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Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production

Chemical
Sulzer Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production NatureWorks’

Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production

By: Sulzer

Sulzer Chemtech’s PLA production technology selected for NatureWorks’ new plant with annual capacity of 75’000 tons

Sulzer Chemtech is delivering customized state-of-the-art production technology to NatureWorks’ latest biopolymer manufacturing facility which will be located in Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, Thailand. Developed to support the increasing global demand for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, the fully integrated plant will utilize Sulzer Chemtech’s advanced lactide purification and polymer production technology to produce 75’000 tons per year of Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA) annually.

Sulzer Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production NatureWorks’

Selected to design and supply lactide purification, polymerization and devolatilization units at NatureWorks’ newest facility, Sulzer Chemtech will provide technology, engineering services and key equipment to design and supply fully customized production solutions meeting NatureWorks’ specific requirements.

The use of Sulzer Chemtech’s crystallization technology will deliver high-purity lactides suitable for Ingeo PLA grades, while the polymerization and post-reaction train will convert lactide into the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. Extensive support during the project execution phases will also be provided to help NatureWorks begin its operations quickly and smoothly.

Sulzer Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production (2)

As part of the Company’s global manufacturing expansion plan, the new facility will increase NatureWorks’ overall production capacity of lactic acid, lactides and advanced Ingeo PLA biopolymers. Made from renewable resources, these biomaterials have a lower carbon footprint than average petroleum-based plastics and support a wide range of applications, including compostable food packaging and serviceware, fibers, filaments for 3D printing, hygiene masks and household appliances.

Steve Bray, Vice President of Operations and Project Program Manager at NatureWorks, comments: “Sulzer Chemtech’s specialists have a proven track record delivering highly effective PLA units, and we are looking forward to this cooperation between two market leaders in PLA technology. Leveraging their expertise in process technologies for lactide and PLA products, NatureWorks will design and construct a state-of-the-art production facility that will increase the global availability of functional, high quality Ingeo biopolymers.”

Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Sulzer Chemtech, adds: “We are excited to join hands with NatureWorks on this major expansion of their global manufacturing footprint. Together, we continue to build on a successful cooperation which started many years ago. Our respective technical and operational expertise enables us to continue shaping the future of sustainable biomaterials through broader availability.”

Sulzer Boosting sustainable PLA bioplastics production NatureWorks’

About Sulzer
Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and application technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2020, our 15’000 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.3 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN).

The Chemtech division is the global market leader in innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for petrochemicals, refining and LNG. Chemtech is also leading the way in ecological solutions such as biopolymers as well as textile and plastic recycling, contributing to a circular economy. Our product offering ranges from technology licensing to process components all the way to complete separation process plants. Customer support ranges from engineering and field services to tray and packing installation, tower maintenance, welding and plant turnaround projects – ensuring minimal downtime.

www.sulzer.com

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