thyssenkrupp Uhde’s subsidiary Uhde Inventa-Fischer (UIF) and Praj Industries Ltd have announced a strategic partnership to develop an integrated technology for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic derived from renewable resources. The collaboration will combine UIF’s PLAneo® process with Praj’s PLANERA™ and lactic acid technologies, enabling end-to-end production capabilities from feedstock conversion to polymer manufacturing.
The joint technology will support the production of various grades of lactic acid and PLA, targeting applications in packaging, textiles, hygiene products, and other industrial uses. The integrated solution can process multiple types of agricultural feedstock, including starch- and sugar-based raw materials as well as non-food second-generation feedstocks.
Praj has inaugurated a demonstration facility near Pune to produce lactic acid and lactide, which will serve as a testing and validation platform for the new integrated offering. This facility is expected to play a key role in commercializing the technology and showcasing its industrial feasibility.
“Our joint vision is a competitive solution to replace conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives,” said Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde.
“Praj’s Bioprism® portfolio for renewable chemicals and materials, with a focus on bioplastics, underscores our commitment to a sustainable future,” said Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries.
Praj Industries Limited, based in India, specializes in industrial biotechnology solutions for renewable chemicals and materials, with a portfolio that includes bio-energy, critical process equipment, and water systems. The company operates across more than 100 countries.
thyssenkrupp Uhde, headquartered in Germany, provides engineering, procurement, construction, and services for chemical plants, with technologies focused on polymers, base chemicals, fertilizers, green hydrogen, and sustainable chemicals.