POLY LACTIC ACID (PLA)

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is a plastic substitute made from fermented plant starch (usually corn). It is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. As more and more countries ban plastic grocery bags, responsible for so much so-called “white pollution” around the world, PLA is poised to play a big role as a viable, biodegradable replacement.

Proponents also tout the use of PLA - which is technically “carbon neutral” in that it comes from renewable, carbon-absorbing plants - as yet another way to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases in a quickly warming world.

BENEFITS

• Is derived from a natural renewable resource i.e corn, sugar cane or starch
• Is compostable in a commercial compost facility
• Certian products are compostable in a home composting facility
• Does not produce toxic fumes if incinerated
• Fully biodegradable in less than 90 days in the right environment conditions i.e. heat, oxygen
• Produces 68% fewer greenhouse gases than normal plastics
• Uses less energy to manufacture than normal plastics
• Is suitable for cold storage

DISADVANTAGES

• Has a low glass transition temperature i.e. it starts to biodegrade in high temperatures
• Must be kept separate from normal recycling.
• Composting and biodegradation slows down in landfill sites due to the lack of oxygen.
• Biodregradtion slows down when not in the right enviroment.