Biodegradable Materials Research Institute reported that on May 24, Swiss fluid engineering giant Sulzer (Sulzer) signed a bio-based plastic production agreement with China Jindan New Biomaterials Co., Ltd. To realize the production of bio-based plastic polylactic acid (PLA).
Jindan will use Sulzer's licensed PLA technology at its new manufacturing facility in Henan province to produce up to 75,000 tonnes of PLA per year, mainly for food packaging , molded articles and fiber production. Sulzer will also provide extensive service support to ensure a seamless start-up.
Jindan Technology once disclosed in the "Prospectus for the Issuance of Convertible Corporate Bonds to Unspecified Objects (Preliminary Draft)" on March 10, 2023 that at present, the company has a "two-step method" to produce the front-end process of polylactic acid "lactic acid- "Lactide" core technology and industrialization capabilities have realized the industrial production and sales of lactide products, and carried out technical research and development and accumulation of post-production processes. The technical threshold of "lactide-polylactic acid" in the back-end process of polylactic acid is relatively low. At present, many manufacturers provide relevant mature process packages to the outside world. In order to seize the opportunity of industry development and promote the mass production of polylactic acid products as soon as possible, the company has cooperated Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, an internationally renowned manufacturer in the field of fluid engineering and equipment, signed a formal contract for the introduction of polylactic acid back-end process packages. Subsequent force majeure such as the economic environment, industry development status, and the other party's operating conditions will cause the contract to be delayed or impossible to execute, which may lead to a delay in the implementation progress of this fundraising project.
Enabling the transition to sustainable circular practices
Jindan's new bioplastics plant will produce various grades of PLA to support the expanded use of bioplastics in several industries in China, including textile and packaging manufacturing. To enable the company's transition to more sustainable circular practices, Sulzer Chemicals will design and supply its key proprietary PLA technology, while further providing extensive engineering and technical support and on-site services when the manufacturer begins operations.
Suzanne Thoma, Executive Chairman of Sulzer, said: "Our technology is now used in the vast majority of existing PLA facilities worldwide, supporting greater adoption of circular manufacturing practices and sustainable materials. We are delighted to be partnering with Gold Dan Bio new materials to meet the growing demand for bioplastics market."
Shi Congliang, President of Jindan Bio, said: "By investing in Sulzer's PLA solutions, we are taking a key strategic step to enhance our competitiveness in the booming biopolymer industry and promote the use of more environmentally friendly plastics. Sulzer ChemTech is a very valuable partner due to its comprehensive expertise in the PLA value chain and all related stages. We look forward to installing the equipment and launching our enhanced operations.”