Design of a PLA production plant

Identifier:  TFG:2929

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG2929

Authors:  Fuster Pardo, Sergi

Abstract:
The aim of the project is to design a polylactic acid (PLA) production plant, produced from the polymerization of lactide. PLA is a biopolymer made from some types of vegetables, so the source is renewable. Due to its properties, PLA is biodegradable and compostable. Its plastic properties confer a great technical potential to replace many of the most used plastics, providing good quality and functional diversity, greater sustainability and the reduction of carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. Besides, these features make it one of the most used materials in 3D printing and a revolution in food packaging, cosmetics, and many other industries. Therefore, it is a future investment opportunity with a growing demand. The project is also focused on the design of production, considering a set target of producing 5000 tons of PLA annually. Once the plant has been designed, a safety, environmental and economic analysis is carried out to study the viability of the plant.