The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Cargill Dow, a joint venture between Cargill Inc. and The Dow Chemical Co., more than $2 million for continued research and development of the company's fermentation process for utilization of renewable resources. The funding was awarded in support of the President's Executive Order to triple the use of biobased products and bioenergy by 2010.

The projects focus on the development of process technology for the fermentation of corn fiber and corn stover to lactic acid and other products. Cargill Dow's first product offering is NatureWorks PLA, a family of polymers derived entirely from renewable resources for use in fiber and packaging markets. Cargill Dow has focused on developing the areas of high value films, rigid thermoformed food and beverage containers, and coated papers and boards.

More information on this promising new technology can be found on DOE's web site at: http://home.doe.gov/news/releases00/junpr/pr00173.htm