The PLA market is expected to grow to 600 kTpa (kilo-tons per annum) by 2025, and existing production capacity is almost full, the company says.
Corbion Purac currently produces lactides and lactic acid, which are used for the manufacture of PLA. It now wants to take the ‘next step’ in the bioplastics value chain by becoming a producer of PLA.
Yogurt pots to fresh fruit packaging
François de Bie, global marketing director, Corbion Purac, told FoodProductionDaily.com the company believes there is room for another PLA supplier.
“We’ve been studying the PLA market for a couple of years, and we are seeing a steady increase in demand globally: there are healthy growth rates,” he said.
“We know that there is room for a credible, large, high quality supplier.”
He added PLA already has a number of uses in the food packaging industry.
“After the initial euphoria about PLA, people have now understood the strengths and the weaknesses. PLA is now used in applications in packaging, where the properties of PLA are an advantage, such as fresh fruit packaging.
“One other example is yogurt polystyrene cups, which are very much under scrutiny, and suppliers are looking for alternatives. PLA has a shelf life which is as good, and it is cheaper.”
Danone, for example, uses PLA pots for some of its yogurts – such as Activia and North American organic yogurt Stonyfield.
With its entry into PLA, Corbion Purac intends to bring different products to the market. It is currently talking to customers to gauge demand for both standard PLA, and a heat resistant PLA (which can be used up to 120 degrees).
Thailand factory
The manufacturing site will be located in Thailand because the company already has operations in the country and a supply chain in place.
Corbion Purac will only commence with the €60m (£74m), 75 kTpa (kilo-ton per annum) plant once it has secured at least a third of the plant capacity in committed PLA volumes from customers.
It is also exploring strategic alliances with companies that may also want to invest in production.
Corbion Purac will continue selling lactides to both existing and new PLA polymerization customers, and with lactide sales for the coatings and adhesives markets.