Turnkey Plant for Polylactic Acid (PLA） Production
Driven by global bans on single-use plastics and the growing demand for sustainable packaging, the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market is projected to surpass USD 4.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 12%.
PLA, a bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable sources like corn starch and sugarcane, is rapidly becoming the preferred alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Its applications range from food packaging and 3D printing to biomedical implants and agricultural films.
With 23+ years of engineering experience, we deliver Turnkey Plant Solutions for Polylactic Acid (PLA) Production, helping our partners build competitive, efficient, and scalable PLA plants—from raw material to finished pellet.
Complete Process Integration – From Sugar to PLA Pellets
Our engineering scope covers the full PLA manufacturing value chain:
1. Lactic Acid Production
Starch- or sugar-based fermentation systems to produce high-purity L-lactic acid (≥ 99.5%) suitable for polymerization.
2. Lactic Acid Purification
Advanced ion exchange, activated carbon treatment, and MVR evaporation for consistent feedstock quality.
3. Pre-Polymerization Conditioning
Process adjustment to meet molecular weight, water content, and purity standards for high-quality polymerization.
4. PLA Polymerization Unit
Condensation or ring-opening polymerization reactors with precise vacuum, heat control, and catalyst dosing systems.
5. Extrusion & Pelletizing
Melt extrusion systems followed by strand or underwater pelletizing, with optional crystalizing modules for thermal stability.
6. Utility Systems & Automation
Integrated CIP, steam, water, and control systems designed for stable, energy-efficient operations.
Why Choose Myande for Your PLA Turnkey Project?
✅ One-Stop Solution from Raw Material to Pellet
Unlike global PLA giants who only produce for themselves, we help you build your own end-to-end PLA manufacturing facility.
✅ Commercial-Scale Engineering, Proven Process
Our technology is modeled on globally successful references, adapted for flexible capacity and local conditions.
✅ High Polymer Quality Assurance
We design for consistent molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal stability, ensuring your PLA is suitable for packaging, 3D printing, and more.
✅ Modular & Scalable Design
Start with 5,000 tons/year and scale up to 50,000+ tons/year as market demand grows.
✅ Global Service Network
From initial design to commissioning and after-sales support, we deliver successful projects across Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
They trust and choose Myande
More than 1,600 complete plants have been supplied under Myande’s name in over 80 countries since 2003.
Behind every successful project is a great team. Our team is comprised of skilled individuals that share one common goal – Help our clients succeed.
What can we do for you?
We focus on supplying one-stop engineering service covering general layout plan, process design, R&D, equipment manufacturing, automatic control system, data integration, installation, supervision, commissioning, training and etc.
Our custom solutions come from a deep understanding of your needs, and we have the capability to complete each project from the design of the initial concept to manufacturing, installation, commissioning and delivery.
Solution Tailored to Your Needs
General Layout Plan
With a land prepared, the next thing you should consider is planning the general layout, which is a crucial foundation of a sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing.
Turn to us for help and we will present you the design for your plant by considering water, steam, electricity supply and etc.
Process Design
Combining our engineering expertise, industry know-how and practical skills with your knowledge, we provide the optimized and customized process design for your plant.
3D Plant Design
On the basis of plant layout design, combined with real situation, we can design a three-dimensional model of the entire plant. All the equipment, piping and instruments, any detail can be shown in the model, not only allowing you to have an intuitive understanding of the plant, but also providing overall information support for plant construction, equipment installation and future expansion.
Automatic Control System
We offer economical and most effective process automation solutions for the entire production line. Our RES automatic control system is developed based on PLC/DCS system.
Data Integration
From the perspective of the overall operation of the factory, Myande intelligent data integration management system collects basic data from raw grain procurement, warehousing, processing, inventory, sales and logistics, relying on the interconnection network system of each workshop. It provides real-time, accurate and traceable data reports for the current storage, processing and shipping.
Equipment Manufacturing
We owns in-house manufacture base of more than 130,000㎡ integrating R&D, production, project management which represents advanced engineering capability in the industry.
Installation and Commissioning
After finishing the installation of all machines, we offer on-site commissioning service to ensure compatible functioning.
Every move of the machine needs strong technical support from our experienced engineers. The only principle is that you can start manufacturing right after the commissioning.
Training and After-sales Service
Myande 360° Service Portfolio covers all your needs throughout the life cycle of your project. By minimizing your total cost of ownership, we help you stay ahead of the competition.
About Myande
Myande Group is a globally leading supplier of complete plants, equipment, and services for Oils & Fats, Starch & Derivatives, Fermentation, Evaporation & Crystallization, Material Storage and Handling and Smart Factory industries.
Myande Group currently has 1,600+ employees including 800 technical staff and 800 manufacturing workers. More than 1,600 complete plants have been supplied under Myande’s name in over 80 countries since 2003.
World-leading manufacturing base
In-house manufacture base of more than 130,000㎡ that integrates R&D, production, and project management, representing world-class engineering capability in the industry.
No Compromise on Quality
We are highly committed to Quality Assurance.
Our facilities and processes adhere to the highest local and international industry standards and certifications and are audited regularly for compliance.
With a global quality management system, we ensure that our customers all over the world receive high-quality, reliable products and solutions. We are well aware that our equipment have to function safely and efficiently for decades.
To effectively carry on the spirit of artisanship, improve the overall quality of front-line employees, we hold the “Workmanship Skills Competition" every year.
Certificates & Patents
At Myande, innovation is the result of the total process of developing an idea into a product or a new way of working which adds value to the business.
Over 600 registered patents and utility models demonstrate the company's innovation potential.
Our Global Presence
We focus on supplying one-stop engineering service covering general layout plan, process design, R&D, equipment manufacturing, automatic control system, data integration, installation, supervision, commissioning, training and etc.
Our custom solutions come from a deep understanding of your needs, and we have the capability to complete each project from the design of the initial concept to manufacturing, installation, commissioning and delivery.
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Related Products
Lifecycle Service
Technical expertise and innovative products form the basis of your success. But we offer you even more: our extensive range of services gives you optimum support for your requirements and objectives in the long term.
Myande News & Insights
2,000TPD Rapeseed Crushing Plant Launched
Recently, a 2,000 t/d rapeseed crushing plant built by Myande Group for Daodaoquan Grain and Oil Co., Ltd. started operation successfully and started to yield qualified rapeseed oil and meal. Daodaoquan Grain and Oil Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive oil processing enterprise integrating production, scientific research, trade, warehousing and logistics of edible vegetable oil and its related by-products. This new rapeseed crushing plant incorporates a wide range of Myande core equipment possessing independent intellectual property rights, including the E-type extractor, hydraulic flaker, DTDC, conditioner, and other key equipment. To achieve flexible material incoming and discharging, Myande CCJL series sweep auger and CQJL series reclaimer are used. In addition, advanced energy-saving technology, negative pressure draining technology and intelligent safety technology are used to ensure the stable operation of the entire production line and excellent product index. With the concept of "creating the best performance for our customers", Myande cooperates with DaoDaoQuan to build a modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly factory.
600,000 T/A Wheat Starch Deep Processing Project Successfully Launched
Recently, the 1st phase of Henan Hanyong's 600,000 tons (annual output) wheat starch deep processing project, designed by and installed under the guidance of Myande, has been smoothly commissioned, and contract for the 2nd phase was signed with Myande, marking the further extension of the domestic wheat deep processing industry chain. Henan Hanyong Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is one of the leading enterprises in agricultural industrialization of Henan province. It mainly produces edible alcohol with strong competitiveness and a high reputation in the market. Starch deep processing is one of Myande’s important business segments. After years of technology and experience accumulation in the field of starch deep processing, Myande has formed a complete set of production design system with a high degree of automation, stable operation and high product quality. In recent years, Myande has successfully established long-term strategic cooperative relations with multiple famous domestic and international enterprises. Combining with Hanyong's own industrial advantages, after in-depth research, efficient communication and repeated demonstrations, Myande has designed a set of production plan (as shown in the following figure) specially for the customer, and it can not only produce gluten and wheat starch, but also make better use of the mixed nutrient solution of process water and pentosan to produce alcohol, which will bring considerable economic benefits. The 1st phase project is a 500tpd wheat flour processing project, including a 3tpd gluten drying system and a 12tpd starch drying system. From beginning to end, the whole project lasted for 10 months. During the whole implementation process, from the plant layout planning, process design, intelligent automation design in the early stage, project service in the mid-term, to the installation, commissioning and training in the post stage, Myande’s rigorous, attentive and efficient one-stop service has won the unanimous praise of Hanyong. Through the joint efforts of Myande and Hanyong employees, a brand-new starch deep processing production line was successfully commissioned and started running smoothly, and all indicators were superior to the technical level of the same industry. In view of the pleasant cooperation in the 1st phase, Hanyong decided to cooperate with Myande again to expand its wheat starch deep processing output, and signed the 2nd phase project with Myande resolutely, namely 5t/d gluten drying system and 20t/h starch drying system. After which, Hanyong will become a high-quality gluten high-value conversion base with "the largest scale, the best environment protection and the highest level of research and development" in the industry in Asia.
Myande Awards 2022 “Spring Sunshine” Scholarship
In order to motivate employees' children to study hard and to enhance employees’ sense of belonging and happiness, on August 19, Myande held 2022 Myande Spring Sunshine Education Scholarship ceremony. Mr. Wangmu, vice chairman and Mr. Mao Weijiang, director in charge of manufacturing, participated in this ceremony and on behalf of the company presented scholarship stipends to children of Myande employees who are enrolled by four-year universities this year. In his speech, Mr. Wang highlighted that Spring Sunshine Scholarship is one of several company welfare benefits. It represents the company’s vision of moving forward with its employees and creating a better future together, and it reflects the company's care for the education of its employees' children and its high sense of social responsibility.
FAQ
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What should I evaluate before investing in a PLA production plant?
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Start with the target PLA grade and downstream application, not just plant capacity.
Film, fiber, injection molding, thermoforming, and other applications may require different molecular weight, melt flow, thermal properties, color, and optical purity.
Investors should therefore define product specifications, lactic acid supply, technology route, utility costs, target markets, and future product portfolio before finalizing the plant design.
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How does lactic acid quality affect PLA production and final resin performance?
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PLA production requires much tighter control of lactic acid quality than many conventional applications.
Moisture, residual sugars, inorganic ions, color bodies, and other impurities can interfere with downstream reactions and affect polymer molecular weight, color, stability, and consistency.
A reliable PLA project therefore begins with consistent polymer-grade lactic acid, not simply high-concentration lactic acid.
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What are the biggest technical challenges in scaling PLA production to industrial capacity?
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Commercial PLA production requires precise coordination between multiple reaction and separation stages.
Typical scale-up challenges include:
- heat and mass transfer
- reaction uniformity
- viscosity increase
- residence-time control
- impurity accumulation
- removal and recovery of unreacted components
- polymer quality consistency
A successful scale-up therefore requires integrated reaction engineering, separation technology, thermal design, and automation rather than simply enlarging laboratory equipment.
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Why is lactide purity critical to high-quality PLA production?
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In the lactide-based PLA route, lactide quality directly affects polymerization performance and final polymer properties.
Impurities, moisture, and unwanted stereoisomers can influence:
- molecular weight
- polymerization stability
- color
- thermal properties
- crystallization behavior
Efficient lactide purification and precise quality control are therefore critical for producing consistent, high-performance PLA resin.
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How can residual lactide and volatile components be controlled in PLA production?
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Residual monomers and volatile components can affect resin odor, processing stability, product quality, and downstream applications.
An optimized process combines high polymerization conversion with efficient devolatilization and recovery to reduce residual lactide while minimizing polymer degradation and product losses.
Recovered lactide or other valuable streams should also be evaluated for appropriate recycling to improve overall material utilization.
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How can a PLA plant improve raw material utilization and overall product yield?
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Overall economics depend on more than polymerization conversion.
Material can be lost during lactide production, purification, polymerization, devolatilization, and off-specification handling.
A well-designed process optimizes material balance, intermediate recovery, recycle streams, and final product yield across the complete plant.
The meaningful KPI is the amount of qualified PLA resin produced from each ton of lactic acid feedstock.
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How can energy integration reduce PLA production costs?
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PLA production involves heating, cooling, vacuum, purification, and other energy-intensive operations.
Energy optimization should consider:
- process heat recovery
- vapor and condensate utilization
- optimized heating and cooling networks
- efficient vacuum systems
- utility integration
Myande approaches energy optimization from the complete process-system perspective, helping customers reduce utility consumption and improve lifecycle operating economics.
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How can integrated engineering reduce the cost per ton of PLA?
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Lactic acid preparation, lactide production and purification, polymerization, devolatilization, recovery, pelletizing, utilities, and automation are closely interconnected.
Optimizing individual sections independently may simply transfer cost or technical problems downstream.
Myande evaluates material balance, energy integration, product recovery, reaction performance, and utility consumption as one complete system, helping customers improve qualified PLA output while reducing total lifecycle production costs.
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What should I compare when selecting a PLA turnkey technology provider?
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Do not compare suppliers only by nominal capacity and CAPEX. Request comparable technical indicators covering:
- lactic acid feed specifications
- lactide recovery and purity
- overall material yield
- achievable PLA molecular weight and product specifications
- residual monomer levels
- steam, electricity and cooling consumption
- product-grade flexibility
- automation level
- scale-up and industrialization capability
The key question is not simply “How many tons of PLA can the plant produce?” but “How many tons of consistent, on-specification PLA can it produce from each ton of feedstock, and at what lifecycle cost?”
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