Commodity Production Costs Report
Polylactic Acid Production from Lactide
Polylactic Acid Operating Costs & Plant Construction Costs
This report approaches the economics of producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) from lactide in a plant located in the United States. In the process examined, lactide, a cyclic dimer of lactic acid, undergoes a ring opening polymerization in the presence of a stannous octoate catalyst to be converted into Polylactic Acid.
The report provides a comprehensive study of Polylactic Acid production and related Polylactic Acid production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Polylactic Acid production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Polylactic Acid plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Polylactic Acid plant operating costs (Opex).
The Polylactic Acid production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The Polylactic Acid plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The Polylactic Acid plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.
Key reference(s): ?
Product
Polylactic Acid. Polylactic Acid (a.k.a. PLA, Polylactide) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. It is different than most thermoplastic in that it is a bioplastic, which means it is derived from a number of renewed biomass like starch and sugar cane via bacterial lactic fermentation. It is semi crystalline or amorphous, rigid, resilient and ultraviolet light resistant material, with similar characteristics to common petrochemical industry plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. Polylactic acid is used in plastic films, bottles and biodegradable medical devices. It figures among the most consumed bioplastics worldwide. Also, it is widely used as a material in 3D printing and bioprinting.
Raw Material
Lactide. Lactide is a cyclic ester used as a precursor to polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer. It is gaining importance in the production of sustainable packaging and medical devices. Lactide is produced from the fermentation of carbohydrates and is stored as a solid. Its role in creating biodegradable plastics makes it essential for green manufacturing.
Report in PDF Format
Download & Explore Anytime
Access in Various Devices
Print & Read Comfortably
Share With Co-workers
Up-to-date Report
Professional report based on Q3 2024 economic data, ensuring timely evaluations.
Multiple Use Cases
Ideal for investment screening, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and research planning.
Proven Methodology
Developed using a consistent methodology honed over a decade, ensuring reliable cost analyses.
Report Editions
Content Highlights
Plant Capital Cost Summary
Summary outlining the capital cost required for building the Polylactic Acid production plant examined.
Plant Capital Cost Details
Detailing of fixed capital (ISBL, OSBL & Owner’s Cost), working capital and additional capital requirements.
Plant Cost Breakdowns
Breakdown of Polylactic Acid process unit (ISBL) costs and infrastructure (OSBL) costs; plant cost breakdown per discipline.
Operating Costs Summary
Summary presenting the operating variable costs and the total operating cost of the Polylactic Acid production plant studied.
Operating Cost Details
Detailing of utilities costs, operating fixed costs and depreciation.
Plant Capacity Assessment
Comparative analysis of capital investment and operating costs for different Polylactic Acid plant capacities.
Production Process Information
Block Flow Diagram, descriptions of process unit (ISBL) and site infrastructure (OSBL).
Process Consumptions
Raw materials and utilities consumption figures, by-products credits, labor requirements
Process Diagrams
Process flow diagrams (PFD), equipment list and industrial site configuration
Preview our Production Cost Reports
Other Polylactic Acid Production Cost Reports
Polylactic Acid Production from Raw Sugar
This study approaches the economics of Polylactic Acid production from raw sugar in Germany. Initially, raw sugar is hydrolyzed into invert sugars. The invert sugars are then fermented to produce lactic acid, in a process similar to Cargill process. The lactic acid is oligomerized and then depolymerized into lactide, which is finally polymerized to yield PLA by ring opening polymerization, similar to the one proposed by NatureWorks.
Details: 140 kta Germany-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue B | From $1,199 USD
Polylactic Acid Production from Glucose
This study approaches the economics of Polylactic Acid production from glucose syrup in the United States. First, lactic acid is produced from glucose syrup using a fermentation process similar to Cargill process. Then, lactic acid is polymerized into poly(lactic acid) using a melt-phase polymerization process similar to the one proposed by NatureWorks.
Details: 50 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue C | From $1,199 USD
Polylactic Acid Production from Corn
This study approaches the economics of Polylactic Acid production from corn in the United States. Initially, shelled corn is passed through a wet milling process to form corn starch, which is hydrolyzed to dextrose. Then, dextrose is fermented into lactic acid in a process similar to Cargill process. Finally, lactic acid is polymerized using a melt-phase polymerization process similar to the one proposed by NatureWorks.
Details: 140 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue D | From $1,499 USD
Could Not Find the Report You Need?
Obtain a Bespoke Report
Get a report targeting the process in which you are interested
See Offer Details
Understand Bespoke Reports and how you can easily order them
Check Editions & Pricing
Complete a brief form and see a quotation for your Bespoke Report
Other Related Production Cost Reports
Lactide Production
This report approaches the economics of producing Lactide from lactic acid in the United States. This process can be divided into two mains steps. First, lactic acid is polymerized into low molecular weight oligomers. Subsequently, the oligomers depolymerize generating Lactide, which is further purified to remove water and unreacted lactic acid and oligomers.
Details: 75 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue A | From $799 USD
+800 Reports Developed, Targeting +250 Commodities
Vast Report Library
858 independent and up-to-date reports examining embryonic and established production processes.
Free Sample Reports
Quickly understand the structure and depth of content of our professional reports.