GORINCHEM, NETHERLANDS: Corbion Purac will accelerate its thrust into the biotechnology arena, making the next step in the bioplastics value chain by becoming a polylactic acid producer. With entry into polylactic acid, Corbion Purac intends to bring new biodegradable solutions to the plastics industry, and increase global polylactic acid production capacity by a further 75 kilo tonne per annum. This announcement forms a part of Corbion’s updated strategic direction for 2015 - 2018.
Corbion Purac will continue selling lactides to both existing and new polylactic acid 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 polylactic acid capacity is almost sold out and with the polylactic acid market expected to grow to 600 kilo tonne per annum by 2025, the market is seeking additional polylactic acid suppliers. Corbion intends to invest in a 75 kilo tonne per annum polylactic acid plant in Thailand.
“As part of our strategic review we confirmed there is an attractive demand outlook for polylactic acid, 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 polylactic acid producer, we plan to forward integrate in the bioplastics value chain, from being a lactide provider to a polylactic acid producer,” said Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO, Corbion.
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