TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon Partner to Accelerate
Industrial Adoption of PLA Foam Technology
Shanghai, 15th April 2025 – TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon have announced a
strategic partnership to advance the development and global commercialization
of EPLA molded products — a new generation of sustainable, high-performance
foam materials made from Luminy® PLA bioplastics.
EPLA (Expanded PLA) is a plant-based, industrially compostable material designed
for packaging, thermal protection, and other molded applications. Developed
using Useon’s direct bead foaming technology and TotalEnergies Corbion’s
Luminy® PLA, EPLA adds a circular solution to the EPS foams market.
Hao Ding, Global Marketing Director of TotalEnergies Corbion, which produces
Luminy® PLA, said: “Useon’s technical leadership in foam extrusion, combined with
the performance and sustainability of Luminy® PLA, offers the market a new
product range (EPLA) that testifies to the power of collaboration in delivering
reduced carbon footprint solutions without compromising functionality and
quality.”
EPLA foam products are lightweight, protective, and durable — making them
suitable for packaging, food service, and cold-chain applications. EPLA breaks
down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under industrial composting
conditions.
“With EPLA, businesses now have access to a foam material that performs well and
also aligns with growing regulatory and consumer demand for circular, climate-
responsible alternatives” said Mr. Chen Zhiqiang, CEO of Useon. He continued,
“We are excited to team up with TotalEnergies Corbion and drive the adoption of
molded PLA foam at scale. The combination of direct bead foaming and high-
quality bioplastics enables sustainable innovation across the packaging industry
and beyond. Together, we are redefining what’s possible in foam applications.”
As part of the agreement, both companies will promote EPLA technology globally,
share application developments and market insights, and collaborate on new
product innovation. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating
the transition toward renewable materials and circular business models.
The collaboration will be highlighted at Chinaplas 2025, where Useon and
TotalEnergies Corbion will showcase EPLA foam. Visitors to Useon’s booth
(5D41) will see real-world demonstrations of EPLA molded foam using direct bead
foaming.
END PRESS RELEASE
For more information please contact:
Rui Veras, Marketing Communications Manager
M +31 629 055 522
E rui.veras@totalenergies-corbion.com
About TotalEnergies Corbion
TotalEnergies Corbion is a global leader in the production of Polylactic Acid, better known as Luminy® PLA. The
biobased nature and composability of our PLA means that it has a lower carbon footprint while also contributing to the
circular economy through mechanical and chemical recycling. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the 50/50 joint venture
between TotalEnergies Corbion operates a cutting-edge PLA facility in Rayong, Thailand. Through the application of PLA
across various sectors and collaboration throughout the value chain, TotalEnergies Corbion drives widespread adoption of
bioplastics, envisioning a future where it revolutionizes industries and nurtures a healthier planet.
Website: https://www.totalenergies-corbion.com/
About USEON
Useon is a leading supplier of polymer extrusion equipment and process technologies, driven by innovation. It holds a
dominant position in the field of commercial foam extrusion production lines and has consistently pioneered advancements
in sustainable extrusion technologies. Over the past decades, its initiatives have made significant contributions to reducing
the use of ozone - depleting blowing agents (ODP) and those with high global warming potential (GWP) in polymer foam
extrusion worldwide. Useon is committed to advancing the sustainable processing of plastics, continuously striving to make
the polymer extrusion industry operate in more sustainable ways. Website: www.useon.com
Luminy® EPLA molded foam by USEON. Zhiqiang Chen and Hao Ding sign agreement between Useon and
TotalEnergies Corbion
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