TotalEnergies Corbion launches compostable alternative to polystyrene extrusion foaming
Luminy FOAM 50F, a high melt strength polylactic acid (PLA), is the latest from TotalEnergies Corbion. Designed for extrusion foamed packaging applications, Luminy FOAM 50F is developed for trays used in fresh food products, such as meat and fish, and foodservice packaging like clamshells and bowls. The material delivers the performance of conventional extruded polystyrene (XPS), but provides a lower-carbon, circular alternative, the company says.
TotalEnergies notes that packaging producers are facing increased regulatory pressure to phase out polystyrene in food applications, so the market is seeking alternatives that combine environmental benefits with industrial scalability. The new Luminy product addresses this need with a bio-based, industry compostable material, allowing for a practical transition without any disruption to the production process. It is engineered as a drop-in replacement for PS, enabling converters to run it on existing XPS extrusion lines with comparable throughput and minimal modification, TotalEnergies says.
“With polystyrene bans accelerating, this is one of the first solutions positioned as a true industrial-scale replacement, not a niche material,” said Laurent Daligault, global packaging segment leader at TotalEnergies Corbion, in a statement. “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,” Daligault continued.
The material combines performance and sustainability characteristics that have traditionally been difficult to achieve in XPLA foam packaging, the company adds. It offers comparable density and functional properties to XPS while also maintaining processing efficiency on standard equipment. Additionally, the material is bio-based, industrially compostable, recyclable and free from styrene, PFAS and persistent microplastics.
Luminy 50F features a high melt strength, which enables stable foam production without the need for extra additives, chain extenders or reactive processing. Manufacturers can create low-density foam structures with uniform cell morphology that closely matches the performance required for demanding applications like fresh protein packaging.
“This development reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation,” said Hao Ding, global marketing director at TotalEnergies Corbion, in a statement. “We continue to focus on creating high-performance materials that are better for both people and the planet.”
Available for commercial orders globally, Luminy 50F is FDA and Korean Food Contact approved. It can be used in countries following FDA or Korean regulation. For other countries, Luminy 50F can be used for non-food applications. The company also provides technical support to assist customers with implementation.
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