Nov 18, 2016
French oil major Total SA and Amsterdam-listed Corbion NV, the Dutch company that provides bio-based lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, are joining forces to produce and market polylactic acid (PLA) – a bioplastic polymers. The two partners plan to build a PLA factory with an annual capacity of 75,000 tons at Corbion’s existing site in Thailand, where Corbion already has a production site which will become part of the joint venture.
Total and Corbion will each own 50% of the new company that will be based in the Netherlands. The new firm will start operations in the first quarter of 2017.
PLA is a renewable polymer which is used in the food packaging industry, but also in oil and gas, electronics, 3D printing and automotive industries. “I’m very pleased with this joint venture, which aims to become a major player in the growing bioplastics market," said Bernard Pinatel, President of Total Refining & Chemicals. "This investment is consistent with our One Total ambition of expanding in biofuels and bioplastics, in addition to our more traditional oil- and gas-based products. Corbion’s unique position in the lactic acid and biopolymers value chain makes it a natural choice for Total. The joint venture will allow us to supply an innovative material that is 100% renewable and biodegradable and that responds to sustainability concerns.”
Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, stated: “PLA is one of the first renewable, biodegradable polymers able to compete with existing polymers. The joint venture, which will combine Total’s technical and marketing knowledge and leading position in polymers with Corbion’s expertise in lactic acid and biopolymers, will enable us to supply innovative products and will accelerate market acceptance.”
PLA is a fast-growing polymer market segment, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10 to 15 percent to 2025.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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