NatureWorks To Sell Polymer-Grade Lactide Intermediates

NatureWorks LLC, the Minnetonka, Minn.-based manufacturer of biopolymers derived from plant sugars
and offered under the Ingeo™ brand, has announced it will sell a variety of value-added lactide
intermediates used to produce its Ingeo biopolymer. The lactide intermediates will be used in
polymer applications to meet a rapidly increasing global demand for Ingeo plastics and fibers. In
July 2009, NatureWorks announced it had doubled its Ingeo biopolymer supply to 140,000 tons per
year.

“Our offer to supply polymer-grade lactides is a significant step forward in supporting the
end market’s growing desire for products with authentic eco-credentials that meet or exceed
performance expectations,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO, NatureWorks. “And, while we
expect interest in our lactides primarily from specialty polymer producers, we welcome the
opportunity to collaborate in partnerships where we can consider new and tailored grades that will
meet the market needs of tomorrow.”

NatureWorks will supply its lactide partners with a new Ingeo licensee package under which
the partners will have access to trademarks and patents. The company plans to offer 10,000 to
20,000 tons of its lactide product portfolio each year through the program.

March 16, 2010

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