Focus on PLA, a bioplastic produced from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugar beet or sugar cane.
Origin :
PLA (polylactic acid) is a 100% bio-based polymer obtained through a two-step process:
- Fermentation: sugars are fermented by microorganisms to produce lactic acid.
- Polymerisation: the lactic acid is then chemically transformed into a high molecular weight polymer – PLA.
Its production is based on renewable plant resources, which reduces dependence on fossil raw materials.
This bioplastic stands out for its compostability under industrial conditions in accordance with standard EN 13432. This standard defines four conditions that must be met for a material or packaging to be accepted for industrial composting: composition, biodegradation, disintegration and compost quality.
Properties: transparency and versatility
PLA has highly valued technical characteristics that make it an attractive choice for many applications:
- 100% biobased
- Industrially compostable
- Rigid
- Transparent and shiny
- Suitable for food contact
Applications: multiple uses
PLA is a versatile material that has already found its place in many sectors:
- Rigid packaging: trays, yoghurt pots, cups
- Flexible packaging: films for sacking or routing films
- Consumer goods: cutlery, pens, cases
- 3D printing: the most commonly used filament for prototyping
- Agriculture: clips, twine, mulching film
- Textiles: fibres and non-woven fabrics (wipes, tea bags)
An alternative for the future:
PLA is an alternative to petroleum-based plastics for many applications. It offers comparable technical performance while being derived from renewable resources.
The future of PLA continues to evolve. With ongoing investment in research, particularly into chemical recycling (depolymerisation to return to lactic acid) and the development of technical grades (via formulation), this bioplastic continues to improve in terms of performance and competitiveness.