industry, development, ecological and energy transition : From wheat… to bioplastic

Two industrial players are joining forces to develop a bio-industrial platform dedicated to green chemistry in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine. The announcement of this project, a European first, is good news for the region.

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Vue panoramique de l'usine Tereos à Radicatel sur le port de Rouen - HAROPA PORT - Enlarge image, modal window
©Tereos

Futerro - a Belgian company specialising in the production of lactic acid-, and Tereos - a French cooperative group with a major presence in the sugar, ethanol and starch products markets-, have signed a strategic agreement to supply the future biorefinery in Normandy.  
Using dextrose derived from wheat starch supplied by Tereos, Futerro will produce PLA (Poly Lactic Acid), a biosourced plastic of plant origin that is recyclable and has a low carbon footprint. A 1.5 km pipeline system will link the two neighbouring sites.

With Tereos' cereals arriving by water from the Radicatel terminal, a whole virtuous circular economy is being set up from the sea quays. 
This plant strengthens the synergies between two local companies and contributes to the development of green chemistry.

The Futerro plant, which should be operational in 2026, represents an investment of € 500 million and will create 250 direct jobs. Tereos, which already has a presence on the site, will invest €30 million to implement the partnership.