75000 tpa PLA bioplastics Polymerization Plant in Thailand by Corbion

16-Nov-16

The ground breaking ceremony which took place on November 9th, 2016 marked the official start of construction of the new PLA bioplastics polymerization plant at the existing Corbion site in Rayong, Thailand. Upon completion in 2018, it will be able to produce the complete Luminy® portfolio of PLA neat resins: from standard PLA [polylactic acid] to innovative, high heat resistant PLA.

The new 75000 tpa PLA plant will be constructed using Corbion's and Sulzer's proprietory polymerization technology, and key equipment will be supplied by Sulzer Chemtech Ltd (Switzerland). In addition to the construction of this new PLA polymerization plant, Corbion will expand its existing lactide plant in Thailand by 25000 tpa. With this expansion, Corbion will be able to serve its current and future lactide customers. The lactide expansion will also enable the production of a wider range of lactides than is currently possible. The targeted start-up date for the PLA polymerization plant and the lactide expansion is in H2-2018.

For the plastics industry, Corbion Purac offers lactides and PLA resins for general purpose and high performance bioplastics. PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) is a biobased plastic with a low carbon footprint and is used in packaging, disposables, fibers, electronics and automotive markets. Additionally, Corbion is developing 100% biobased FDCA for high performance PEF (Polyethylene Furanoate) resin. PEF can, for example, be used for bottle and film applications due to its excellent barrier properties