Green news: Emirates Biotech/Sulzer advance on PLA facility in UAE; Borealis invests EUR100 mn in recyclable PP solutions in Germany

Dubai-based Emirates Biotech recently signed a supply contract with Sulzer to provide the proprietary equipment for the world-scale polylactic acid (PLA) production facility being built in UAE. Construction of the US$90 million project is expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the plant operational by early 2028. It is touted as the largest PLA production facility in the world and will be constructed in two phases, each with an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, resulting in a total production capacity of 160,000 tonnes/year.

This milestone follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024. Including this latest contract, and confirms Emirates Biotech’s transition from early planning to active project execution for the project named Falcon PLA Project. Sulzer will manufacture and supply the essential proprietary equipment for the integrated PLA production process from lactic acid, which includes lactide formation, purification and polymerization technology.

Sulzer, a global leader in separation and polymerisation technologies, will deliver a full suite of proprietary equipment designed to maximise output, minimise energy use, and support Emirates Biotech’s goal of providing renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics at industrial scale.

Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech, added: “We are proud to further advance our ongoing collaboration with Emirates Biotech on this pioneering project. Sulzer’s proven PLA technology was selected to enable reliable, efficient production while contributing to global efforts to decarbonise material supply chains. This project represents the kind of bold, solutions-driven investment that can make a real difference.”

Samsung E&A will serve as the contractor for the PLA facility, integrating Sulzer’s proprietary equipment within the wider plant infrastructure, including utilities, storage facilities and other site.

In other news, Austrian polymers firm Borealis continues to invest in sustainable solutions with its facility in Burghausen, Germany, expanding production capacity for an Daploy high melt strength polypropylene (HMS PP) polymer foam solution. The EUR100 million new line is scheduled to start up in the second half of 2026, and will triple Borealis’ supply capability for fully recyclable HMS PP.

The materials are targeted for customers in the consumer products, automotive, and building and construction industries.

The development of Daploy HMS PP took place at Borealis’ Innovation Headquarters in Linz. The new product boasts foamability, lightweight properties, and mechanical strength to help cut both costs and CO2 emissions. It is suitable for use in monomaterial solutions, which are easily recyclable at end of life.

The properties of Daploy HMS PP make it ideal for a wide range of consumer products applications, such as reusable coffee cups and food packaging. As a lightweight, recyclable material that supports reuse, it helps packaging producers meet the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

In the automotive industry, Daploy is used for ultra-lightweight foamed interior and under-the-hood components. Typically 60-90% lighter than non-foamed alternatives, these components help improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It also enables zero-waste production as all production trim-offs can be easily recycled. In addition, Daploy makes it possible for these parts to be constructed from a single material, facilitating recycling at the end of the vehicle’s life.

In the building and construction sector, Daploy HMS PP is used to replace heavier materials in insulation and panelling applications. Its durability, strength, and heat resistance ensure excellent performance, while its lightweight properties and recyclability improve the sustainability of these components.

Visitors to the K2025, to be held from 8-15 October, will have the opportunity to explore a range of Daploy HMS PP solutions at the Borealis and Borouge stand Hall 6, Stand A43.

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