NAGASE and TotalEnergies Corbion (TEC) have announced a partnership to expand the distribution and development of Luminy polylactic acid (PLA)-based bioplastics in Japan.

The collaboration aims to capitalise on Japan's growing demand for sustainable materials as the country strives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

NAGASE, a leading Japanese trading company, will distribute Luminy PLA across the country, leveraging its strong market presence and expertise.

Meanwhile, TEC, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion, will provide its bioplastics technology and support research and development efforts.

Luminy PLA is a biobased plastic derived from sustainably sourced sugarcane.

It offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics while delivering similar performance characteristics, including heat resistance and mechanical strength.

These properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from food packaging and apparel to automotive components.

By combining NAGASE's market knowledge with TEC’s technical expertise, the partnership will focus on identifying new applications for Luminy PLA and enhancing its properties to meet the specific needs of Japanese customers.

TEC said it is also committed to advancing the chemical recycling of PLA to address the increasing demand for sustainable materials.

This process involves breaking down used PLA into its molecular components and resynthesising it into new Luminy PLA, minimising waste and reducing environmental impact.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting the adoption of bioplastics in Japan.

By working together, NAGASE and TEC aim to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future.