TotalEnergies Corbion, a global leader in bioplastics innovation, has announced a strategic partnership with Multi Trade Group, appointing the company as its exclusive distribution partner for Luminy® PLA in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East region.
Luminy® PLA (polylactic acid) offers exceptional strength and durability for reusable products while supporting sustainable end-of-life solutions for disposable applications. Unlike conventional plastics, which persist in the environment, Luminy® PLA can be reused, mechanically and chemically recycled, or industrially composted, breaking down faster than everyday organic waste such as banana or orange peels.
The Luminy® portfolio consists of high-heat, standard, and low-heat grades, alongside PDLA for stereocomplex compounds, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. These include packaging, food service ware, textiles, 3D printing, and durable consumer goods. The agreement also covers recycled Luminy® PLA, available in 30% and 100% content allocations. Life cycle analysis confirms the material’s outstanding sustainability performance:
• Virgin Luminy® PLA achieves a cradle-to-gate footprint of 0.29 kg CO₂-eq per kg, reducing emissions by 85% compared to traditional plastics.
• Luminy® PLA with 30% recycled content reaches near carbon neutrality at 0.01 kg CO₂-eq per kg.
• 100% recycled Luminy® PLA achieves a negative carbon footprint at -0.65 kg CO₂-eq per kg.
By leveraging Multi Trade Group’s extensive market presence, the partnership aims to broaden access to Luminy® PLA for converters, compounders, and brand owners throughout the Middle East. It also aligns with government and industry objectives to reduce emissions, diversify material sources, and accelerate circular economy initiatives.
“As a company, we are committed to delivering sustainability, recyclability, and solutions that reduce our carbon footprint and waste impact,” said Asif Iftekhar, CEO of Multi Trade Group. “This partnership with TotalEnergies Corbion reflects our mission and our responsibility to help build a sustainable future. Today’s signing ceremony at our headquarters in Sharjah marks an important step forward for the region’s polymer industry.”
“Multi Trade Group’s local expertise and market reach make them an ideal partner to expand Luminy® PLA in the Middle East,” added Derek Atkinson, Vice President of Sales at TotalEnergies Corbion. “Together, we can help customers reduce environmental impact, achieve ambitious sustainability goals, and accelerate the shift toward a regenerative circular economy.”
TotalEnergies Corbion operates a 75,000-tonne-per-year PLA production facility in Rayong, Thailand, and is a pioneer in chemical recycling of PLA using hydrolysis depolymerisation. This innovative process produces recycled PLA (rPLA) with performance and food-contact approval identical to virgin materials.
As governments across the Middle East continue to prioritise sustainability and reduce reliance on conventional plastics, this collaboration positions Luminy® PLA as a scalable, high-performance alternative for industries balancing functionality with environmental responsibility.
