Foamed PLA offers sustainable alternative to EPS

Iranpolymer/Baspar EPLA (Expanded PLA), a plant-based, industrially compostable material designed for packaging, thermal protection, and other moulded applications, can easily replace EPS, say partners Totalenergies Corbion and Useon. The two companies have teamed up in a strategic partnership to speed up the development and worldwide launch of EPLA moulded products. Developed using Useon’s direct bead foaming technology and TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy PLA, EPLA adds a circular solution to the EPS foams market.
Expanded Polylactide (EPLA) is a foamable material created from polylactic acid, which is sourced from starch materials derived from biological resources like sugarcane and straw. The production process begins with converting starch into glucose via saccharification. This glucose is then fermented using specific microorganisms to obtain high-purity lactic acid. This lactic acid undergoes chemical synthesis to form polylactic acid with a specific molecular weight, which is subsequently foamed to produce EPLA. Useon holds multiple patents for this technology, including for bead production lines, raw material formulations, and steampackaging and obtained DIN CERTCO industrial compostable certification for its EPLA  in September last year.

Hao Ding, Global Marketing Director at TotalEnergies Corbion, said that the collaboration, which leverages Useon’s expertise in foam extrusion and the sustainable benefits 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 known for being lightweight, protective, and durable, making them ideal for packaging, food service, and cold-chain solutions. They decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in industrial composting settings. CEO of Useon, Chen Zhiqiang, emphasis     es that EPLA meets the increasing regulatory and consumer demands for environmentally friendly, circular alternatives, marking a significant step in sustainable innovation within the packaging industry.

“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.”

The partnership includes promoting EPLA technology on a global scale, sharing insights, and working together on new product developments. EPLA foam is being prominently featured at Chinaplas 2025, with Useon and TotalEnergies Corbion displaying live demonstrations of moulded foam technology at Useon’s booth.

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