We start with an abundant, natural resource like field corn, which can easily and efficiently be reproduced each year. When plants grow, they use CO2 and sunlight to create carbon – a process called photosynthesis. At a wet milling facility, the starch is separated from the other components of the corn kernel and into dextrose. The dextrose, or sugar, is fermented, in a process similar to making yogurt, to create lactic acid. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring material that gives the “tang” to yogurt and makes your muscles ache after a work-out. From lactic acid we create a molecule called lactide. We remove water, crystallize it and create the high-performance polymer – polylactide (PLA) – which is branded NatureWorks® and is also used to make Ingeo™ fiber.