What TotalEnergies Corbion does

TotalEnergies Corbion is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion, established in 2017 and headquartered in Gorinchem, Netherlands, that manufactures and commercializes Luminy® PLA, a 100% biobased polylactic acid resin produced from GMO-free sugarcane via fermentation to lactic acid and polymerization. The company operates a single 75,000-ton-per-year production facility in Rayong, Thailand — augmented by a 1,251 kWp solar installation that delivers ~1.6 GWh annually — and is planning a second plant in France. Its product portfolio spans virgin PLA grades (L175, LX575, LX975, L105, L130, LX530, LX930), specialty grades such as L040 for meltblown nonwovens and EPLA foam, and recycled PLA (rPLA) at 20%, 30%, and 100% recycled content produced through commercial-scale chemical recycling via hydrolysis depolymerization. Technical differentiation rests on third-party verified LCA data showing up to 85% lower carbon footprint versus conventional plastics, NIR sorting compatibility at 97% purity, food-contact approvals across EU/US/China jurisdictions, and EN 13432 / BPI / TUV compostability certifications.

The company serves B2B customers — brand owners, converters, and compounders — across rigid and flexible packaging, food serviceware, fibers and nonwovens, 3D printing, automotive and durables, and air filtration, with a go-to-market that combines direct regional customer-service teams (Americas, EMEA, Asia-Pacific) and a tiered distributor network including Nagase (Japan), Multi Trade Group (MENA), and Vichem (Vietnam). Revenue comes predominantly from one-time unit-priced sales of Luminy® PLA resin pellets under multi-year contracts, with a notable price increase announced for April 2026 citing geopolitical logistics and energy cost pressures; existing fixed-term contracts are honored. The customer base is diversified across at least 11 named enterprises spanning beverage (Sansu, Win Win Water), consumer hygiene (Yuhan-Kimberly, Clipper), cosmetics (Sulapac), textiles (Bioworks, ERT), medical (PADM Medical), and plastics manufacturing (Casca Brasil/Strawplast, FI-Plast), with collaborative co-development partnerships embedding PLA into customer specifications and recycling loops. The company's sole owner change in 2025 — Thierry Boulfroy replacing Thomas Philipon as CEO — coincides with Corbion's announced divestiture of its 50% interest, leaving the JV's long-term ownership structure pending.

Name

TotalEnergies Corbion

Legal name

TotalEnergies Corbion bv

Website

https://totalenergies-corbion.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

TotalEnergies Corbion is a 50/50 joint venture that manufactures Luminy® PLA, a biobased polylactic acid resin, at a 75,000-ton facility in Thailand. It sells virgin and recycled PLA grades to converters, brand owners, and compounders across packaging, food serviceware, fibers, automotive, and 3D printing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bioplastics Manufacturing

NAICS

Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521)

SIC

Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodegradable Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT) (IMAEAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, starch blends) (IMANAAAG), Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT) (IMANANAA), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Biodegradable Packaging Materials (films, trays, foams) (IMAEAOAB)

Keywords

• Bioplastics manufacturing
• Polylactic acid resin
• Biobased polymers
• Sustainable packaging materials
• Compostable plastics

Headquarters

HQ city

Gorinchem

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Luminy® PLA Resin Sales: Core revenue from selling polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic resin pellets in various grades (standard, high-heat, recycled content) to converters, brand owners, and compounders for diverse applications including packaging, 3D printing, fibers, automotive, and durable goods.
2. Recycled PLA (rPLA) Sales: Sales of recycled PLA grades with 20%, 30%, and 100% allocated recycled content, certified by SCS Global Services, supporting carbon-neutral and negative carbon footprint products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

TotalEnergies Corbion manufactures and sells Luminy® PLA, a 100% biobased polylactic acid resin produced from non-GMO sugarcane, available in standard, high-heat, recycled, and specialty grades for packaging, food serviceware, fibers, nonwovens, 3D printing, automotive, and durable goods applications. The company operates a 75,000-ton-per-year production facility in Rayong, Thailand, and complements virgin PLA sales with chemically recycled rPLA (20%, 30%, and 100% recycled content) produced via proprietary hydrolysis depolymerization, enabling closed-loop, food-contact-approved recycling.

Product overview

TotalEnergies Corbion is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion that produces and commercializes Luminy® PLA, a 100% biobased polylactic acid resin made from responsibly sourced sugarcane. The product portfolio centers on the Luminy® PLA brand, which encompasses virgin PLA resin grades (L175, LX575, LX975, L105, L130, LX530, LX930, LX175) designed for various processing techniques including injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, blow molding, and 3D printing. The portfolio extends to recycled PLA (rPLA) grades with 20%, 30%, and 100% recycled content produced through chemical recycling via hydrolysis, and specialized grades such as Luminy® L040 for meltblown nonwovens and EPLA (expanded PLA) for foam applications. These materials serve diverse market segments including rigid and flexible packaging, food serviceware, fibers and nonwovens, 3D printing, durable goods, and automotive applications. The company operates a 75,000 ton per year PLA production facility in Rayong, Thailand, with headquarters in Gorinchem, Netherlands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Luminy® PLA: Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastics product line including virgin PLA, recycled PLA (rPLA) grades with 20%, 30%, and 100% recycled content, and specialized grades for various applications including 3D printing, packaging, fibers, nonwovens, and durable goods.

Products and services

• Luminy® PLA Resin 100% biobased polylactic acid resin made from ethically farmed, non-GMO sugarcane. Available in multiple grades (L175, LX575, LX975, L105, L130, LX530, LX930, LX175) for processing via injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, extrusion, film casting, 3D printing, meltblown, and spunbond. Delivers up to 85% lower carbon footprint than conventional plastics and is industrially compostable (EN 13432) and recyclable. Sold to brand owners, converters, and compounders globally.
• Luminy® rPLA (Recycled PLA) Recycled PLA resin grades with 20%, 30%, or 100% recycled content sourced from post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Produced via proprietary chemical recycling (hydrolysis depolymerization) and certified by SCS Global Services for recycled content. Achieves carbon neutrality at 30% recycled content and negative carbon footprint at 100% recycled content. Food-contact approved for closed-loop applications.
• Luminy® L040 PLA Grade Specially developed high-flow PLA grade for meltblown nonwovens processing with ultra-low viscosity. Enables filtration efficiencies above 95% and fiber diameters as fine as 1 μm without electrostatic additives. Applications include HVAC systems, household and industrial air purifiers, face masks, and air filtration media.
• Luminy® EPLA (Expanded PLA) Foam Expanded PLA foam solution developed with Useon, achieving densities around 25 g/L, more than 99% bio-based, industrially compostable, moisture-resistant, and capable of withstanding heavy loads. Positioned as a low-carbon alternative to conventional EPS foams for protective packaging (white goods, electronics, appliances) and cold-chain packaging (food, healthcare, pharmaceutical).
• Luminy® Rigid Packaging Grades PLA grades (L175, LX575, LX975, L105, L130, LX530) designed for injection molding, thermoforming, and Form-Fill-Seal production lines. Used for rigid food packaging such as fresh food containers, yogurt pots, coffee capsules, clamshells, and blisters, providing transparency, high stiffness, flavor barrier, and grease resistance.
• Luminy® Food Serviceware Grades PLA grades (LX175, LX575, L175, L105, L130, LX530, LX930) for manufacturing disposable cutlery, cups, plates, bowls, straws, trays, and lids. Heat resistant up to 100°C with food contact approvals (EU, FDA, China) and compostability certifications (EN 13432, BPI, TUV OK compost).
• Luminy® Flexible Packaging Grades PLA grades (L175, LX575, LX175, LX975, LX930) for blown film extrusion, bi-oriented extrusion (BOPLA), and cast production. Applications include fresh food films, snack packaging, bread bags, tapes, labels, sleeves, lidding films, and grocery bags, offering stiffness, gloss, printability, and aroma barriers.
• Luminy® Fibers & Nonwovens Grades PLA grades (L130, LX530, LX930, DEV9052) compatible with meltblown, spunbond, carding, and wetlaid nonwoven technologies. Applications include tea bags, medical gowns, PPE, feminine hygiene products, apparel, home textiles, and air filtration media.
• Luminy® PLA Application Development & Collaboration Services Technical collaboration and application development services that support partners through testing, material qualification, processing optimization, and product development for sustainable bioplastic applications. Provided by TotalEnergies Corbion scientists and experts to customers integrating Luminy® PLA into new applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% lower carbon footprint vs conventional plastics (0.29 kg CO₂-eq per kg)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Yuhan-KimberlycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026Multi-year partnership for washable biobased kitchen towels using Luminy PLA L130 combined with PHA and FSC-certified pulp. Product designed to be washed and reused multiple times as alternative to disposable wipes. Luminy PLA solely qualified following extensive development and industrial validation.
• Multi Trade GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 September 2025Distribution partner for Luminy PLA in Middle East region. Partnership aims to drive PLA bioplastics adoption across Saudi Arabia and broader MENA markets through local distribution network.
• UseoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 April 2025Partnership to accelerate industrial adoption of Expanded PLA (EPLA) foam technology. Jointly developed EPLA solution achieving densities around 25 g/l, more than 99% bio-based, industrially compostable, as alternative to EPS foams for protective and cold-chain packaging applications.
• BenvicmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2025Partnership to develop and expand low-carbon Luminy PLA compounds for automotive and electronics applications. Joint development of customized PLA-based compounds meeting specific performance requirements.
• Win Win WatermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2025Partnership introducing 100% plant-based, compostable bottles using Luminy PLA. Joint development of biodegradable bottle solutions for water and beverages.
• NagasecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2024Distribution agreement to expand PLA bioplastics in Japan market. Nagase serves as authorized distributor for Luminy PLA products in Japan.
• Sansu (i'm eco)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2024South Korean bottled water producer developing embossed, label-free PLA water bottles with TotalEnergies Corbion. Post-consumer bottles are chemically recycled via hydrolysis to produce recycled Luminy PLA, establishing closed-loop bottle-to-bottle circularity. The collaboration won Red Dot Design Award 2025, Superior Taste Award 2025, and Monde Selection Grand Gold Prize.
• SulapaccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2024Partnership integrating TotalEnergies Corbion's recycled biodegradable biopolymers (rPLA) into Sulapac's cosmetic packaging material grades. Sulapac collects and delivers waste materials for recycling, closing the loop. Addresses high-end cosmetic customers' requests for recycled content.
• Changsu IndustrialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for BOPLA (biaxially-oriented PLA) films for flexible packaging. BOPLA adhesive tapes developed together cut carbon emissions by over 70%. Collaboration includes SEELCAP ONEGO tamper-evident packaging solution.
• Earth Renewable Technologies (ERT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian company producing PLA bioplastics compounds using Luminy PLA for furniture (Patricia Urquiola's Naturalia collection at Milan Design Week) and sustainable packaging applications including compostable cutlery.
• BioworksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese sustainable textiles innovator using Luminy PLA to manufacture PlaX fabrics with naturally bacteriostatic properties. PLA-based fabrics expand durability, heat resistance, and dyeability in fiber processing.
• Clipper®majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst tea company (since 2018) to make all teabags fully biodegradable using compostable Luminy PLA, helping reduce landfill waste from tea bags.
• TotalEnergies EneosminorOthersSolar panel installation at Rayong Thailand plant through Solar Rooftop, Carport, and Cover Way project with 20-year PPA. Capacity of 1,251 kWp generating ~1.6 GWh annually, avoiding 823 tons CO2 per year.
• SEELCAP/ Sleever®majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for SEELCAP ONEGO tamper-evident packaging using PLA-based materials enabling compostability while meeting technical requirements for brand protection.
• VichemminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Luminy PLA in Vietnam market.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Shenzhen Esun Industrial: Shenzhen Esun is a leading Chinese producer of PLA and PLA-based filaments for 3D printing, as well as biodegradable resin compounds. It overlaps with TotalEnergies Corbion's PLA filament and biodegradable packaging grades in the Asia-Pacific market.
• Danimer Scientific: Danimer Scientific produces Nodax PHA, a biobased and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate used in compostable packaging, food serviceware, and coatings. It is an emerging competitor targeting overlapping applications with TotalEnergies Corbion's compostable PLA offerings.
• Kingfa Sci & Tech: Kingfa is a major Chinese bioplastics and modified plastics producer offering PLA compounds and biodegradable blends. It competes in flexible packaging, food serviceware, and 3D printing, particularly across China and Southeast Asia where TotalEnergies Corbion also serves customers.
• FKuR Kunststoff: FKuR is a German specialty compounder producing biobased and biodegradable plastic compounds based on PLA, PHA, and other biopolymers. It serves comparable rigid and flexible packaging applications, often buying PLA resin from suppliers including TotalEnergies Corbion.

Direct peers

• NatureWorks: NatureWorks is the global market leader in PLA bioplastics with its Ingeo brand, operating a 150,000-ton facility in Nebraska with a Thailand plant under construction. It is the most direct competitor to TotalEnergies Corbion, serving the same packaging, fibers, and 3D printing applications with biobased PLA resin.
• Novamont: Novamont produces Mater-Bi, a family of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics based on starch and other renewable feedstocks. It competes with TotalEnergies Corbion in compostable packaging, food serviceware, and agricultural film applications primarily across European markets.

Broad incumbents

• Wacker Chemie: Wacker produces biobased polymers including PLA-based compounds and biodegradable binders for applications including coatings, cosmetics, and packaging. As a broad specialty chemicals incumbent, it overlaps with TotalEnergies Corbion in PLA-adjacent specialty applications.
• BASF (Ecovio): BASF's Ecovio is a certified compostable bioplastic combining PLA with PBAT and other biodegradable polyesters. As a global chemicals incumbent, BASF competes in flexible packaging and agricultural film while offering a broader portfolio beyond PLA.

Others

• Corbion: Corbion is one of the two parents of TotalEnergies Corbion and the global leader in lactic acid, the key feedstock for PLA. It supplies lactic acid to the JV and is divesting its stake in the joint venture, making it both an enabler and emerging external competitor in the broader bioplastics value chain.
• Sulzer (Chemical Recycling): Sulzer provides process technology and licensing for PLA hydrolysis-based chemical recycling that TotalEnergies Corbion uses for its rPLA. As a technology enabler in the bioplastics recycling space, Sulzer's technology is closely tied to TotalEnergies Corbion's circular PLA offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@LuminyPLAbioplastics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/17886649
• Instagraminstagram.com/luminypla
• Xx.com/TotalCorbionPLA

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TotalEnergies Corbion