Sulzer has been awarded by Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material to supply technology and key equipment for its polylactic acid (PLA) production facility in Jiangsu Province, China. The facility will have a production capacity of 30,000 tpy.

The plant will be able to produce a large portfolio of PLA grades serving a broad range of end-use applications from food packaging to kitchen utensils or toys. Replacing traditional plastics with non-fossil based plastics directly contributes to an improved carbon footprint.

The versatility of Sulzer’s PLA technology allows the production of a large range of molecular weights and stereoisomer ratios, while meeting product high-quality standards.

To meet Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material’s requirements, Sulzer Chemtech will design and provide its lactide purification, polymerization, devolatilization and post-reaction proprietary technologies. The licensing agreement framework also includes extensive service support from engineering to technical assistance and field services.

"This new facility will allow us to enter the fast-growing bioplastic market," said Zhang JianGang, President of Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material. "We consider Sulzer an extremely valuable partner in this project. The company’s comprehensive technical services and cutting-edge production technologies for PLA will help us to effectively produce sustainable plastics and meet our customers’ strategic demands."

"We are excited to support Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material in their flagship project," said Torsten Wintergerste, Division President of Sulzer Chemtech. "Our PLA technologies are currently used in most PLA facilities worldwide. We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting customers with monomer purification and polymer production units that are helping advance the sustainable and circular plastics sector."