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WEB EXCLUSIVE NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, Minn., the world’s first and largest commercial producer of polylactide (PLA) biopolymer, has invested $1 million to convert its former pilot plant in Savage, Minn., into an applications lab for its Ingeo-brand bioresin. The lab has commercial-scale equipment for compounding, sheet extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, and fiber spinning. The lab can produce and test new compounds and enables customers to test new product concepts. The lab can also perform testing of physical properties, chemical composition, molecular weight, and rheology. The lab has also formed cooperative research relationships with the Univ. of Minn., Hennepin Technical College (Eden Prairie, Minn.), and Interpoll Laboratories, Inc. (Circle Pines, Minn.). (952) 742-0400 * www.natureworksllc.com