May 5, 2025 16:12

From agricultural feedstocks to PLA-based bioplastics in a single integrated process: that’s the goal of the newly signed agreement between Germany’s Uhde Inventa-Fischer (ThyssenKrupp) and India’s Praj Industries, which aims to combine their respective technologies for a streamlined biopolymer production chain.

Under the deal, Praj Industries will contribute its Planera platform for converting biomass into lactic acid and lactide, while Uhde Inventa-Fischer will supply its PLAneo technology for polymerizing lactic acid into polylactic acid (PLA).  The result is a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for producing PLA in a wide range of grades, suitable for diverse applications.

The integrated process can utilize various starch- and sugar-rich agricultural feedstocks, including non-food second-generation biomass.

Late last year, Praj inaugurated a demonstration plant near Pune, dedicated to biopolymer production. The facility—designed for fermentation, chemical synthesis, separation, purification, and utilities—will serve as a testing and validation hub for the joint offering ahead of commercialization. Its capacity includes 100 tonnes/year of lactic acid, 60 tonnes/year of lactide, and the equivalent of 55 tonnes/year of PLA.

“We see a perfect match of two world-leading technologies,” said Nadja Hakansson, CEO of Uhde Inventa-Fischer. “Uhde’s PLAneo process can now be offered as an integrated solution with Praj Industries’ lactic acid production. Together, we can design and deliver complete PLA plants. Our joint vision is a competitive solution to replace conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives.”

In the photo, from left to right: Pramod Kumbhar, President and CTO of Praj Industries; Ashvini Shete, Business Head – Biopolymers, Praj Industries; Udo Mühlbauer, Head of R&D, Uhde Inventa-Fischer (foreground); and Stefan Bartz, VP Sales, Uhde Inventa-Fischer (background).

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