Filter manufacturers can now achieve high performance filtration using a biobased material on existing meltblown production lines
As pressure mounts on manufacturers to reduce emissions while maintaining product performance, TotalEnergies Corbion has launched a commercially available renewable-material alternative for high-performance air filtration. The company’s new Luminy® L040 grade enables filtration manufacturers to achieve filtration efficiencies above 95% using existing meltblown production equipment, helping reduce the environmental footprint of products used in HVAC systems, air purifiers, industrial filtration and face masks.
Specially designed for meltblown processing, Luminy® L040 is an ultra-low viscosity PLA grade, enabling the production of ultra-fine fibers with diameters down to ≤1µm on existing meltblown production lines without the need for major equipment modifications or degrading agents. In addition, the material exhibits stable electrostatic charge retention, a critical characteristic for maintaining high filtration efficiency over time. With a carbon footprint more than 80% lower than PP, the launch represents an important step toward defossilizing nonwoven filtration materials.
The commercial launch follows the publication of independent research by the University of Michigan demonstrating that PLA-based meltblown media can deliver filtration performance comparable to conventional polypropylene (PP) based materials while offering a more sustainable alternative for the filtration industry.
With governments, building operators and consumer brands increasingly seeking ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions, material selection is becoming an important factor in filtration product design. Made from 100% annually renewable feedstocks, Luminy® L040 allows manufacturers to lower the carbon footprint while maintaining the performance standards required for demanding filtration applications.
The global air filtration market is expanding rapidly, driven by tighter indoor air quality standards, urban air pollution concerns and growing demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems. As manufacturers seek to improve the environmental profile of filtration products, interest in renewable and lower-carbon footprint materials continues to grow.
“During the early-access program, industrial partners including Hansae, successfully processed Luminy® L040 on commercial meltblown lines, demonstrating stable production, ultra-fine fiber formation and filtration efficiencies exceeding 95%” said Bert Clymans, EMEA Sr. Business Development & Nonwovens Market Segment Leader at TotalEnergies Corbion. He added: “Manufacturers no longer need to choose between filtration performance and sustainability. Luminy L040’s specificities include ultra-low viscosity and an intrinsic ability to become electrostatically charged, helped to achieve high filtration quality factors and hence performance without the requirement of electrostatic or degrading additives.”
Luminy® L040 is among the first commercially available PLA grades specifically engineered for meltblown air filtration applications. Beyond air filtration applications, this grade is also suitable for other meltblown applications, including water filtration media, wipes and applications requiring lower viscosity and enhanced processability.
Luminy® L040 is globally commercially available starting today, TotalEnergies Corbion expects Luminy® L040 to accelerate adoption of renewable materials, helping manufacturers meet both performance requirements and sustainability objectives without major capital investment.
Download Luminy® L040 Product Data Sheet
Download Luminy® L040 leaflet
