PLA
PLA - Polylactic Acid
PLA (Polylactic Acid) are bioplastics made from renewable resources. The polymers are derived from lactic acid found in corn, sugar beet, potatoes, maize, wheat and tapioca root. PLA has some significant features, as it is made from natural ingredients it can break down in the environment and can be home or industrially compostable depending on the grade.
PLA biopolymers are a natural bio-based bioplastic and can be a substitute for traditional polystyrene (PS), Low density and High-density Polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP). The materials have high tensile strength, is brittle and has low thermal stability.
Circular Features
Raw Material
The lactic required to make PLA biopolymers are sourced from a variety of renewable natural plant-based resources.
Afterlife Solution
PLA Biopolymers are biodegradable, depending on the supplier they can be home or industrially composted.
Issues
As with any material, there are issues worth considering before selection, with PLA biopolymers these are;
- Raw materials for biopolymers are often sourced from mono-crops which can have a negative effect on the local environment over time.
- Recent research into the toxicity of bioplastics versus traditional plastics has identified bioplastic to have a similar chemical composition as traditional plastics.
- PLA biopolymers can cause contamination problems when recycled in traditional recycled mechanisms. This is a biodegradable material that needs to be processed correctly afterlife.
- Careful consideration needs to be placed on the application of PLA to ensure it is used to its full potential.
More Info
Image source: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich