Total Corbion PLA Advances to Engineering Stage for Europe’s First Large‑Scale PLA Plant

Netherlands‑based Total Corbion PLA – the 50‑50 joint venture between Total and Corbion – has moved its new PLA facility into the engineering stage, marking the first commercial‑scale lactic acid‑to‑PLA plant in Europe. The plant is slated to start up in 2024 and will cement Total Corbion PLA’s position as the global market leader in PLA, while meeting the rapidly growing demand for its Luminy PLA resins.

To deliver the project, Total Corbion PLA awarded the front‑end engineering design contract to NextChem, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. Maire Tecnimont’s long history in polymerisation of conventional plastics, combined with NextChem’s portfolio of innovative green‑chemistry solutions, provides the technical expertise required for this ambitious industrial endeavour.

Luminy PLA resins are biobased, produced from annually renewable resources, and deliver a lower carbon footprint than many conventional plastics. When their life cycle ends, PLA products can be mechanically or chemically recycled, and their biodegradable and compostable properties make them ideal for fresh‑fruit packaging, food‑service ware, durable consumer goods, toys, and 3D‑printing applications.

Signing this contract with NextChem marks a significant milestone that reaffirms our commitment to the global bioplastic market. We are proud to bring commercial‑scale lactic acid‑to‑PLA capability to Europe and to empower our customers to deliver large‑scale sustainable solutions, supporting the circular economy. – Thomas Philipon, CEO, Total Corbion PLA

This award confirms that our Group is a trusted and valued engineering partner for large‑scale, innovative, and complex projects. We look forward to collaborating with a long‑time client, Total, to increase the availability of sustainable plastics across Europe. – Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Maire Tecnimont Group & NextChem