PLA biodegradable film is mainly made from PLA . Then what’s PLA ? Just as the name suggests, PLA refers to Polylactic Acid. To discuss if PLA is ecologically friendly and sustainable, it is imperative to understand what it is and its history. Polylactic acid is a chemical compound very similar to that of starches, often found in the human body. The main difference between lactic acid and PLA is the source from which they are derived. Lactic acid is obtained from milk, whereas PLA is synthesized from various starch sources. Obtaining PLA from starchy root crops, mainly corn and sugar beets, makes PLA a renewable resource, causing minimum damage to the environment, especially when it comes to the cultivation of crops why PLA is used for making films and other forms of packaging materials.
PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch. It’s an alternative to petroleum-based plastics and can be used in various applications, including packaging, textiles, upholstery and other consumer products.
PLA biodegradable film is a film that uses PLA as the base material. The most common type of PLA is corn starch, the same material used to make paper. The main advantage of using this type of film over other types of biodegradable plastic is its ability to break down completely into lactic acid in as little as 90 days when exposed to sunlight.
The main drawback of PLA biodegradable film is that it’s less durable than other types of biodegradable plastic. The film will last longer if stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources like hot water pipes or radiators.
What is PLA biodegradable film used for?
PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic made from corn sugar, not oil. It is compostable and biodegradable. PLA has many uses in food packaging, but it also has other applications, such as in medical devices, textile printing and even in cosmetics packaging.
PLA can be used for all sorts of things:
Food packaging – PLA plastic is FDA approved for direct contact with food and can be used for things like salad bags, candy bar wrappers, and produce bags.
Medical devices – from syringes to surgical gloves are available in PLA materials and medical tubes and cannulas used in hospitals.
Advantages of PLA Biodegradable Film
PLA biodegradable film is a polymer made from corn starch or sugar cane. The main advantage of PLA is that it is biodegradable, meaning that it can be recycled or composted after use.
PLA films are typically used in the medical industry for medical packaging and food storage containers.
The second advantage of PLA films is that they are recyclable. This means that they can be reused again and again without losing their quality.
PLA films also have several other advantages over traditional plastic films. They are more durable than traditional plastics, so they can withstand greater stress before breaking down or tearing apart. Additionally, PLA films are more flexible than traditional plastics and will not crack under pressure points like water bottles or soda cans when you squeeze them too hard.
Is PLA compostable film a sustainable solution to plastic waste?
According to the Sustainability Council of New Zealand, PLA (polylactic acid) biodegradable plastic is a renewable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
PLA has been used in commercial applications for over 30 years and is currently one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global plastics market.
PLA is made from renewable resources, such as plants and sugarcane. It’s fully compostable and can be recycled at the end of life (unlike petroleum-based plastics).
In theory, PLA should be better for the environment than conventional plastic because it’s made from natural resources rather than fossil fuels. However, several factors make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its sustainability:
The environmental impact of manufacturing PLA is still being explored. Research indicates that the production of PLA requires fewer fossil fuels than conventional plastics but more than other bioplastics like PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate).
How to Make PLA Film More Eco-Friendly and Sustainable?
The best way to make PLA biodegradable is to use a resin that has been modified with a bio-degradable additive. This additive will help the plastic break down faster in the environment, making it more eco-friendly.
The most common additive used in PLA is PHA or polyhydroxyalkanoate. PHA is a polyester made from cornstarch that bacteria can degrade in soil and water.
Another option is to use polylactic acid (PLA) from renewable plant sources such as corn starch and sugarcane. PLA is a type of bioplastic (sometimes called “green plastic”) that is derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane, as opposed to petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene (PS).
Conclusion
Anything that helps reduce plastic waste is a good thing for the environment. Still, the fact that shopping bags made from biodegradable PLA film are not 100% free from petroleum means this material isn’t necessarily better for the environment than traditional plastic. PLA is also more expensive than regular plastic, which may make it less accessible to some consumers. If you’re interested in using supermarket-standard PLA bags at home, we say go right ahead! It’s a step in the right direction, even if it’s not a perfect substitute.
