Converting sustainable biomass into bio-based chemicals for use in every day applications at scale.
Corbion, based in Netherlands is one of the largest producers to the bio-based chemical building block and ingredient lactic acid. At plants in Netherlands and Thailand, sugar rich feedstocks including sugar beet and sugar cane are converted into high purity lactic acid.
Raw sugar, from sugarcane or sugar beet, and dextrose, from corn starch or cassava, are the main feedstocks used in producing lactic acid and its derivatives today. After growing and harvesting the sugarcane and beet, it is brought to a sugar mill to extract the sugar. The sugar obtained is then fermented using microorganisms to produce lactic acid, an organic acid also produced by the human body, but with important applications as a build block for the growing biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). In addition to bioplastics production, lactic acid produced in these factories is also used in food ingredients, biochemical ingredients, and medical biomaterials. A Corbion and Total Energies joint venture recently announced start-up of a 75,000 tonnes per annum PLA production plant in Thailand, and a second plant of 100,000 tonnes planned for Europe in 2024.
The global lactic acid market size was estimated at USD 3.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030. The Polylactic Acid Market is projected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2028. The company’s partnership with its cane sugar suppliers and Bonsucro increased the momentum for sustainability in the sugar cane sector in Thailand. It created local visibility for sustainability achievements in the Thai sugar cane sector and for the potential of sugar in the bio-based economy.
Corbion’s research indicates that a total carbon footprint of -224kgCO2 per tonne of Lactic Acid is achieved at its plant in Thailand based on sugar cane. By 2030, Corbion aims for 80% of their revenues to contribute to one of more of the SDGs, focusing mainly on SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production).
The development of these plants have provided alternative markets for local crop producers, while also generating jobs
Crop supplier farmers, industries (food and chemical), downstream users/manufacturers
Sugar beet
9
Corbion
Fermentation
Lactic acid, animal feed
75,000 tons
Netherlands, Thailand
1980s (Netherlands), 2022 (Thailand)
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