Corbion Purac develops PLA from second generation feedstocks like corn stover, wheat straw, wood chips

02-Oct-15

Corbion Purac has successfully made PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) bioplastic resin from second generation feedstocks. Second generation feedstocks are those which are not suitable for human consumption, and include plant-based materials like bagasse, corn stover, wheat straw and wood chips. Following an intensive research project, Corbion Purac has succeeded in producing high grade lactic acid from alternative feedstocks, from which PLA resin has been made. Currently, first generation feedstocks such as industrial cane sugar, sugar beet, corn and cassava are used for producing lactic acid. Corbion Purac is the first company in the world to have made PLA from second generation feedstocks, optimizing the lactic acid fermentation process to fit the special characteristics of the biomass.