August 6, 2024
Nagase & Co., Ltd.
Nagase & Co., Ltd. partners with TotalEnergies Corbion
to distribute and expand sustainable Luminy® PLA bioplastics in Japan
Nagase & Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with TotalEnergies Corbion (TEC) to distribute Luminy®
PLA bioplastics in Japan.i Through this partnership, Nagase will expand the reach of Luminy® PLA inJapan, a country that has a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As one of the world’slargest economy, Japan’s ambitious goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 has set the country in trajectory ofadopting new technologies that reduce carbon emissions and minimize waste.
In addition to expanding sales of Luminy® PLA in the Japanese market, NAGASE and TEC will
collaborate on research and development to evaluate and enhance material properties to develop newapplications that meet customer needs. Through this strategic collaboration, both companies aim toreduce environmental impact by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a world based on asustainable, circular and regenerative economy.
TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy® PLA ii is derived from ethically sourced, annually renewable sugarcane
crops. With a significantly lower carbon footprint - 75% less than conventional plastics - Luminy® PLA
offers inherent advantages such as a range of melting points, with excellent heat resistance and robust
mechanical strength as well as favorable color appearance (including transparency). This makes it anideal choice across a diverse range of applications. PLA is utilized across several sectors including foodpackaging, apparel, and durable goods such as automotive interior components, hardware components
and luxury casing.
NAGASE and TEC will contribute to reducing Japan’s, and the world’s carbon footprint. Japan’s strong
commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it a key market for Luminy® PLA. With Nagase'smarket knowledge and TEC’s joint research and development efforts, both companies are wellpositioned to advance the adoption of sustainable bioplastic solutions in the country. This collaboration
underscores our dedication to providing materials with a lower environmental footprint while also
supporting Japan's environmental goals.
Additionally, TEC actively champions chemical recycling to meet the rising demand for PLA. Thisapproach supports sustainable material use and minimizes environmental impact by breaking down used
PLA to its molecular components and re-synthesizing them into new Luminy® PLA. Chemical recyclingof PLA is done with a low energy consuming process of hydrolysis, and the resulting rPLA has the same
food contact approval and characteristics of virgin PLA.
Learn more ;https://www.totalenergies-corbion.com/news/expanding-luminy-pla-bioplastics-distribution-in-Japan■About TotalEnergies Corbion
Headquarters: Gorinchem, Netherlands
CEO: Thomas Philipon
Business Summary: Marketing, sales and manufacturing of Luminy® PLA
URL: https://www.totalenergies-corbion.com/
TotalEnergies Corbion is a global leader in driving sustainable innovation with Poly Lactic Acid (PLA),reducing carbon footprint while fostering circularity. The biobased nature and compostability of our PLA
mean that it has a lower carbon footprint while also contributing to the circular economy throughmechanical and chemical recycling. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the 50/50 joint venture
between TotalEnergies and Corbion operates a cutting-edge PLA facility in Rayong, Thailand. Throughthe application of PLA across various sectors and collaboration throughout the value
chain, TotalEnergies Corbion drives widespread adoption of bioplastics, envisioning a future where
it revolutionizes industries and nurtures a healthier planet.
■About Nagase & Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President and CEO and Representative Director: Hiroyuki Ueshima
Business Summary: Export, Import/export and domestic sales of chemicals, plastics, electronics
materials, cosmetics and health foods
URL: https://www.nagase.co.jp/NAGASE & CO., LTD. is a chemicals trading firm, founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1832. The NAGASE Groupbegan as a specialized sales agent securing exclusive contracts to sell industry-leading products fromaround the world in Japan. Over the years, we have leveraged our technology and information gatheringexpertise —as well as our global network—to transform our business into a hybrid model offeringsuperior manufacturing, processing, and R&D functions as well as trading company services. Looking
forward to our 200th anniversary in the year 2032, we will contribute to the society as a Business
Designer that creates a sustainable future.
<Business Inquiries>
Polymer Global Account Division TEL: 03-3665-3275<Media Inquiries>
Nagase & Co., Ltd.
URL: https://www.nagase.co.jp/
PR Section, Corporate Relations Div., Corporate Management Dept. TEL: 080-8828-8676

iLuminy® is a registered trademark of TotalEnergies Corbion B.V.

ii

PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic derived from plant sugars. It can be molded similarly to conventional

plastics, offering heat resistance, durability, and industrial compostability through microbial action,
minimizing environmental impact after proper disposal, such as industrial composting, recycling, or energy
recovering incineration.