About PLA
Polylactic Acid, or Polyactide, more commonly known as PLA, is a
biodegradable polymer derived from 100% renewable resources. PLA, comparable
to petroleum based plastic, is now used in a variety of industries including
packaging, clothing, medicine and more. Classified as GRAS (Generally
Recognized as Safe) by FDA, PLA is a nonvolatile and odorless polymer.
PLA- Life Cycle
The life cycle of PLA starts with starch rich plants such as corn, wheat and
sugar beet. These plants are first milled to separate the starch, from which
is unrefined dextrose is processed. The unrefined dextrose went through a
fermentation process and result in lactic acid. After the chemical process
called Condensation, two lactic acid molecules were converted into one
lactide. The lactide molecule is then purified through vacuum distillation
and a solvent-free melt causes the ring shaped molecule to turn into long
chain polymers.
PLA is fully compostable in commercial composting facilities. It can be
converted back to monomer and polymer, or, it can be biodegraded
into water, carbon dioxide and organic materials.
Please go to our FAQ page for more information on PLA materials. |
