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
Lactic Acid
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.