Bioplastics maker Total Corbion PLA is taking its sustainability credentials to the next level, and is now offering polylactic acid (PLA) made from sugarcane that is farmed in a certified sustainable process.
The company, with headquarters in Gorichem, the Netherlands, said Aug. 22 that it has commercialized the production of PLA certified by London-based nonprofit group Bonsucro.
Total Corbion is a joint venture between resin maker Total SA and Corbion NV to make and market sustainable resins.
Renewable feedstocks from sugarcane and sugar beets are used to produce lactic acid, which in turn is converted into PLA bioplastics.
Thailand's biggest sugar producer, Mitr Phol, achieved Bonsucro certification in July 2016, as the first sugar producer in the country to do so.
Following this milestone, Total Corbion is now "Bonsucro Chain of Custody certified," which means that all claims of compliance with the Bonsucro standard can be tracked along the entire supply chain, from field to mill. The company's PLA resins are also produced in accordance with this process.
The resins will be promoted within the company's existing, commercial Luminy PLA resin portfolio.
“A reduced carbon footprint and the multiple end-of-life solutions that PLA offers are key reasons why many brand owners convert from traditional plastics to PLA bioplastics,” said François de Bie, senior marketing director at Total Corbion PLA.
Total Corbion PLA has outlined its position on feedstock sourcing for bioplastics in a whitepaper published together with Corbion, which also includes the company stance on feedstock selection, land use, feedstock efficiency and food security.
