TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon Partner to Accelerate Industrial Adoption of PLA Foam Technology
Shangai, China, 20th April 2026 – As industries across packaging and logistics seek materials that combine performance, protection and sustainability, lightweight foams remain essential—particularly for protective and cold-chain applications. The next phase of innovation is focused on developing foam solutions that maintain functional requirements while supporting renewable content and circular end-of-life pathways.
In this context, TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon are advancing the industrial adoption of expanded PLA (EPLA) as a compostable alternative to conventional EPS foams.
The two companies signed a partnership agreement last year, ahead of Chinaplas, with a shared objective: to translate PLA foam technology from development to robust, scalable industrial solutions. Since then, the partners have worked closely to develop a Luminy® PLA-based foam solution designed to meet the performance expectations of protective packaging applications.
A PLA foam designed for performance and sustainability
The resulting expanded PLA (EPLA) solution demonstrates properties comparable to EPS while offering clear sustainability benefits. The material can achieve low densities around 25 g/l, a standard requirement for protective packaging, while remaining lightweight and mechanically resilient.
EPLA is:
- More than 99% bio‑based, made from GMO‑free sugarcane
- Industrially compostable, with no persistent microplastics
- Moisture‑resistant, ensuring dimensional stability
- Capable of withstanding heavy loads, offering robust protection compared to cardboard‑based solutions
To illustrate the technology’s potential, TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon have jointly developed perfume box prototypes, demonstrating how expanded PLA can be used for both protective and premium packaging applications.
Opening new application opportunities
The targeted end‑use applications extend beyond cosmetics packaging and include protective packaging for white goods, electronics, and appliances, as well as cold‑chain packaging for the food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. These sectors require materials that deliver consistent insulation and protection while supporting evolving sustainability strategies.
By combining Luminy® PLA materials expertise with Useon’s leadership in foam extrusion technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate the market readiness of PLA foams and support their broader adoption at industrial scale.
Useon will present its foam extrusion expertise and PLA foam solutions at booth 6.1B46.
