TotalEnergies Corbion, a global leader in bioplastics innovation, has announced the signing of a strategic distribution agreement with Multi Trade Group, appointing the company as its main distribution partner for Luminy® PLA in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East region.
PLA: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Plastics
Luminy® PLA (polylactic acid) combines the strength and durability required for reusable applications with sustainable end-of-life solutions for single-use products. Unlike traditional plastics that linger in the environment for decades, PLA can be reused, mechanically and chemically recycled, or industrially composted — breaking down even faster than banana or orange peels.
Wide Range of Applications
The Luminy® PLA portfolio features high-heat, standard, and low-heat grades, along with PDLA for stereocomplex compounds. This versatility makes it suitable for multiple industries, including:
- Packaging
- Food service ware
- Textiles
- 3D printing
- Durable consumer goods
The partnership also includes recycled Luminy® PLA with content allocations of 30% or 100%, offering sustainable alternatives across diverse applications.
Proven Environmental Performance
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) highlights Luminy® PLA’s outstanding sustainability profile:
- Virgin Luminy® PLA has a cradle-to-gate footprint of 0.29 kg CO₂-eq per kg, representing an 85% reduction compared to conventional plastics.
- PLA with 30% recycled content achieves near carbon neutrality (0.01 kg CO₂-eq per kg).
- 100% recycled Luminy® PLA delivers a negative carbon footprint (-0.65 kg CO₂-eq per kg), establishing it as a highly sustainable choice.
Leaders’ Insights
Asif Iftekhar, CEO of Multi Trade Group, commented:
“As a company, we are committed to providing sustainable, recyclable solutions that lower our carbon footprint and reduce waste. This partnership with TotalEnergies Corbion reflects our mission to build a sustainable future. The signing ceremony at our Sharjah headquarters marks a milestone in advancing the polymer industry in the region.”
Derek Atkinson, Vice President of Sales at TotalEnergies Corbion, added:
“Multi Trade Group’s local expertise and strong market reach make them the ideal partner to expand Luminy® PLA in the Middle East. Together, we will support customers in reducing their environmental footprint, meeting ambitious sustainability targets, and accelerating the transition toward a regenerative circular economy.”
Supporting Regional Sustainability Goals
TotalEnergies Corbion operates a 75,000 tons-per-year PLA production facility in Rayong, Thailand, and is recognized as a pioneer in chemical recycling of PLA via hydrolysis depolymerization, producing recycled PLA (rPLA) with identical food-contact approval and performance as virgin material.
With governments across the Middle East prioritizing sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics, this agreement positions Luminy® PLA as a scalable, high-performance solution that balances functionality with environmental responsibility.
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