Total Corbion PLA has released its whitepaper outlining its position on the preferred end-of-life options for PLA bioplastics. The whitepaper also clarifies where PLA products and applications can significantly contribute towards the circular economy.
Total Corbion PLA
Total Corbion outlines most favourable end-of-life options for PLA bioplastics
François de Bie, Senior Marketing & Supply Chain Director at Total Corbion PLA, said: “While the benefits of bioplastics have been known for a while, there are still questions throughout the supply chain on how best to dispose of them after use. This position paper is intended for all interested parties throughout the value chain in order inform not only on the best disposal routes for PLA bioplastics, but also to guide how best to design new products for optimal end-of-life solutions.”
The EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) defines a five-step waste hierarchy ranking the treatments of waste based on their ability to conserve resources. Floris Buijzen, Senior Product Market Manager at Total Corbion PLA, added: “The ultimate goal is to avoid plastics entering the environment and PLA bioplastics can play a vital and important role in achieving that goal.”
The whitepaper states Total Corbion PLA’s position that mechanical and chemical recycling should become viable, economically feasible and commonly used end-of-life solutions for PLA-based products. Prime examples include trays, bottles and drinking cups. Total Corbion PLA uses this paper as a platform to pose the open invitation for parties throughout the recycling value chain to collaborate together to close the loop for PLA recycling.