proprietary, corn-based plastic resins marketed under the NatureWorks® PLA and Ingeo™ fiber brand names to NatureWorks, LLC.

The name change follows Cargill's decision to acquire The Dow Chemical Company's interest in Cargill Dow LLC, a 50:50 joint venture formed in 1997 to commercialize polylactic acid biopolymers. The newly named company will function as a stand-alone entity owned by Cargill.

NatureWorks PLA applications include rigid packaging and films, including containers for bakery, dairy, deli, meat, produce, disposable serviceware, cold drink cups and cutlery; water, milk and juice bottles. Ingeo fibers are used in fiberfill applications including pillows, comforters, mattress pads, blankets and apparel sold in North America, Asia and Europe.

Beyond the company's new name, no immediate changes are expected at NatureWorks. The company employs 230 people in Minnetonka, Minn. and Blair, Neb. Commercial employees in the organization have an average of 15 years of marketing experience. The technology group includes 25 members with PhDs or other advanced degrees in polymer and fermentation science.