SHANGAI, China – As industries across packaging and logistics seek materials that combine performance, protection and sustainability, lightweight foams remain essential\u2014particularly for protective and cold chain applications. The next phase of innovation is focused on developing foam solutions that maintain functional requirements while supporting renewable content and circular end of life pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon are advancing the industrial adoption of expanded PLA (EPLA) as a compostable alternative to conventional EPS foams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two companies signed a partnership agreement last year, ahead of Chinaplas, with a shared objective: to translate PLA foam technology from development to robust, scalable industrial solutions. Since then, the partners have worked closely to develop a Luminy\u00ae PLA based foam solution designed to meet the performance expectations of protective packaging applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A PLA foam designed for performance and sustainability
The resulting expanded PLA (EPLA) solution demonstrates properties comparable to EPS while offering clear sustainability benefits. The material can achieve low densities around 25 g\/l, a standard requirement for protective packaging, while remaining lightweight and mechanically resilient.
EPLA is:
\u2022 More than 99% bio based, made from GMO free sugarcane
\u2022 Industrially compostable, with no persistent microplastics
\u2022 Moisture resistant, ensuring dimensional stability
\u2022 Capable of withstanding heavy loads, offering robust protection compared to cardboard based solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To illustrate the technology\u2019s potential, TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon have jointly developed perfume box prototypes, demonstrating how expanded PLA can be used for both protective and premium packaging applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening new application opportunities
The targeted end use applications extend beyond cosmetics packaging and include protective packaging for white goods, electronics, and appliances, as well as cold chain packaging for the food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. These sectors require materials that deliver consistent insulation and protection while supporting evolving sustainability strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By combining Luminy\u00ae PLA materials expertise with Useon\u2019s leadership in foam extrusion technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate the market readiness of PLA foams and support their broader adoption at industrial scale.
Useon will present its foam extrusion expertise and PLA foam solutions at booth 6.1B46.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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