On September 9, Purac and Arkema announced their cooperation in functional lactide-based block copolymers. These innovative block copolymers will enhance the thermo-mechanical and physical properties of many bio-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), resulting in a wider range of application opportunities. They are produced by combining Arkema's organic catalysis ring-opening polymerization technology with Purac's L- and D-lactide monomers. This new product improves the specific functional properties of various polymers, such as thermal resistance and impact strength. PLA is widely used in packaging, textile and other consumer goods.