The gradual replacement of fossil plastic with bio-plastics in some markets is already ongoing, driven by legislation and market requests. We are developing projects especially on bio-degradable plastics (which is one of the core issues along the life-cycle of bio-plastics) like the Lactide production plant (precursor of PLA) derived from sugar.
NextChem and MET Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MC TAIF JSC (TAIF) today to co-develop a new bio-degradable polymer plant in the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), using NextChem’s know-how and MET Development’s project development capabilities.
TAIF is the largest industrial investment company in Tatarstan, engaged in Oil and Gas, Chemistry, Petrochemistry and Energy. NextChem will be selected to provide its expertise and know-how to carry out the FEED (Front End Engineering Design) and EPC activities for the realization of the biopolymer plant.
In addition, NextChem has been awarded a contract by Total Corbion PLA, a 50/50 joint venture between Total and Corbion, to carry out a Front-End Engineering Design for their 100,000 tons per annum Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) plant in Grandpuits, France.
The plant, due to be operational in 2024, will be the first of its kind in Europe. It would make Total Corbion PLA the global market leader in PLA, firmly positioned to cater for the rapidly growing demand for Luminy® PLA resins.