Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) plastic is a biodegradable material made from renewable resources. Commonly used to produce films and bottles, PLA plastic is cost effective and readily available.
Biodegradable
Cost Effective
High in Strength and Modulus
Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic made from renewable resources. Depending on the region it is produced in, these resources could include; corn starch, tapioca roots or sugarcane. Commonly used in the food and beverage industry, PLA plastic can be used to wrap eco-sensitive food products. PLA plastic is not heat resistant, meaning it melts making it ideal for creating shrink wraps for food packaging.
Plastic Recycling Chart:
Abbreviation | PET or PETE | HDPE | PVC | LDPE | PP | PS | OTHER | PLA |
Polymer Name | Polyethylen Terephthalate | High-Density Polyethylene | Polyvinyl Chloride | Low-Density Polyethylene | Polypropylene | Polystyrene | All Other Plastics | Polylactic Acid |
Recyclable | Commonl Recycled | Commonly Recycled | Somethims Recycled | Somethims Recycle | Occasionally Recycled | Commonly Recycled (but diffcult to do) | Difficult to Recycle | Compostable |
% Recycled Annually | 36% | 30~35% | <1% | 6% | 3% | 34% | Low | Low |
Time to Decompose | 5~10 years | 100 years | never | 500~1000 years | 20~30 years | 50 years | never | 6 months |
Toxicity Level | High | Low | High | Low | Low | High | High | - |
Max Temperature | 70°C (158°F) | 120°C (248°F) | 70°C (158°F) | 80°C (176°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 90°C (194°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 150°C (302°F) |
Brittleness Temperature | -40°C (-40°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | -30°C (-22°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | 0°C (32°F) | -20°C (-4°F) | -135°C (-211°F) | 60°C (140°F) |