- PLA commonly produced from first generation feedstocks
- First company to produce PLA resin from second generation feedstocks
- Corbion Purac invites converters to join consortium to accelerate market introduction
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.
PLA commonly produced from first generation feedstocks
Following an intensive research project, the company has succeeded in producing high grade lactic acid from alternative feedstocks, from which PLA resin has been made. Today, first generation feedstocks such as industrial cane sugar, sugar beet, corn and cassava are used for producing lactic acid. They are grown following principles of sustainable agriculture and have a high yield per hectare of land used. These highly efficient feedstocks are, and will most likely remain, a good choice for lactic acid and PLA production.
First company to produce PLA resin from second generation feedstocks
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. In the future, these alternative feedstocks can have a high impact on the biochemical and bioplastics industries.
Company invites converters to join consortium to accelerate market introduction
In order to fully commercialize and bring PLA based on second generation feedstocks to the market in commercial quantities, significant R&D efforts are still needed. Therefore Corbion Purac invites brandowners and converters to join a consortium in order to accelerate the market introduction of second generation feedstock bioplastics.
