What we do

What is polylactic acid (PLA)

  • Polylactic acid is a highly sustainable biopolymer that is 100% biodegradable, 100% recyclable and made from 100% renewable sources.
  • PLA is manufactured through the fermentation of plant biomass with a high starch content.
  • The resulting material is suitable for conventional plastic forming processes, like injection moulding, and can therefore be used across multiple sectors and industries.
  • PLA biopolymers are recyclable and compostable. They contribute to the circular economy and their end of life has no impact on the environment, even improving soil quality as it decomposes.

PLA manufacturing process

From biomass to biodegradable polymers, we derive multiple products along our multi-stage manufacturing process:
Biomass
Fermentation
OHOOH
Lactic Acid
PLA
Polylactic Acid

Upstream Products

  • Animal nutrition
  • Human Nutrition
  • Agriculture
  • Construction

Manufacturing processes & consumer articles

Key processes to manufacture consumer articles from PLA:

Extrusion

Product examples:
  • Drinking straws
  • 3D printing filament

Injection Moulding

Product examples:
  • Bottles
  • Rigid containers

Thermoforming

Product examples:
  • Beverage cups
  • Takeout trays
  • Fast food boxes
  • Plates
  • Cutlery

Film Blowing

Product examples:
  • Bags
  • Lidding film
  • Flow wrappers

Fibres

Product examples:
  • Fabric
  • Infusion

Non-wovens

Product examples:
  • Wipes
  • Diapers

Upstream products in high demand

Our organic upstream products support the National Food Security Strategy* and sustainable construction in numerous ways.

Agriculture

Natural highly-effective fertilizer
  • Contains many micro & macro elements & organic substances.
  • Can be used for most plant species.
  • Suitable for all types of soils.

Construction

Widespread construction material
  • Used in the production of surface-finishing materials & self-levelling compounds.

Human nutrition

High-quality edible corn oil
  • Liquid oil for baking & frying.
  • Can be used in diet margarine.

Animal nutrition

Natural protein vegetable products
  • Excellent nutritional properties & high calorie content.
  • High content of essential amino acids, vitamins, micro & macro elements.
  • Additive in animal feedstuff.
* UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 report.

The advantages of PLA biopolymer:

1

Bio-compatible

Non-toxic to humans, decomposes into harmless lactic acid.
2

Low-energy production

Requires less energy to produce than fossil-based products.
3

Mechanical properties

Good strength & stiffness at room temperature, durability compatible with conventional plastics.
4

Food

Non-toxic; recognised as safe by the FDA.
5

Compostable

Biodegradable under international standards.
6

Low emissions

Doesn't emit toxic fumes when incinerated.
7

Thermoplastic

Multiple technologies to process.
8

Carbon neutral

Supporting international net zero targets.
9

Circular economy

100% renewable & recyclable.

How does GBI approach the market?

  • We are experts in the manufacture of PLA for consumer packaging, textiles, construction and other industrial sectors.
  • We guarantee best-in-class product performance for markets that are desperately short of PLA to fulfil their biopolymer requirements.
  • We actively support our clients’ and their customers’ environmental agendas.
  • We understand regulatory landscapes and can offer consultancy and thought leadership in recycling as well as advanced biopolymer technology.
  • We support the national food security programs of the countries in which we operate by supplying components for human nutrition, animal nutrition, fertiliser, and other products in local demand.