ANAHEIM, CALIF. -- The partners behind a modified polylactic acid compound said they anticipate approval from the Food and Drug Administration this month and a start of Tribio production by mid-2013.
Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyku Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, which developed the transparent, heat-resistant, microwavable PLA compound, said it applied for FDA approval in December.
The company has a North American distribution arrangement with its Tribio partner, Toyota Tsusho America Inc. of Southfield, Mich.
Dai-Ichi uses PLA from NatureWorks LLC of Minnetonka, Minn., and anticipates handling production through Premium Composite Technologies North America Inc. of Franklin, Ind.
The premium-priced product, according to Dai-Ichi, can achieve thermal resistance while it retains the transparency of the original base materials.
The Tribio team discussed the plans at its booth at the WestPack trade show, held Feb. 12-14 in Anaheim.
