Corbion and Total have announced their intention to build a new PLA bioplastics plant in Europe through their Total Corbion PLA joint venture. The first world-scale PLA production facility in Europe is expected to have a capacity of 100,000 tons per year.
“PLA is increasingly finding its place as a bioplastic, enabling acceleration toward a circular economy.,” said Olivier Rigaud, Corbion CEO – In our recently released Advance 2025 strategy, one of our goals, together with Total, is to become the market leader in PLA. This new plant puts us firmly on track to achieve that goal.”
Bernard Pinatel, President, Refining & Chemicals, Total, commented: “We are very pleased to announce this second PLA plant project located in Grandpuits, France, on Total’s new zero-petrol platform, strengthening our successful partnership with Corbion. This is fully in line with Total’s strategy to innovate and grow in circular-economy solutions. Bioplastics are a great complement to meet the rising demand for polymers while contributing toward reducing end-of-life concerns,” said Pinatel.
Plant construction is expected to require approximately €200 million ($233 million) in capital expenditures. Earlier this year, Corbion announced it will build a new lactic acid plant with the latest low-emission technology in Thailand. It is expected to be operational in 2023.
Source: plastictoday
