PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES
WATER TREATMENT WORKS
SULZER
BUILD A PLANET™ FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOPLASTICS
The goal of the PLAnet™ partnership is the promotion of Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic via integrated PLA technology packages for
manufacturers, simplifying the shift from traditional plastics.
Three major process technology and
equipment specialists, Futerro, Sulzer and
TechnipFMC, have formed the PLAnet™
initiative in equal partnership to promote
the production of sustainable plastics made
of Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA). The strategic
collaboration will support manufacturers
interested in entering the bioplastic market
by delivering integrated PLA technology
packages.
PLA is a versatile bio-based and
biodegradable polymer that can replace
petroleum-based plastics in a wide range of
applications. Different stages are required
to convert sugars from crops into lactic
acid, lactide and subsequently PLA.
Futerro, a well-established technology
provider for lactic acid and lactide
production, and Sulzer Chemtech, a
leading specialist in separation and
mixing technologies have over 25 years of
experience in lactic acid and PLA’s related
processes. Together they have further
shown their commitment to facilitate the
production of bioplastics by establishing
a partnership with TechnipFMC, a leading
global EPC contractor with experience in
technology development and licensing
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with fast growing activities in bioplastics
and green chemicals.
The agreement between the three parties
offers to agricultural, chemical and fiber
industries, a fully integrated package
addressing the whole PLA value chain. In
this way, customers can benefit from direct
access to state-of-the-art, customizable
solutions for all the aspects and stages
of PLA production. PLAnet™ offers the
possibility of a “one-stop shop” for customers
interested in PLA production by providing a
single point of contact and responsibility.
In particular, PLAnet™ supports the
construction of plants of any size, including
PLA facilities with a throughput of up
to 100’000 tons per year - that permit
manufacturers to save both capital
expenditures (CAPEX) and operating
expenses (OPEX) by providing for integrated
and optimized plant section design.
Within the PLAnet™ partnership, Futerro’s
proprietary technology focuses on the
production of lactic acid and raw lactide
from sugar or, directly, from biomass; Sulzer
contributes the process for the purification
of lactide and its polymerization to obtain
PLA while TechnipFMC acts as technology
integrator to deliver seamless and optimized
Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
packages.
The promotion of greener alternatives to
traditional plastics needs to be backed
by suitable technologies that enable the
industry to produce high-quality bioplastics
in an efficient manner. We can make this
possible via the PLAnet™ partnership
between Futerro, Sulzer and TechnipFMC by
leveraging our world-leading technologies,
expertise and skills for the entire PLA value
chain.
About Sulzer:
Sulzer’s core strengths are flow
control and applicators. We
specialize in pumping solutions
and services for rotating
equipment, as well as separation,
mixing and application
technology.
www.sulzer.com