Dec 4 2009
The 15,000 dignitaries participating in the United Nations global conference on climate change will have the privilege for the first time to rest their feet, walk and stand on an Eco2punch carpet that possesses an ultra carbon footprint feature and it is made with Ingeo fibers abstracted from plants instead of oil. These fibers are supplied by NatureWorks LLC.
The Eco2punch carpet is capable of covering almost five soccer fields as it spreads over 20,000 square meters. Sommer Nedlepunch, a French carpet producer, suggests that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 60 percent and energy consumption will be reduced by 50 percent with the usage of Ingeo fibers in comparison to the fossil-based polypropylene fibers. The aspect of bringing down greenhouse gas emissions to such a large extent by the Eco2punch carpet is almost equal to the elimination of 68,869 driving miles by an average vehicle. An innovation trophy was presented to this Eco2punch carpet by the French Federation of Professionals of Exhibitions and Events.
Galactic, a Belgium based company and the worlds largest lactic acid producer, has decided to collect the Eco2punch carpet after the closure of the COP-15, global conference on climate change. This carpet will then be changed into its original lactic acid form by Galactic’s LOOPLA process. This original form is considered as a building block for Ingeo biopolymer and as an industrial feedstock possessing a significant value.
Kris De Saedeleir, President of Sommer Needlepunch, remarks that the Eco2punch carpets are a representation of the company’s long term goal to research and produce a lot more of these eco-friendly products that will bring about a reduction in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Marc Verbruggen, President and CEO of NatureWorks, remarked that the partnership between Sommer Neddlepunch and NatureWorks will lead to the production of low carbon footprint products.
Source: http://www.natureworksllc.com/