European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Lactips Opens New Plant in Gier Valley, France

At a glance
  • The new plant in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez will cost €30m and is part of the national 'Territoires d'industrie' program.
  • Production capacity will increase from 1,500 to 3,000 tons per year initially, targeting 10,000 tons per year.
  • The project involves Lactips, NOVIM, BPI Investissements, Bpifrance, and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation.
  • The plant will produce soluble plastic with zero environmental impact, using milk proteins.

New Plant in Gier Valley

Lactips is advancing its industrial development by building a new plant in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, Gier Valley. This project, initiated in July 2018, aims to increase production capacity and serve various segments of the packaging market. The new 12,000 sq.m site will include a 2,500 sq.m production building and a 1,000 sq.m administrative building, with a total floor space of 4,200 sq.m. The renovation will meet high standards in materials, energy consumption, and equipment.

Investment and Job Creation

The €6m real estate project, funded by Lactips, NOVIM, and BPI Investissements, will house teams focused on Lactips’ activities. A recruitment campaign will begin during the construction phase, aiming to hire a dozen R&D, commercial operation, and production staff. The site will eventually require around 30 additional employees to support the development of zero environmental impact plastic.

Reviving a Former Site

The new plant will rejuvenate the former France Crème whipped cream production unit, closed in 2018. Lactips plans to leverage existing assets and local resources, including rehiring two former employees of the site. This initiative is part of the national “Territoires d’industrie” program and will involve nearly €30m in investments over several years.

Production Capacity and Future Plans

From its launch in 2021, the plant will produce 3,000 tons of pellets per year, with a long-term goal of 10,000 tons annually. Up to six production lines will be installed to develop solutions for sustainable packaging and single-use plastics, ensuring compliance with food packaging standards. The site will also feature a laboratory and new equipment for R&D teams.