LG Chemical cooperates with German biotechnology company to produce PLA from lignocellulose
Recently, German biotechnology company BluCon Biotech and chemical giant LG Chem have reached a new investment agreement. According to the agreement, both parties will cooperate to expand and commercialize BluCon's patented technology for producing high purity L-lactic acid. For LG Chemical, this investment will support and complement its bioeconomic product portfolio, which includes next-generation materials such as PLAs and polybutylene adipate co terephthalates (PBATs).
BluCon is a new process for converting non food lignocellulosic materials into lactic acid. The technical route developed by BluCon includes directly fermenting lignocellulosic materials into lactic acid, thereby reducing production costs and making it possible to produce PLA. The price of PLA can compete with fossil based plastics. Lactic acid is a precursor of biodegradable PLA.
Dr. Albrecht l ü fer, co founder and co CEO of BluCon Biotech, explained that the company uses proprietary bacteria to digest lignocellulosic biomass and produce lactic acid in a bioreactor, which is an efficient and cost-effective technology and the world's first.
BluCon plans to adjust its process to convert other raw materials such as wheat straw into bioplastics. Other alternatives include corn straw, bagasse, cotton stalks, starch, and algae. In addition, the company plans to license its technology to investors, the chemical and biotechnology industries, and large producers of raw materials and bioplastics.
