December 10, 2024 15:21

The Emirates Biotech joint venture has selected Sulzer as the provider of the process technology to be implemented at the polylactic acid (PLA) plant set to be constructed in the United Arab Emirates within four years.

The new bioplastics complex will be developed in two phases, with the construction of two units, each with an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes, for a total of 160,000 tonnes per year. Once completed, it will be the largest PLA production facility in the world.
Construction is set to commence in 2025, with the plant expected to be operational by early 2028.

Emirates Biotech will leverage Sulzer's PLA technology to integrate all production stages at a single site, including the production of lactides from biomass, their purification, and the polymerization of polylactic acid.

PLA offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. It is widely used in applications such as packaging and disposable utensils, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

The Emirates Biotech joint venture was established this year by SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment and Global Biopolymers Industries. The company is led by a veteran of the bioplastics industry, Marc Verbruggen, who served as CEO of NatureWorks from 2008 to 2017. The CCO, François de Bie, also brings extensive industry experience, having served as senior marketing director at TotalEnergies Corbion and as president of European Bioplastics, the association of European bioplastics producers.

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