Danimer Scientific and Total Corbion PLA partner on bio-based polymer for compostable products

10 Nov 2021 --- Danimer Scientific and Total Corbion PLA are forming a long-term partnership to supply Luminy PLA, a bio-based polymer used to manufacture compostable products. The partners aim to support biopolymer production growth requiring a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) inputs. 

“Danimer works with each of its customers to develop customized formulas for bio-based resins that meet biodegradability and functionality expectations,” Stephen Croskrey, Danimer’s CEO, tells PackagingInsights.

“Blending various inputs, such as PHA and PLA, enables Danimer to expand the applications of its materials across several different industries.”

Total Corbion PLA is a 50/50 joint venture between petroleum refining company Total Energies and chemicals company Corbion, focused on manufacturing and marketing Luminy PLA resins. 

Biopolymer market growth
Last year, European Bioplastics (EUBP) predicted dynamic growth in the global bioplastics market. Announced at the 15th EUBP Conference, EUBP and the nova-Institute estimated 36% growth over the next five years after “successfully weathering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”Danimer Scientific’s plant in Kentucky, US.

Thomas Philipon, Total Corbion PLA’s CEO, agrees the biopolymers market is experiencing strong growth, with customers requesting innovative solutions tailor-made to their market needs.

“In today’s dynamic market, strategic arrangements throughout the value chain are key to ensuring the security of supply in both product and technology that will allow brand owners and ultimately consumers to be comfortable with selecting bioplastics as a [environmentally] sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.”

Danimer’s expansion
As Danimer continues to scale up the commercial production of its signature PHA, branded Nodax, the Total Corbion PLA agreement enhances its ability to fulfill customer needs for resins requiring a blend of PLA- and PHA-based inputs.

“While growing commercial production of PHA remains the focus of our business, PLA is a part of some compounds that we formulate to meet specific customers’ functionality needs for different applications,” continues Croskrey.

“Teaming with Total Corbion PLA provides an ideal solution to support our long-term growth strategy while ensuring our short-term customer needs remain fulfilled.”Danimer CEO Stephen Croskrey.

Croskrey discussed Nodax PHA’s environmental benefits, overcoming COVID-19 setbacks and future growth plans with PackagingInsights earlier in the year.

This year, Danimer acquired Novomer, a conversion technology developer providing transformable, functional, and low net carbon inputs for PHA-based bioresins production and other biodegradable materials, for US$152 million in cash.

Last year, Danimer partnered with Kemira to develop biodegradable aqueous barrier coatings for paper and board products.

By Joshua Poole