Top 10 Companies in the Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Plastics Revolution

In Business Insights
June 12, 2025

The Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market was valued at US$ 895.4 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1.45 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This growth is driven by stringent EU plastic regulations, rising demand for bio-based packaging, and increasing adoption in medical/3D printing applications across Germany, France, and Benelux countries.

As Europe accelerates its transition toward circular economy models, PLA – a plant-based polymer derived from renewable feedstocks like corn and sugarcane – is becoming instrumental in replacing conventional plastics. This report profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Europe PLA Industry, analyzing their production capacities, technological innovations, and sustainability initiatives that are redefining the region’s biopolymers landscape.


🔟 1. Total Corbion PLA (Netherlands/France)

Headquarters: Gorinchem, Netherlands
Key Offering: Luminy® PLA resins (Standard, High Heat, Reinforced Grades)

The 50/50 JV between TotalEnergies and Corbion operates the largest dedicated PLA facility (75,000 tons/year) in Thailand with strategic European distribution networks. Their Luminy® series serves food packaging, textiles, and durable consumer goods with enhanced thermal properties.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • First to commercialize heat-resistant PLA grades (up to 180°C)
  • Pioneered chemical recycling with LOOPLA® technology
  • Industrial compostable certifications across product portfolio

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. NatureWorks LLC (US with EU Presence)

European Base: Utrecht, Netherlands
Key Offering: Ingeo™ biopolymer series

The global PLA leader with 150,000 tons annual capacity supplies Ingeo™ resins to European converters through partnerships with Amcor, Siegwerk, and Berry Global for applications ranging from coffee capsules to biodegradable films.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • New 75,000-ton Thailand plant coming online in 2025
  • Carbon-neutral Ingeo™ grades launched in 2023
  • Active member of European Bioplastics Association

8️⃣ 3. BASF SE (Germany)

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ecovio® certified compostable compounds

Leveraging its polymer expertise, BASF develops advanced PLA/PBAT blends for agricultural films, compostable bags, and foodservice packaging, complying with EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • TÜV-certified home/industrial compostability
  • Pioneering PLA solutions for EU regulatory compliance

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Futerro (Belgium)

Headquarters: Escanaffles, Belgium
Key Offering: Integrated PLA/lactide production

This Galactic spin-off operates Europe’s only vertically integrated PLA facility (30,000 tons/year) featuring proprietary LOOPLA® depolymerization – a game-changer for circular PLA economy in the EU.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 90% lower carbon footprint than conventional PLA
  • Closed-loop chemical recycling capability

6️⃣ 5. Synbra Technology BV (Netherlands)

Headquarters: Etten-Leur, Netherlands
Key Offering: BioFoam® expanded PLA solutions

Specializing in cellular PLA technologies, Synbra produces biodegradable foam alternatives to EPS for protective packaging and construction insulation with superior thermal performance.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 100% bio-based foam certified by DIN CERTCO
  • Academic collaborations for foam innovations

5️⃣ 6. Sulzer Ltd (Switzerland)

Headquarters: Winterthur, Switzerland
Key Offering: PLA polymerization technologies

As a key technology provider, Sulzer supplies specialized reactors, distillation systems, and purification units to PLA manufacturers worldwide, including Total Corbion’s production lines.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Energy-efficient PLA processing solutions
  • Customized plant engineering services

4️⃣ 7. FKuR Kunststoff GmbH (Germany)

Headquarters: Willich, Germany
Key Offering: Custom PLA compounds

The German specialist develops tailored Bio-Flex® and Terralene® compounds with enhanced durability for automotive interiors, disposable tableware, and flexible packaging films.

Market Position:

  • DACH region’s leading compounder
  • Multiple EN 13432 certifications

3️⃣ 8. Biome Bioplastics (UK)

Headquarters: Southampton, UK
Key Offering: High-value PLA applications

Focusing on premium segments, Biome supplies compostable coffee pods to European specialty brands and PLA films to UK supermarkets transitioning from conventional plastics.

Recent Developments:

  • 2023 launch of marine-degradable PLA blend
  • Retail partnerships for sustainable packaging

2️⃣ 9. Taghleef Industries (Italy)

European Hub: Novara, Italy
Key Offering: Biaxially Oriented PLA (BOPLA) films

Europe’s dominant PLA film producer supplies converters manufacturing sustainable labels and flexible packaging for FMCG brands complying with EU’s SUP regulations.

Capacity Expansion:

  • Added 12,000 tons BOPLA capacity in 2023
  • Developing barrier-enhanced metallized PLA

1️⃣ 10. Danimer Scientific (US with EU Expansion)

European Operations: UK & Germany
Key Offering: Nodax® PHA-PLA blends

p>While US-headquartered, Danimer is expanding its European footprint with PHA-enhanced PLA solutions that offer superior biodegradability for packaging affected by EU Directive 2019/904.

European Strategy:

  • Opened German technical center (2023)
  • UK retailer partnerships for sustainable packaging

Get Full Report Here: Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌱 Outlook: PLA at the Forefront of Europe’s Green Transition

The European PLA market is transitioning from niche to mainstream, fueled by plastic taxes, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and brand commitments to sustainable packaging. With conventional plastic costs rising, PLA is becoming commercially viable for foodservice items, short-life packaging, and durable applications.

📈 Key Market Developments:

  • Germany leading in technical applications (medical implants, 3D printing filaments)
  • France/Italy implementing strict bans on single-use plastics
  • Nordic biorefineries emerging as localized PLA feedstock sources
  • Advanced compounding enabling PET-like performance from PLA

Get Full Report Here: Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

These market leaders aren’t just selling materials – they’re enabling Europe’s transformation toward sustainable, circular materials economy through continuous innovation.