The delegates at the Asia Plastics Processing Technology and Innovative Materials Summit 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia had the opportunity to listen to a presentation by Stefan Barot, Senior Business Director-Asia Pacificof Total Corbion PLA, where hetalked about the benefits of bio based polylactic acid (PLA) as a material for a wide range of applications.International Plastics News for Asia (IRNA)gathered his insights on the subject.
IRNA: Please tell us about the two companies - Total and Corbion - and how they combined to create a leading player in PLA bioplastics sector.
Mr. Barot: Total and Corbion are two parent companies with complementary strength. Total is the world’s fourth largest oil and gas company. It is engaged in oil and gas, solar and bionergy, commodity and specialty chemicals. On the other hand, Corbion is the world’s largest lactic acid producer, and it is engaged in the manufacture of food ingredients, biochemicals and biomedical. Total Corbion PLA, which is based in the Netherlands, officially launched operations in March 2017 as a 50/50 joint venture between parent companies Total and Corbion.
In terms of capacity, Total Corbion PLA is currently building a 75kt/annually facility which is scheduled to be operational in the second half of 2018. The plant will produce a range of resins from the Luminy® portfolio, including specially developed products for extrusion/thermo forming, injection moulding and fibre spinning to satisfy customer requirements for a wide range of markets from packaging to consumer goods, fibres and automotive.
IRNA: What is the important position played by Total Corbion PLA in the value chain?
Mr. Barot: Along the value chain, Total Corbion PLA works with partners to develop solutions. Our partnerships with key players involves the development of PLA and drives forward its applications. We initiate the PLA polymerisation and support the conversion of PLA so that this material can be utilised by various sectors. The range of applications for PLA is steadily increasing as sustainability becomes a major issue throughout the value chain.
IRNA: What bioplastics are gaining acceptance in the market today and how is Total Corbion PLA responding to market requirements?
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