The lactic acid and polylactic acid (PLA) markets remain hot with announcements of capacity expansions or new production facilities worldwide. Corbion just announced that it is planning to expand its lactic acid capacity at its Blair, Nebraska by around 40%.

However, it seems this expansion is geared more towards the use of lactic acid and its derivatives as ingredients in foods and beverage (as preservatives), and in home and personal care (for disinfection and hygiene), which Corbion said has steadily increased in the Americas over the past five years. A greater portion of global lactic acid use is currently geared towards production of PLA.

Corbion said it will employ technology designed to enable a significant boost in efficiency while avoiding an increase in emissions.  In Thailand, Corbion is building a new gypsum-free  lactic acid plant at its current site in Rayong, which is expected to be operational by 2023. The company is currently finishing its lactic acid expansion project at Rayong (or maybe it’s already completed – the blog needs to check this).

Aside from Thailand and in the USA, Corbion is operating lactic acid production facilities in the Netherlands, Brazil, and Spain.