TotalEnergies Corbion launches PLA foam grade to replace polystyrene trays

TotalEnergies Corbion has introduced Luminy Foam 50F, a polylactic acid grade engineered for extrusion foaming, positioned as a drop-in replacement for extruded polystyrene (XPS) in food trays. The product targets markets where single-use polystyrene food service packaging is being phased out under bans in 12 US states, Canada, India and the EU. Luminy Foam 50F is available now with FDA and Korean food contact approval.

Why this mattersA processable bio-based foam alternative could accelerate the replacement of polystyrene food trays as regulatory bans on PS foodware widen across the US, EU and Canada.

• Luminy Foam 50F is a PLA grade engineered for extrusion foaming, matching XPS processing rates without reactive modification.
• Single-use polystyrene food service ware is banned in 12 US states, Canada, India and the EU.
• Maine's exemption for raw protein trays expires in 2027 and British Columbia's expires in 2030.
• The company has achieved foam densities of 100 g/L versus around 60 g/L typical for XPS meat trays, with further reductions expected.
• A life-cycle assessment showed a 70% cradle-to-gate carbon footprint reduction versus polystyrene, attributed to biogenic feedstock.
• Luminy Foam 50F has FDA and Korean Food Contact approval and is available now.

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