Evanesce, a sustainable technology innovator driven to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and economically viable packaging solutions, has opened its first U.S. production facility in Hampton County, South Carolina. With the launch, the company not only hits a milestone in its global expansion plans but also addresses the worldwide shortage of eco-friendly Polylactic Acid (PLA) products due to overseas shipping delays. By ushering production into the  U.S., Evanesce is set to truly disrupt the packaging industry by producing price competitive, 100 percent plant-based, and 100 percent compostable single-use products including straws, cutlery, and take-out containers.

Spread across 15,000 sq ft, the sprawling new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery that will produce Evanesce’s modified PLA line of products. Using renewable sources of corn with best-in-class PLA resin, these products are an affordable alternative to plastic and other incumbents. The facility currently has the ability to produce millions of compostable PLA straws per day. These straws are at par or cheaper than paper straws, offer significantly improved durability, and commercially compost within 90 days.

“The opening of our first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in South Carolina is an exciting milestone in our growth plan. Being adjacent to I-95, our facility allows us to seamlessly service North America,” said Douglas Horne, founder and chief executive officer of Evanesce, “South Carolina is ripe for industrial disruption and our investment in Hampton County could not have been possible without the support of the State and the County.”  

Evanesce is ready to inspire big change by delivering innovative and sustainable technology solutions to replace single-use plastics and Styrofoam. In addition to their line of PLA products, Evanesce is also stepping up investments for their patented Molded Starch Technology that upcycles food waste to produce 100 percent plant-based, and 100 percent compostable sustainable packaging at almost half the cost of other eco-friendly alternatives available in the market. Production of Molded Starch products including meal trays, meat trays, containers, and cups are expected in 2022.

“When Evanesce decided to locate its new facility in Hampton County, we knew it would be incredibly impactful to both the local community and throughout South Carolina. Evanesce’s commitment of $17 million and 78 new jobs was only the beginning of our partnership. This great company shows that, together, we can tackle the growing problem of environmental waste with innovative solutions that are compostable, commercially viable, and cost-competitive,” shared Harry M. Lightsey III, secretary of commerce, South Carolina, and guest of honor of the event. 

The company is set to expand its operations further in the U.S., starting with a new 114,000 sq ft facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility will include multiple straw lines, molded starch lines, thermo-formers, and lab space.

"The expansion of our U.S. manufacturing operations enables Evanesce to address the current supply chain challenges for eco-friendly packaging into a major opportunity by starting production of our innovative sustainable solutions,” Horne added.