Sulzer has signed a supply contract with Emirates Biotech to provide proprietary equipment as the technological core of the world-scale Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility built by Emirates Biotech in the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates Biotech’s PLA facility.

(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.

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.

As a global leader in separation and polymerization technologies, Sulzer will deliver a full suite of proprietary equipment designed to maximize output, minimize energy use and support Emirates Biotech’s goal of providing renewable, recyclable and biodegradable plastics at industrial scale.

“Sulzer’s proven PLA technology was selected to enable reliable, efficient production while contributing to global efforts to decarbonize material supply chains,” said Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech.

This follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies.

“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,” commented Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech.

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.

Construction is expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the plant operational by early 2028. 

Sulzer has signed a supply contract with Emirates Biotech to provide proprietary equipment as the technological core of the world-scale Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility built by Emirates Biotech in the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates Biotech’s PLA facility.

(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.

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.

As a global leader in separation and polymerization technologies, Sulzer will deliver a full suite of proprietary equipment designed to maximize output, minimize energy use and support Emirates Biotech’s goal of providing renewable, recyclable and biodegradable plastics at industrial scale.

“Sulzer’s proven PLA technology was selected to enable reliable, efficient production while contributing to global efforts to decarbonize material supply chains,” said Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech.

This follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies.

“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,” commented Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech.

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.

Construction is expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the plant operational by early 2028.