Sulzer and Emirates Biotech advance strategic partnership with equipment supply contract for world’s largest bioplastics facility

Sulzer has recently signed a supply contract with Emirates Biotech to provide the proprietary equipment that will serve as the technological core of the world-scale Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility being built by Emirates Biotech in the United Arab Emirates. This follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies.

This strategic milestone confirms Emirates Biotech’s transition from early planning to active project execution. Sulzer will manufacture and supply the essential proprietary equipment for the integrated PLA production process from lactic acid, which includes lactide formation, purification and polymerization technology.

As a global leader in separation and polymerization technologies, Sulzer will deliver a full suite of proprietary equipment designed to maximize output, minimize energy use and support Emirates Biotech’s goal of providing renewable, recyclable and biodegradable plastics at industrial scale.

Tim Schulten, Division President Sulzer Chemtech, added: “We are proud to further advance our ongoing collaboration with Emirates Biotech on this pioneering project. Sulzer’s proven PLA technology was selected to enable reliable, efficient production while contributing to global efforts to decarbonize material supply chains. This project represents the kind of bold, solutions-driven investment that can make a real difference.”

Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech, commented: “Signing this equipment supply contract with Sulzer represents a decisive step forward for Emirates Biotech. With proprietary equipment now secured, we are firmly entering the execution phase. This is a major commitment – not just financially, but strategically – as we lay the foundation for a state-of-the-art PLA facility that will anchor the region’s transition to sustainable materials.”

Samsung E&A will serve as the contractor for the PLA facility, integrating Sulzer’s proprietary equipment within the wider plant infrastructure, including utilities, storage facilities and other site services.

Construction is expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the plant operational by early 2028.

Image 1: François de Bie – Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Biotech
Dorus Everwijn – President, GBI
Marc Verbruggen – Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Biotech
Tim Schulten, Division President, Sulzer Chemtech
Emmanuel Rapendy, Head Polymer and Crystallization, Sulzer Chemtech
Christophe Miegeville – EPC Delivery Project Officer, Emirates Biotech

About Sulzer  

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications. We specialize in energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, separation, purification, crystallization and polymerization technologies for fluids of all types. Our solutions enable carbon emission reductions, development of polymers from biological sources, recycling of plastic waste and textiles, and efficient power storage. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality through our responsive network of 160 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2024, our 13’500 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.5 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com

The Chemtech division is the global market leader in innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for chemicals, petrochemicals, refining  and LNG. We are steering the way in ecological solutions such as bio-based chemicals, polymers and fuels, recycling technologies for textiles and plastic as well as carbon capture and utilization/storage, contributing to a circular and sustainable economy. Our product offering ranges from process components to complete process plants and technology licensing.

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