Overview
TotalEnergies is a global energy company with over 100,000 employees with strategic focus on bioplastics and sustainable polymers. For more than ten years, TotalEnergies’ R&D teams have developed bioenergies expertise through research in lignocellulose (plant waste) and microalgae utilization. In 2016, the company formed TotalEnergies Corbion, a joint venture with Corbion (world leader in lactic acid), to develop, produce, and market PLA (polylactic acid) - a leading bioplastic.
Bioplastics Division: TotalEnergies Corbion
Joint Venture Overview:
- Formed in 2016 with Corbion (lactic acid world leader)
- Develops and produces PLA bioplastics
- Markets solutions globally to converters and brand owners
Products:
- Luminy™ PLA: Commercial PLA bioplastic resins
- EPLA Molded Products: Next-generation foam materials from PLA
- Multiple PLA grades for different applications
Market Strategy:
- Target: 10% global PLA market share by 2030
- Goal: Become global leader in PLA bioplastics
- Partnerships with major converters and brand owners
Research and Development
R&D Focus Areas:
- Lignocellulose (plant waste) conversion to bioplastics feedstocks
- Microalgae utilization for biopolymer production
- Advanced recycling and circular polymers
- Biofuels development
Research Partnerships:
- Collaborations with Renmatix
- Participation in Futurol consortium
- Participation in BioTfueL consortium
- Academic and industrial partnerships
Recent Developments
Circular Polymers Initiative:
- Converting plastic waste into circular polymers
- Texas facility for advanced recycling
- Target: One million tons of circular polymers by 2030
PLA Foam Technology:
- Partnership between TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon
- EPLA molded foam products development
- New generation sustainable foam materials
Regional Expansion:
- TotalEnergies Corbion partnerships across global markets
- Multi Trade Group partnership for Middle East market development
- Expanding bioplastics adoption globally
Products and Applications
PLA Bioplastics Applications:
- Beverage and food packaging
- Fiber and textile applications
- Consumer goods packaging
- Molded foam products
- Specialized applications
Feedstock Sources
- Sugarcane: Primary feedstock for lactic acid production
- Starch: Alternative bio-based feedstocks
- Recycled Materials: Circular feedstocks for recycled polymers
- Plant Waste: Lignocellulose utilization research
Strategic Advantages
- Strong position in lactic acid supply chain through Corbion partnership
- Global distribution and marketing capabilities
- R&D investment in next-generation bioplastics
- Commitment to circular economy and waste valorization
- Partnerships with leading converters and consumers
Geographic Presence
Global operations with headquarters in Paris, France. TotalEnergies Corbion operates production facilities and serves customers across Europe, Americas, and Asia.
Sustainability Commitments
- Development of bio-based alternatives to fossil polymers
- Circular economy focus through advanced recycling
- Reduction of virgin plastic consumption
- Support for global bioplastics industry growth
Last updated: 2026-02-14