Corbion approach to lactic acid expansion advances sustainability agenda
Expanding production capacity to meet growing global demand for lactic acid while simultaneously achieving Corbion's ambitious sustainability goals requires commitment, investment, new technology and discipline.
Corbion, a supplier of lactic acid and its derivatives, is “walking the talk” in pursuit of its sustainability ambitions while taking steps to boost lactic acid production capacity. Thanks to the company’s investment in more efficient, sustainable technology, the 40 percent capacity increase at its Blair, NE plant, announced in January, will come with no increase in the site’s total energy-related CO2 emissions. In fact, upon completion of the project, the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint per ton of lactic acid produced at the Blair plant will be reduced by 9 percent. The plant is already powered by 100 percent renewable electricity.
“Growth is always exciting because it shows that we are meeting our customers' needs now, but that growth is truly sustainable only if it's achieved in a way that considers future needs, too,” said Diana Visser, Corbion’s senior director of sustainability. “Our initiative at Blair demonstrates that it’s possible to produce substantially more without enlarging our energy-related carbon footprint. Ultimately, that’s an essential part of our ability to continue taking what we need from the planet while respecting its limitations.”