Green news: TotalEnergies Corbion/Benvic partner on PLA for auto/electronics sectors; Versalis to start recycled polymer production plant in Italy

Polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics supplier TotalEnergies Corbion and thermoplastics compounder Benvic are collaborating to drive the adoption of Luminy PLA-based compounds. This collaboration will expand the use of plant-based solutions in durable applications such as automotive, healthcare and medical, cosmetics packaging, appliances, and electric & electronics.

Through this partnership, Benvic's Plantura portfolio, which incorporates TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy PLA, offers biobased alternatives. These solutions provide sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics such as ABS, PS and PP compounds. By compounding Luminy PLA with other biobased materials, the collaboration enhances the functionality and performance of PLA, supporting the global transition to eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

By working together on product optimisation and customer engagement, the two companies aim to position PLA compounds as scalable solutions for durable goods OEMs and brand-owners, particularly in automotive and electronics.

“Benvic has managed a continuous focus in terms of engineering and production capabilities on Plantura because we believe in a biobased future,” said Eric Grange, Marketing Director at Benvic.

In other news, Versalis, Eni’s chemical company, has announced the opening of a new plant in Porto Marghera, Italy, for the production of plastics made wholly or partially from mechanically recycled raw materials. The facility has a production capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes/year of crystal polystyrene (r-GPPS) and expandable polystyrene (r-EPS), using secondary raw materials (SRM) obtained from the recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste.

The materials produced at the new plant are part of the Versalis Revive range, dedicated to mechanically recycled products, and contain between 35% and 100% post-consumer recycled plastics. These materials are primarily intended for the packaging and construction sectors, extending to thermal insulation panels for buildings and protective packaging for household appliances.

This project not only provides a concrete response to the structural crisis affecting the European chemical industry, but also strengthens Versalis’ product portfolio, enhancing its market competitiveness, the firm adds.

The site’s strategic location, and proximity to Versalis facilities in Mantua, Ferrara and Ravenna, further supports the supply chain with efficient logistics for both raw materials and finished products.

“The new plant in Porto Marghera is a first step towards the conversion of Venice’s petrochemical hub, in line with the transformation and relaunch plan for Versalis, which was recently signed at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy”, said Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis. “In Porto Marghera, we plan to invest in the expansion of our mechanical plastics recycling platform and to consolidate and enhance the logistics hub, including the cryogenic storage facility for ethylene.”

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