Industrial Biotechnology player Praj Industries Limited (PIL), a global leader in industrial biotechnology solutions and thyssenkrupp Uhde’s polymer specialists Uhde Inventa-Fischer (UIF), a subsidiary of the global leader in chemical engineering and construction, announced a strategic partnership to jointly offer an end-to-end integrated technology for the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA). This strategic partnership offers a unique, seamless solution that sets them apart in bioplastics.

PIL and UIF are leveraging their combined expertise in industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering to enhance PLA technology, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable production process.

The indiscriminate use of fossil-based plastics and the often irresponsible disposal, especially of single-use plastics, call for urgent, innovative, and sustainable solutions. Polylactic acid (PLA), as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, holds significant potential in advancing a circular bioeconomy. 

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, commented, “Praj’s Bioprism portfolio for renewable chemicals and materials, with a focus on bioplastics, underscores our commitment to a sustainable future. Our strategic partnership with Uhde marks a significant step toward driving the global shift to a circular economy through cost-effective biomanufacturing and biorefineries. With our proprietary, award-winning PLANERATM technology and this collaboration, we aim to tackle the challenges of fossil-based plastics and deliver innovative, bio-based solutions for a greener planet.”

Praj has further strengthened its efforts by establishing a Centre of Excellence and Innovation for Biopolymers in collaboration with ICT Mumbai, focusing on the characterization, processing, and application development of biopolymers. Additionally, it inaugurated India’s first 'Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers' near Pune, producing lactic acid and lactide to support testing, validation, and the growing demand for sustainable biopolymer solutions.

Nadja Håkansson, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde commented on this partnership, “We see a perfect match of two world-leading technologies: Uhde’s PLAneo process can now be offered as an integrated solution with Praj Industries’ lactic acid production. Together, we can design and deliver complete PLA plants. Our joint vision is a competitive solution to replace conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives.”

The partnership will be able to offer an end-to-end integrated technology, covering the entire PLA production process from feedstock conversion to polymer production. Different grades of lactic acid can be produced from this technology which find applications in food and industrial sectors. A broad range of PLA grades can be produced, addressing the diverse requirements of various industries such as packaging, textiles, and hygiene supplies. Both companies have a strong global presence, enabling them to deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide and adapt to practically any agricultural feedstock containing either starch or sugar, including second-generation feedstocks based on non-food raw materials.