TotalEnergies Corbion, the only company globally producing chemically recycled polylactic acid (rPLA) at a commercial scale, will showcase its groundbreaking approach to sustainable plastics at The Economist Sustainability Week 2025 in London. With the Global Plastics Treaty expected to reshape global plastic production and waste management practices, TotalEnergies Corbion’s innovation highlights how businesses can align with emerging regulations while maintaining essential certifications, including food-contact approval.

As the exclusive commercial recycler of PLA, TotalEnergies Corbion offers rPLA in two grades — 30% and 100% recycled content. The company’s advanced hydrolysis process, operated at its Rayong, Thailand facility, is a low-energy solution that presents a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic recycling methods. By adopting this approach, TotalEnergies Corbion ensures PLA remains fully circular, supporting industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.

The Global Plastics Treaty is set to drive a significant shift in the plastics industry, promoting sustainable alternatives and improved recycling systems. TotalEnergies Corbion is positioning PLA as a key enabler of this transition, providing a solution that combines recyclability, biobased origins, and industrial compostability. By demonstrating the commercial viability of large-scale PLA recycling, TotalEnergies Corbion aims to inspire broader adoption of circular plastic solutions.

During The Economist Sustainability Week 2025, Thomas Philipon, CEO of TotalEnergies Corbion, will speak at the Tech for Change track on March 11 at 3 pm. His presentation will focus on how bioplastics, particularly PLA, can play a vital role in achieving the objectives outlined in the Global Plastics Treaty. Philipon will emphasize the importance of innovative recycling solutions in ensuring businesses can transition from traditional fossil-based plastics to sustainable alternatives.

"The Global Plastics Treaty marks a critical turning point for the plastics industry, requiring forward-thinking solutions that support circularity," said Philipon. "TotalEnergies Corbion is committed to empowering businesses to shift away from fossil-based plastics by offering fully recyclable, biobased, and industrially compostable options. Our scalable PLA recycling process proves that sustainable innovation is both achievable and commercially viable. By demonstrating the success of rPLA at scale, we are setting an example for the industry and driving positive change toward a circular economy."

TotalEnergies Corbion continues to advocate for regulatory recognition of PLA as a fully circular material. The company’s efforts align with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and broader global sustainability goals. By expanding the reach of its rPLA products and promoting policy support for bioplastics, TotalEnergies Corbion aims to accelerate the shift to sustainable plastic solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.