With its entry into PLA, Corbion Purac intends to bring new biodegradable solutions to the plastics industry, and increase global PLA production capacity by a further 75,000 metric tons per annum.
It will also bring a second sizeable supplier onto the map for PLA next to Natureworks the JV between Cargill (USA) and PTT Global Chemical (Thailand) on one (big) side and Futerro, the JV between Total (F) and Galactic (Belgium) on the other (more modest) side.
Worldwide PLA capacity is almost sold out and with the PLA market expected to grow to 600,000 metric tons per annum by 2025, the market is seeking additional PLA suppliers
This announcement forms a part of Corbion’s updated strategic direction for 2015 – 2018. Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, comments: “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 PLA plant of 75,000 metric tons per annum of nominal capacity, for an estimated Capex of EUR 60 million, 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”, states de Ruiter. 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.
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