The world's first! Preparation of PLA from lignocellulose
Recently, German biotechnology company BluCon Biotech and chemical giant LG Chem 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. Lactic acid is the precursor of biodegradable PLA. For LG Chemical, this investment will support and supplement its bioeconomic product portfolio, which includes new generation materials such as PLA and PBATs.
The two companies have agreed to jointly develop a new process for BluCon to convert non-food lignocellulose raw materials into lactic acid. In order to supplement the deficiencies of LG Chemical, BluCon developed a technical route including direct fermentation of lignocellulosic raw materials into lactic acid, thus reducing production costs and making the production of PLA possible. The price of PLA can compete with fossil-based plastics.
BluCon Biotech was founded in 2017. Dr. Albrecht l ü fer, co-founder and co-CEO, explained that the company uses proprietary bacteria to digest lignocellulosic biomass in a bioreactor and produce lactic acid, which is an efficient and cost-effective technology and is also the world's first.
"This will lead to a commercially viable method that can produce lactic acid at a lower cost than traditional methods, making bio-based plastics competitive with fossil-based plastics," he said. The company is currently undergoing trial operation.
The flexibility of the technology platform means that it can also be used to produce other biological products, such as ethanol or succinic acid.
The use of non-food raw materials from agricultural residues and pulp and paper industry waste streams eliminates any potential competition with the food chain. In addition, it also helps to protect the environment by reducing the pollution generated by burning straw or bagasse.
BluCon has also received funding from the German Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection to expand its proprietary fermentation technology.
"We are proud to win the investment and support of LG Chemical, one of the major chemical companies in the world, which has made a clear commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050," said Markus Fehr, co-founder and co-CEO.
BluCon plans to adjust its process to convert wheat straw and other raw materials into bioplastics. Other alternatives include corn stalk, bagasse, cotton stalk, starch and algae. The company plans to license its technology to investors, chemical and biotechnology industries and large raw materials and bioplastics producers, and generate revenue through milestones, royalties and service fees. These factories are likely to be located in areas with sufficient supply of raw materials, which may bring development to remote rural areas around the world.
