PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Total (Paris:FP) (LSE:TTA) (NYSE:TOT) and Corbion are joining forces to develop bioplastics by creating a 50/50 joint venture to produce and market polylactic (PLA) polymers. The two partners plan to build a world-class PLA polymerization plant with a capacity of 75,000 tons per year at Corbion's site in Thailand that already has a lactide (PLA monomer) production unit that will become part of the joint venture. Corbion will supply the lactic acid necessary for the production of the PLA and the lactide.
The new company will be based in the Netherlands and will launch operations in the 1st quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals.
“I’m very pleased with this joint venture, which aims to become a major player in the growing bioplastics market. This investment is consistent with our One Total ambition of expanding in biofuels and bioplastics, in addition to our more traditional oil- and gas-based products,” commented Bernard Pinatel, President of Total Refining & Chemicals. “Corbion’s unique position in the lactic acid and biopolymers value chain makes it a natural choice for Total. The joint venture will allow us to supply an innovative material that is 100% renewable and biodegradable and that responds to sustainability concerns.”
Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, stated: “PLA is one of the first renewable, biodegradable polymers able to compete with existing polymers. The joint venture, which will combine Total’s technical and marketing knowledge and leading position in polymers with Corbion’s expertise in lactic acid and biopolymers, will enable us to supply innovative products and will accelerate market acceptance.”
PLA is a biobased, biodegradable polymer obtained by fermenting renewable resources (sugar or starch) to produce lactic acid. PLA is mainly used for food packaging, disposable tableware and textiles, as well as in numerous other industries such as oil and gas, electronics, automotive and 3D printing.
PLA is a fast-growing polymer market segment, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10 to 15% to 2025.
*****
About Total
Total is a global integrated energy producer and provider, a leading international oil and gas company, and the world’s second-ranked solar energy operator with SunPower. Our 96,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, more innovative and accessible to as many people as possible. As a responsible corporate citizen, we focus on ensuring that our operations in more than 130 countries worldwide consistently deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. total.com
About Corbion
Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals and vitamins. The company delivers high performance biobased products made from renewable resources and applied in global markets such as bakery, meat, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, home and personal care, packaging, automotive, coatings and adhesives. Its products have a differentiating functionality in all kinds of consumer products worldwide. In 2015, Corbion generated annual sales of €918.3 million and had a workforce of 1,673 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. corbion.com
This press release contains inside information for Corbion within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
TOTAL
Media Relations:
+33
(0) 1 47 44 46 99
presse@total.com
or
Investor
Relations
Mike Sangster, Nicolas Fumex, Kim Housego, Romain
Richemont, + 44 (0)207 719 7962
Robert Hammond (U.S), + 1 713 483
5070
or
CORBION
Director
Investor Relations
Jeroen van Harten
+31 (0)20 590 6293
+31
(0)6 21 577 086
or
Director Corporate Communications
Karin
Roeleveld
+31 (0)20 590 6324
+31 (0)650 576 912