Introduction
In recent years, environmental protection has become an increasingly important issue for people around the world. Plastic waste has been identified as a major contributor to environmental pollution and global warming. To address this problem, many biodegradable and compostable materials have been developed, one of which is polylactic acid (PLA). PLA has gained popularity in the packaging industry due to its biodegradability and compostability. In this paper, we will focus on PLA compostable packaging, including PLA compostable packaging films and bags . And will discuss their benefits and potential applications.
What’s PLA ?
PLA is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic material, which means that it can break down naturally in the environment, without causing harm to the ecosystem. It is made by polymerizing lactic acid, which is derived from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugar cane, and beetroot.
Properties of PLA
PLA has many properties that are desirable for use in packaging, including:
- Biodegradability and compostability: PLA can be broken down by microorganisms in the soil, water, or compost, into carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter, in about 180 days.
- Transparency: PLA is transparent, which makes it an ideal material for packaging products like food items, where visibility is important.
- Good barrier properties: PLA has good barrier properties, which means that it can protect the contents of a package from moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants.
4.Thermal stability: PLA can withstand temperatures up to 50°C, making it suitable for hot-fill applications.
Types of PLA Compostable Packaging
PLA compostable packaging comes in various forms, including : PLA compostable films and PLA compostable bags.
PLA compostable packaging films
The characteristics of PLA biodegradable film: good processing performance, fully biodegradable, in line with EN13432, ASTM D6400 standards, in line with food safety and hygiene standards. Which is a new kind of bio-based material with greater advantages under the development trend of environmental protection packaging. Also, the film made of this material has good tear resistance, good air permeability, easy production and good heat sealing performance.
Application of PLA biodegradable film
1. Biodegradable film with high heat sealing strength
Features: It can adjust the transparency and hardness of the film according to customer requirements, the heat sealing strength can reach 12-20 mpa, soft, easy to put, with good air permeability, good printability. It is biodegradable.
Application: Can make all kinds of flat pockets, tote bags, self-adhesive bags, vest bags, etc., Also , it is suitable for continuous automatic packaging production line product packaging
2. Heat sealable PLA transparent film
Features: The PLA films is high transparent, has very low fog, good gloss, can clearly show the appearance of the product, improve sensory awareness, reflect high-grade. Non-toxic and tasteless, in line with food hygiene standards.
Application: Widely used in color box skylight, flower packaging, flower sleeve, shoes, socks and clothing packaging, cigarettes, books, greeting cards and stationery cover packaging. It can be used for the packaging of snacks, fruits, vegetables, breads, sweets, perishable types (meat, cheese, cooking) and other products.
3. Home compost degradable film
Features: The main components of the film can support household compost degradation, and can be certified by household compost degradation. The films are home compostable, and can be degraded in up to 12 months. Can easily dispose of kitchen waste wet garbage.
Application: For pet garbage bags, shopping bags, rolled bags, express bags, disposable household items (tablecloths, aprons, gloves, shower caps, etc.), kitchen waste classification wet garbage packaging.
4. Transparent paper plastic coating special degradation film
Features: Good transparency, heat resistance, high tensile strength, impact strength, rigidity and strength and toughness perfect match. The thermal shrinkage rate is small, and the adhesion with paper is good. The ink has good printability and can protect the surface of the printed matter from fading. It is resistant to friction, moisture and light, and has the function of waterproof and antifouling. The Dyne value of the membrane surface is above 38, which is suitable for paper and plastic conformity and biodegradation.
Application: Widely used in food packaging, electronic packaging, cosmetic packaging and other color box film.
5. Opaque paper plastic coating special biodegradable film
Features: translucent/opaque film, good stiffness, tensile, good ink printability, can be multi-color printing, film surface Dyne value is high, suitable for paper plastic overlay. Biodegradation.
Application: It can be used for composite packaging of food, electronic products and cosmetics. The appearance of the film is a matte surface effect, which improves the grade of the packaging.
PLA Compostable packaging bags
- PLA zipper bags: These are similar to traditional zipper bags, but made of PLA instead of plastic. They are ideal for storage of food items, such as snacks, cereals, and dried fruits, as well as non-food items like stationery, craft supplies, small tools, garments and so on.
- PLA self-adhesive bags: These bags have a peel-and-seal closure, which makes them easy to open and close. They are one of the best packaging choise for packaging clothing, jewelry, and other small items.
- PLA flat bags: These are plain bags, without any closure mechanism. They are useful for storing and transporting small items like nuts, bolts, and screws, as well as food items like fresh produce and baked goods.
- PLA shopping bags: These are large bags, with handles. People can use them to carry groceries, clothing, and other items. They are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic shopping bags.
Benefits of PLA Compostable Packaging
There are many benefits to using PLA compostable packaging, including:
- Environmental friendliness: PLA is biodegradable and compostable, which means that it does not contribute to plastic pollution and is a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
- Increased consumer demand: Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products.
- Improved brand image: Using eco-friendly packaging can help companies improve their brand image and appeal to socially responsible consumers.
- Better product positioning: Companies that use eco-friendly packaging can position themselves as leaders in their industry, thereby improving their competitive advantage.
Applications of PLA Compostable Packaging
PLA Compostable packaging has many potential applications, including:
- Food packaging: PLA is suitable for packaging food items, such as snacks, cereals, fresh produce, and baked goods.
- Clothing packaging: PLA self-adhesive bags are ideal for packaging clothing items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts.
- Electronic packaging: It can use the PLA flat bags to store electronic components, such as circuit boards and wires.
- Shipping and mailing: It can use PLA shopping bags to ship items like books, magazines, and small electronics.
Conclusion
PLA compostable packaging is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging. It is biodegradable and compostable, transparent, has good barrier properties, and is thermally stable. PLA is used in various forms of packaging, including zipper bags, self-adhesive bags, flat bags, and shopping bags, and has many potential applications in the food, clothing, electronic, and shipping industries. Using PLA packaging can not only benefit the environment but also help companies improve their brand image and increase their market share.
