Carbon footprint reduced by over 80%: TotalEnergies Corbion Launches Renewable PLA for Air Filtration

Under the dual pressure of reducing emissions while ensuring product performance, TotalEnergies Corbion has launched a commercially viable, high-performance renewable alternative material for air filtration. NewLuminy L040The grade enables filter material manufacturers to achieve over 95% filtration efficiency using existing melt-blown production equipment, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of HVAC systems, air purifiers, industrial filtration, and mask products.

Luminy L040 is an ultra-low viscosity PLA grade specifically developed for meltblown processes. It enables the production of ultrafine fibers as small as ≤1 micron on existing meltblown production lines, without requiring extensive equipment modifications or the addition of degradation aids. Furthermore, this material offers stable electrostatic charge retention, a key characteristic for maintaining high filtration efficiency over time. Compared to polypropylene, it reduces the carbon footprint by more than 80%, marking a significant step forward in the decarbonization of nonwoven filtration materials.

Luminy L040 is among the first PLA grades specifically developed for melt-blown air filtration applications and commercially supplied. (Image source: TotalEnergies Corbion)

Official commercial launch of the product

The University of Michigan previously released an independent study confirming that PLA-based melt-blown filter media can match the filtration performance of traditional polypropylene materials, offering a more sustainable option for the filtration industry. Building on this, the product has now been officially launched in the market.

Governments, building operators, and consumer brands are all seeking pathways to reduce Scope 3 emissions, making material selection a critical aspect of filter product design. Luminy L040 is made from 100% annually renewable raw materials, enabling companies to lower their product carbon footprint while meeting stringent performance standards for demanding filtration applications.

Air Filtration Market Background

Driven by tightening indoor air quality standards, urban air pollution issues, and growing demand for high-efficiency HVAC systems, the global air filtration market is expanding rapidly. As manufacturers continuously improve the environmental performance of filtration products, demand for renewable and low-carbon materials continues to rise.

Bert Clymans, Senior Business Development Manager for Nonwovens and Head of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region at TotalEnergies Corbion, stated: “In early trial projects, industrial partners including Hansae processed Luminy L040 directly on commercial meltblown lines. The production runs were stable, producing ultrafine fibers with filtration efficiencies exceeding 95%. Manufacturers no longer need to choose between filtration performance and sustainability. Thanks to its ultra-low viscosity and inherent electret properties, Luminy L040 delivers an excellent quality factor and superior filtration performance without the need for electrostatic or degradation additives.”

In addition to air filtration, this grade is also suitable for other melt-blown applications, such as water filtration media and wipes, as well as all scenarios requiring low viscosity and excellent processability.

Luminy L040 is now available for global sales. TotalEnergies Corbion expects that this product will promote the widespread adoption of renewable materials, enabling manufacturers to meet both performance requirements and sustainability goals without significant capital investment.