TotalEnergies Corbion, Multi Trade Group partner to boost PLA bioplastics adoption in Middle East

UAE – TotalEnergies Corbion, a global leader in bioplastics innovation, has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with the UAE-based Multi Trade Group to accelerate the adoption of Luminy PLA (polylactic acid) across the Middle East.

The partnership names Multi Trade Group as the exclusive distributor of Luminy PLA in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other regional markets.

Luminy PLA is a versatile bioplastic derived from renewable resources, including sugarcane and corn.

Unlike conventional plastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries, Luminy PLA offers multiple end-of-life options: it can be mechanically or chemically recycled, reused, or industrially composted, breaking down even faster than fruit peels.

This position as a key material for advancing circular economy strategies in the Middle East.

The Luminy portfolio includes grades tailored for various applications, ranging from high-heat-resistant materials for durable consumer goods to lower-heat variants for disposable packaging, food service ware, textiles, and 3D printing.

Notably, the line also includes recycled Luminy® PLA, available in two variations: one with 30% recycled content and another with 100% recycled content.

Both options are designed to enhance the sustainability profile of the material further while maintaining the same performance qualities that have made PLA a popular bioplastic.

Life cycle analysis underscores the significant environmental benefits of the range. Virgin Luminy® PLA has a cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of just 0.29 kg CO₂-eq per kilogram, representing an 85% reduction compared to conventional plastics derived from fossil fuels.

When incorporating 30% recycled content, Luminy® PLA achieves carbon neutrality, meaning the avoided impacts of recycling fully offset the emissions associated with its production.

At the highest level of circularity, fully recycled Luminy® PLA goes a step further by delivering a negative carbon footprint of -0.65 kg CO₂-eq per kilogram.

This means the material actively removes more carbon from the environment than it emits, positioning it as a groundbreaking solution for industries seeking to decarbonize their packaging and product portfolios.

The agreement comes at a time when Middle Eastern governments are intensifying efforts to cut plastic waste and reduce reliance on fossil-based materials.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have introduced bans on certain single-use plastics and established ambitious recycling and emissions reduction targets within their national sustainability frameworks.

“As a company, we are committed to delivering sustainability, recyclability, and solutions that reduce our carbon footprint and waste impact,” said Asif Iftekhar, CEO of Multi Trade Group.

“This partnership with TotalEnergies Corbion reflects our mission to help build a sustainable future. Today’s signing ceremony in Sharjah marks an important milestone for the region’s polymer industry.”

Derek Atkinson, Vice President of Sales at TotalEnergies Corbion, added, “Multi Trade Group’s local expertise and market reach make them an ideal partner to expand Luminy® PLA in the Middle East.

“Together, we can support customers in reducing environmental impact and advancing circular economy goals.”

TotalEnergies Corbion operates a 75,000 tons-per-year PLA plant in Rayong, Thailand, and is pioneering chemical recycling of PLA via hydrolysis depolymerization.

With this agreement, Luminy® PLA is positioned as a scalable alternative for industries in the Middle East seeking to balance performance, functionality, and responsibility.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE