TotalEnergies Corbion launches compostable foam alternative to PS extrusion foaming (XPS)
GORINCHEM, Netherlands — TotalEnergies Corbion today announced the launch of Luminy® FOAM 50F, a high melt strength PLA grade designed as a lower-carbon alternative to PS in extrusion foaming applications (XPS) like food packaging. The material can be processed on existing XPS extrusion lines with similar throughput, allowing converters to switch without significant capital investment.
As regulators in multiple markets move to restrict foam polystyrene packaging, there is increasing demand for replacement materials that meet both performance and environmental requirements. Foamed products made from Luminy® FOAM 50F offer comparable densities and functional performance to XPS while delivering at least a 70% reduction in carbon footprint. Luminy® FOAM 50F is aimed at applications including trays for fresh products, meat and fish, as well as food service packaging.
The biobased material is industrially compostable, recyclable, and free from styrene, PFAS and persistent microplastics. Its high melt strength allows stable foam processing without the need for extra additives or chain extenders.
“With polystyrene bans accelerating, this is one of the first solutions positioned as a true industrial-scale replacement, not a niche material” said Global Packaging Segment Leader Laurent Daligault, “Luminy® FOAM 50F enables converters and brand owners to adopt a truly sustainable drop-in solution to XPS, both in terms of processing and product functionality. It is also good for our planet, with our sugarcane-based PLA delivering at least a 70% reduction in carbon footprint compared to XPS foam parts. We look forward to supporting our customers globally, both commercially and technically, as they advance their sustainability ambitions.”
The product is FDA and Korean Food Contact Approved and can be used for food-contact applications in the US and in countries following the FDA or Korean regulation. For other countries, it is available globally for non-food applications.
