Samsung E&A, a global engineering and energy solutions company under Samsung Group, has secured a contract to build the Middle East’s first polylactic acid (PLA) plant in the United Arab Emirates. The facility is expected to begin operations in early 2028.
On April 14 (local time), Samsung E&A signed a preliminary EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract with Emirates Biotech for the “Falcon PLA Project.” The project will be located in the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), which offers strong logistical advantages due to its proximity to Khalifa Port and advanced infrastructure.
Under the agreement, Samsung E&A will oversee the entire project lifecycle-from detailed engineering and procurement to full-scale construction. The plant will also integrate Swiss engineering firm Sulzer’s PLA system, with Samsung E&A managing the seamless integration.
Once operational, the Falcon PLA facility will produce 80,000 tons of PLA annually. PLA is a sustainable, biodegradable plastic made from renewable sources such as corn and sugarcane. Unlike conventional plastics, it decomposes naturally under specific conditions.
An official from Samsung E&A stated, “This marks our first entry into the biodegradable plastic market, which is seeing growing demand amid global environmental regulations. It also represents a key step in expanding our client base.”
