TotalEnergies Corbion, a global leader in bioplastics innovation, today announced a strategic distribution agreement with Multi Trade Group, appointing the company as its main distribution partner for Luminy® PLA in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East.
Luminy® PLA (polylactic acid) combines the strength and durability required for reusable applications with sustainable end-of-life options for disposable products. Unlike conventional plastics that persist in the environment, Luminy® PLA can be reused, mechanically and chemically recycled, or industrially composted – where it breaks down faster than banana or orange peels.
The Luminy® portfolio includes high-heat, standard, and low-heat grades, as well as PDLA for stereocomplex compounds. This versatility makes it suitable for packaging, food service ware, textiles, 3D printing, and durable consumer goods. The partnership also covers recycled Luminy® PLA with 30% or 100% content allocation. Life cycle analysis confirms Luminy® PLA’s outstanding sustainability profile:
- Virgin Luminy® PLA has a cradle-to-gate footprint of 0.29 kg CO₂-eq per kg—an 85% reduction compared to conventional plastics.
- Incorporating 30% recycled content delivers carbon neutrality (0.01 kg CO₂-eq per kg).
- 100% recycled Luminy® PLA achieves a footprint of -0.65 kg CO₂-eq per kg, effectively a negative carbon footprint.
By leveraging Multi Trade Group’s market presence and expertise, the partnership will expand access to Luminy® PLA for converters, compounders, and brand owners across the region. It also supports government and industry commitments to reduce emissions, diversify material sourcing, and advance circular economy goals.
“As a company, we are committed to delivering sustainability, recyclability, and solutions that reduce our carbon footprint and waste impact,” said Asif Iftekhar, CEO of Multi Trade Group. “This partnership with TotalEnergies Corbion reflects our mission and our responsibility to help build a sustainable future. Today’s signing ceremony at our headquarters in Sharjah marks an important step forward for the region’s polymer industry.”
“Multi Trade Group’s local expertise and market reach make them an ideal partner to expand Luminy® PLA in the Middle East,” added Derek Atkinson, Vice President of Sales at TotalEnergies Corbion. “Together, we can help customers reduce environmental impact, achieve ambitious sustainability goals, and accelerate the shift toward a regenerative circular economy.”
TotalEnergies Corbion operates a 75,000 tons-per-year PLA production facility in Rayong, Thailand, and is a pioneer in chemical recycling of PLA through hydrolysis depolymerization, producing recycled PLA (rPLA) with identical food-contact approval and performance as virgin material.
With governments across the Middle East prioritizing sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional plastics, this agreement positions Luminy® PLA as a scalable, high-performance alternative for industries seeking to balance functionality with responsibility.