BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) aims to capture a larger share of the degradables market with its new speciality PLA compound. "Ecovio", the group's first biodegradable plastic to contain renewable raw materials, is based to 45% by weight on polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn sourced from Natureworks (Minnetonka, Minnesota / USA; www.natureworksllc.com) - formerly Cargill Dow. The larger share, 55%, is based on BASF's existing petrochemical-based biodegradable "Ecoflex", an aliphatic aromatic copolyester. Marketing is to begin in 2006. The first application will be for flexible films to produce carrier bags.