The Interplas event in Birmingham, UK, September 26-28, where TotalEnergies Corbion TotalEnergies Corbion will be launching a ground-breaking PLA-grade product with up to 30% recycled content is expected to appeal to the UK market. The innovative rPLA range has been cleverly designed to comply not only with recent UK legislation restricting the use of single-use plastics, but also with the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax on April 1, 2022, which stipulates that packaging in the UK must contain a minimum of 30% recycled plastics content in order to avoid paying tax.
As the UK strengthens its commitment to environmental sustainability, TotalEnergies Corbion has made a firm statement at Interplas, championing its rPLA range as an expression of eco-responsibility and innovation. While these materials impeccably comply with the newly introduced legal framework, their contribution to sustainable development goes far beyond mere compliance.
As TotalEnergies Corbion delves into the science behind rPLA grades, the concept of recycling takes center stage. PLA's traditional mechanical recycling is a well-known method, however the company is also expanding its boundaries by employing chemical recycling. Operating from state-of-the-art facilities in Thailand, TotalEnergies Corbion is a pioneer in PLA chemical recycling, leading a paradigm shift in waste management and resource recovery.
In this cutting-edge process, PLA scrap is meticulously sorted and cleaned, and depolymerized through a controlled hydrolysis process. The polymer chain undergoes hydrolysis under specific mild conditions, breaking down into its basic monomer lactic acid. This remarkable feat of selective conversion ultimately creates raw lactic acid ready to be regenerated as a new feedstock for rPLA production. The brilliance of this approach is that it helps to form a closed loop: materials that once served their purpose can be resurrected for the same applications, even those involving food contact - an achievement that overcomes the significant limitations associated with mechanical recycling.
TotalEnergies Corbion emphasizes the unique attributes of aliphatic polyesters such as PLA, which allow for the direct conversion of polymer chains to lactic acid monomers. The inherent selectivity of this process, coupled with its minimal temperature requirements, contributes to its effectiveness in the pursuit of sustainability.
Luminy PLA, a product introduced by TotalEnergies Corbion, is a strong competitor to traditional products, especially traditional PS products. Its functional performance mimics standard options while leaving an amazingly low carbon footprint, roughly 75% less than traditional plastics.
Frank Duijzer, Business Development Manager at TotalEnergies Corbion, emphasized the forward-looking nature of their solutions, which will meet the growing demand for reusable and recyclable alternatives, even extending to everyday items such as tableware. This duality of convenience and environmental awareness emphasizes the company's commitment to coordinating human activities and ecological stewardship.
Duijzer emphasized the scope of TotalEnergies Corbion's contribution, noting that their materials go beyond disposable tableware, reshaping the landscape of food packaging itself through their compostable solutions. TotalEnergies Corbion's bio-based compostable materials are aligned with UK regulations for plastics used in pre-packaged food, providing a range of options for sustainable packaging strategies and promoting a holistic approach to environmental protection.
