TotalEnergies Corbion, the only company globally commercializing chemically recycled PLA (rPLA), will highlight its innovative approach to sustainable plastics at The Economist Sustainability Week 2025 in London. As the Global Plastics Treaty reshapes plastic production and waste management, the company’s expertise in large-scale PLA recycling provides a clear blueprint. It helps businesses comply with new regulations while maintaining sustainability certifications, including food-contact approval.
Leading the Charge in rPLA Commercialization
As per the TotalEnergies Corbion press release, as the sole commercial recycler of PLA, TotalEnergies Corbion produces rPLA in 30% and 100% recycled grades. Its Rayong, Thailand facility utilizes a low-energy hydrolysis process, providing a viable alternative to conventional plastic recycling. This method minimizes carbon footprints and ensures PLA remains fully circular. The Global Plastics Treaty is accelerating the shift to sustainable materials. TotalEnergies Corbion is positioning PLA as a key enabler of the circular economy.
CEO Thomas Philipon to Speak on the Future of Bioplastics
At The Economist Sustainability Week 2025, Tech for Change track, TotalEnergies Corbion CEO Thomas Philipon will discuss the role of bioplastics. He will highlight how PLA, in particular, contributes to achieving the treaty’s objectives.
“The Global Plastics Treaty marks a turning point for the industry, demanding innovative solutions that drive circularity,” said Philipon. “TotalEnergies Corbion is dedicated to helping businesses transition from fossil-based plastics to fully recyclable, biobased, and industrially compostable alternatives. By scaling up PLA recycling, we are proving that a circular economy is not just a vision but a commercially viable reality.”
Advocating for Policy Recognition and Circular Economy Solutions
TotalEnergies Corbion actively advocates for policy recognition of PLA as a fully circular solution. The company aligns its efforts with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and global sustainability targets. The company remains committed to advancing sustainable plastic solutions that reduce environmental impact and support industry-wide circularity.
