Bainbridge-based Danimer Scientific, a leading developer and manufacturer of biodegradable materials, will add a 2 million square-foot facility near its 25-acre campus. The $700 million expansion will create an additional 400 jobs.

Danimer’s renewable and sustainable biopolymers are biodegradable and compostable. They are used in food packaging, bottling and other packaging. Officials said Danimer will seek staffing assistance from the state’s technical college system and Georgia Quick Start.

“Georgia has been a welcoming home for Danimer since the company’s inception, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing our roots in the region,” said Stephen Croskrey, CEO of Danimer Scientific. 

The investment follows a recent partnership with Mars Wrigley to manufacture compostable packaging for Skittles-brand candy. The companies plan to introduce Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) into flexible and rigid packaging that reliably breaks down in both industrial composting facilities and backyard compost units

“We are delighted to see an innovative company like Danimer continue to grow and thrive from their home in southwest Georgia, and I thank our economic development partners for their continued support of our existing industries,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia companies like Danimer continue to lead the way toward a green manufacturing future, and we are thrilled to be their partner as they push sustainable solutions forward.”