TotalEnergies Corbion (TEC), a global leader in the marketing, sales, and production of poly lactic acid (PLA), has signed an agreement with Nagase & Co for distribution of Luminy brand PLA bioplastics in Japan. Although it was not immediately clear whether TEC’s distribution rights of Luminy brand PLA bioplastics are exclusive to Nagase & Co in Japan, the use of environmentally friendly bioplastics would help Japan increase the use of degradable raw materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2050.

Under the partnership, Nagase & Co proposes to expand sales of Luminy PLA in the Japanese market, which will eventually reduce carbon emissions and minimize waste. At the 26th Cooperation of Partnership (COP26) meeting in 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, Japan pledged to adopt new technologies to reduce carbon emissions and carbon neutrality by 2050. Tokyo is currently using coal as a fossil fuel to generate a substantial volume of electricity, which the country vows to reduce gradually in phases. The wider distribution of Luminy PLA is expected to prompt manufacturers of plastic packaging films to reduce waste and cut emissions proportionately.

Further, in addition to expanding sales of Luminy PLA in the Japanese market, Nagase and TEC will collaborate on research and development to evaluate and enhance material properties to develop new applications that meet customer needs. Through this strategic collaboration, both companies aim to reduce environmental impact by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a world based on a sustainable, circular and regenerative economy.