TotalEnergies Corbion advances bioplastics distribution in the Middle East

TotalEnergies Corbion has reached a strategic distribution agreement with Multi Trade Group, appointing the company as the main distribution partner for its compostable bioplastic Luminy PLA in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Luminy portfolio includes high-heat, standard, and low-heat grades, along with poly(D-lactic acid) for stereocomplex compounds. The material range can be used for packaging, foodservice ware, textiles, 3D printing, and durable consumer goods.

Luminy PLA offers the strength and durability needed for reusable applications with end-of-life options for disposable products. It can be reused, mechanically and chemically recycled, or industrially composted. TotalEnergies Corbion says the bioplastic can break down faster than banana or orange peels.

“Multi Trade Group’s local expertise and market reach make it an ideal partner to expand Luminy PLA in the Middle East. Together, we can help customers reduce environmental impact, achieve ambitious sustainability goals, and accelerate the shift toward a regenerative circular economy,” says Derek Atkinson, vice president of sales at TotalEnergies Corbion.

Carbon footprint reduction

The collaboration covers recycled Luminy PLA with 30% or 100% content allocation.

LCA shows that virgin Luminy PLA has a cradle-to-gate footprint of 0.29 kg CO2 equivalent per kg — an 85% reduction compared to conventional plastics. When produced with 30% recycled content, it is said to deliver carbon neutrality at 0.01 kg CO2 equivalent per kg. Fully recycled Luminy PLA achieves a negative carbon footprint of -0.65 kg CO2 equivalent per kg, according to the company.

Asif Iftekhar, CEO at Multi Trade Group, comments: “This partnership with TotalEnergies Corbion reflects our mission and our responsibility to help build a sustainable future. The signing ceremony at our headquarters in Sharjah, UAE, marks an important step forward for the region’s polymer industry.”

The partnership aims to support local governments and industries in reducing emissions, diversifying material sourcing, and advancing circular economy goals.

TotalEnergies Corbion operates a 75,000 tons-per-year PLA production facility in Rayong, Thailand, and is improving chemical recycling of PLA through hydrolysis depolymerization, producing recycled PLA with “identical food-contact approval and performance as virgin material.”