Emirates Biotech and Sulzer advance strategic partnership with the equipment supply contract for the world’s largest bioplastics facility
Emirates Biotech has recently signed a supply contract with Sulzer to provide the proprietary equipment that will serve as the technological core of the world-scale Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility being built by Emirates Biotech. This follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024. This strategic milestone confirms Emirates Biotech’s transition from early planning to active project execution for the project named Falcon PLA Project. Sulzer will manufacture and supply the essential proprietary equipment for the integrated PLA production process from lactic acid, which includes lactide formation, purification and polymerization technology.
Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech, commented: “Signing this equipment supply contract with Sulzer represents a decisive step forward for Emirates Biotech. With proprietary equipment now secured, we are firmly entering the execution phase. This is a major commitment – not just financially, but strategically – as we lay the foundation for a state-of-the-art PLA facility that will anchor the region’s transition to sustainable materials.”
Sulzer, a global leader in separation and polymerisation technologies, will deliver a full suite of proprietary equipment designed to maximise output, minimise energy use, and support Emirates Biotech’s goal of providing renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics at industrial scale.
Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech, added: “We are proud to further advance our ongoing collaboration with Emirates Biotech on this pioneering project. Sulzer’s proven PLA technology was selected to enable reliable, efficient production while contributing to global efforts to decarbonise material supply chains. This project represents the kind of bold, solutions-driven investment that can make a real difference.”
Samsung E&A will serve as the contractor for the PLA facility, integrating Sulzer’s proprietary equipment within the wider plant infrastructure, including utilities, storage facilities and other site services. Including this latest contract, Emirates Biotech’s financial commitment to the Falcon PLA Project surpasses USD 90 million. Construction is expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the plant operational by early 2028.
About PLA biopolymers: PLA (PolyLacticAcid) biopolymers are derived from plants that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, making them a sustainable and biobased alternative to traditional plastics. PLA biopolymers are used in a wide range of applications, such as consumer goods, appliances, packaging, food service ware, and 3D printing. They can be recycled like any other polymer or broken down naturally, helping to cut down on plastic pollution. Material innovation is driving the adoption of PLA in an expanding array of applications, meeting increasingly rigorous requirements. By replacing conventional plastics with PLA biopolymers, one can significantly lower the environmental impact and foster a greener economy.
Caption: From left to right, François de Bie, CCO Emirates Biotech; Dorus Everwijn, President GBI; Marc Verbruggen, CEO Emirates Biotech; Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech; Emmanuel Rapendy, Head Polymer and Crystallization, Sulzer Chemtech and Christophe Miegeville, EPC Project Officer Emirates Biotech.