Pioneer in natural polymers based on proteins since 2014, Lactips rethinks plastic by developing and manufacturing a plastic without plastic, 100% bio-sourced, fully biodegradable in all environments and water-soluble without leaving any microplastics. Processable like any plastic, Lactips commercialises its technology, called CareTips®, in markets such as film and paper flexible packaging, labels, agriculture and outdoor sports.

What do you think sets your company apart from your competitors?

The material produced by Lactips differs from standard plastics in its technical properties. As such, it has specific performances linked to its properties: solubility in water without leaving microplastics, biodegradability in all environments, support regulatory transition... It also contributes to improving the biodegradability of the plastics with which it is associated, and to having end of life in the environment. Moreover, our technology is a drop-in solution that can be used by plastics manufacturers without any additional investment to allow a transition to an environmentally friendly economy without destabilising the industry and by opening up new opening up new possibilities.

Are there any new technology developments that your company is working on at the moment?

Lactips has tested its new blended film solution with a leader blown film extrusion manufacturer for the lamination of bio-waste collection bags adapted to methanisation. The product offers several advantages as being compatible with the different processes, like methanisation and compost; being a bio-sourced blend film with high methanogenic power and being a facilitator for the upcoming French regulation in 2024 on the collection of bio-waste.

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry today, and how can this be overcome?

Because plastics are necessary for human activity, but controlling their end-of-life management is essential, Lactips is facing the biggest challenge of pollution by developing a natural polymer ingredient which has the power to boost the biodegradability of other biopolymers. Some injected parts represent fugitive plastics because they cannot be collected and recycled. Adding CareTips® in formulation can limit the impact of plastic products with a high risk of loss in the environment by boosting their biodegradability.

How do you see the sector developing in the next five to ten years?

Within the global production of Plastcis, the Bio plastics part is around 1% today. However, under the combined pressure of regulations and consumers awareness, the market demand is expected to grow rapidly and the production should be multiplied by 3 by 2026 – 2027.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s show?

We are looking forward to meeting plastics industry transformers and brand owners who are prospecting for new solutions, helping us in their regulatory and sustainability transition. Exhibiting at Compounding World Expo allow us to meet targeted prospect customers, present your latest product developments and increase brand awareness within the compounding industry.

Lactips will be exhibiting at the Compounding World Expo Europe 2023.