The new PLA production plant which Emirates Biotech is planning in Abu Dhabi will be built based on technology developed by Sulzer Chemtech, the company announced 10 Dec. Construction of the new facility, the largest in the world, will be executed in two phases. Following completion of the first phase, the plant will boast an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes; construction of the second phase of the project will add another 80,000 tonnes of production capacity, bringing the total up to 160,000 tonnes of PLA per annum.
This volume of bioplastic material supports regional and global efforts to combat plastic pollution and climate change. It is enough to replace approximately 3.2 billion plastic bottles and will reduce CO2 emissions by over 300,000 tonnes annually.
Located in the United Arab Emirates, construction is set to commence in 2025, with the plant expected to be operational by early 2028. The facility will use Lactic Acid (LA) as its feedstock to produce PLA, offering a low-carbon footprint and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, further contributing to the circular economy.
PLA offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. It is widely used in applications such as packaging, disposable utensils, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastics across the globe. Emirates Biotech will leverage Sulzer’s licensed PLA technology to manage all production steps from a single location, including lactide production, purification and polymerisation. The facility will also use a plant-based feedstock to produce high-quality PLA bioplastics at scale, positioning the Middle East as a key player in the bioplastics industry.
With over two centuries of industry experience and a strong track record in the bioplastics sector, Sulzer’s licensed PLA technology is already in use at most PLA facilities worldwide. Sulzer’s expertise and innovative solutions will be crucial in ‘achieving our vision of leading the biopolymer industry while contributing to a more sustainable future’, noted Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech,
This new development strengthens Sulzer’s commitment to supporting global industry in adopting circular manufacturing and building a more prosperous and sustainable society.
Located in the United Arab Emirates, construction is set to commence in 2025, with the plant expected to be operational by early 2028. “By leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, we aim to establish the UAE as a global leader in the production of eco-friendly materials,” said Shaikh Suhail Ali Saeed Rashed Al-Maktoum, a key shareholder of Emirates Biotech.
The facility will use lactic acid (LA) as its feedstock to produce PLA, offering a low carbon footprint and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, further contributing to the circular economy.
“This project is extremely important as environmental challenges are highlighting the need for the global adoption of biopolymers,” said Emmanuel Rapendy, global head Polymers and Crystallization for Sulzer Chemtech
Tim Schulten, Division President of Chemtech, added: “By bringing our advanced PLA production technology to the UAE, we are supporting the region’s transition to more sustainable materials and contributing to a greener future.”
As the global demand for PLA continues to rise, driven by environmental concerns and the shift towards sustainable materials, this facility will position the Middle East as a key player in the bioplastics industry, supporting regional and global efforts to combat plastic pollution.