Thomas Philipon is the CEO of TotalEnergies Corbion
TotalEnergies Corbion, the only company globally commercializing chemically recycled PLA (rPLA), will showcase its pioneering approach to sustainable plastics at The Economist Sustainability Week 2025 in London. With the Global Plastics Treaty set to redefine plastic production and waste management, TotalEnergies Corbion’s leadership in recycling PLA at scale is demonstrating how businesses can meet new regulatory demands while maintaining sustainability certifications, including food-contact approval.
As the only commercial recycler of PLA, TotalEnergies Corbion offers rPLA in 30% and 100% recycled grades, using its low-energy hydrolysis process at its Rayong, Thailand facility. This approach presents a viable alternative to conventional plastic recycling, minimizing carbon footprints and ensuring that PLA remains fully circular. The Global Plastics Treaty will drive the shift towards sustainable materials, and TotalEnergies Corbion is positioning PLA as a key enabler in the circular economy.
Speaking at The Economist Sustainability Week 2025, Tech for Change track, on March 11th, 3pm, CEO Thomas Philipon will discuss the role of bioplastics, PLA in parrticular, in meeting the treaty’s objectives. "The Global Plastics Treaty represents a turning point for the industry, requiring innovative solutions that support circularity," said Philipon. "TotalEnergies Corbion is committed to enabling businesses to transition from fossil-based plastics to fully recyclable, biobased and industrial compostable alternatives, ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations while reducing plastic pollution. Our goal is to lead by example, demonstrating that recycling PLA at scale is not only possible but commercially viable and essential for a circular economy."
TotalEnergies Corbion continues to advocate for policy recognition of PLA as a fully circular solution, aligning with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and global sustainability targets. For further details, visit: https://events.economist.com