31 October 2014
ABOUT PLA (POLYLACTIC ACID BIOPLASTICS)
The PLA polymer range includes:
*PLLA homopolymer resins with high stereochemical purity:
available in a range of viscosities, specially developed
for film extrusion, thermoforming, film blowing, fiber spinning,
compounding and injection molding applications.
*PURAPOL® PDLA homopolymer resins
with high stereochemical purity: available
as a nucleating agent for PLLA homopolymer resins.
PDLA, when combined with PLLA, will yield
a compound suitable for
injection molding or thermoforming that shows both
an excellent heat performance and
a reduction in the processing cycle time.
* PLA compounded blends,
containing PLLA and PDLA homopolymers,
that have been specifically developed for
injection molding and extrusion.
These blends have a heat performance
similar to traditional PS, PP and ABS.
DETAILS
will accelerate its thrust into the biotechnology arena,
making the next step in the bioplastics value chain by
becoming a PLA producer.
With entry into PLA, Corbion Purac intends
to bring new biodegradable solutions
to the plastics industry, and
increase global PLA production capacity
by a further 75 kTpa.
This announcement forms a part of
Corbion's updated strategic directionfor 2015 - 2018.
Tjerk de Ruiter,
CEO of Corbion
"As part of our strategic review we confirmed
there is an attractive demand outlook for PLA,
albeit at a lower growth pace than previously assumed.
Given our strong position in lactic acid,
our unique high heat technology and
the market need for a second PLA producer,
we plan to forward integrate in the bioplastics value chain,
from being a lactide provider to a PLA producer."
Corbion intends to invest in a 75 kTpa PLA plant
(estimated EUR 60 million capex) in Thailand.
"We will only commence with this investment
if we can secure at least one-third of plant capacity
in committed PLA volumes from customers",.
Corbion will also continue exploring strategic alliances
as part of their PLA growth strategy, in order to
enhance the business opportunities while
mitigating the associated risks.
Corbion Purac will continue selling lactides to
both existing and new PLA polymerization customers.
Lactide sales for the coatings and adhesives markets
will also continue.
Many of Corbion's existing polymerization customers
have already successfully built
a strong local presence and distribution channel,
with great market coverage.
Worldwide PLA capacity is almost sold out and
with the PLA market expected
to grow to 600 kTpa by 2025, the market
is seeking additional PLA suppliers.
WWW.CHEMWINFO.COM BY KHUN PHICHAI
