Pragma Market Research

Polylactic acid (PLA) uses you must know

Posted on 14-January-2020

Polylactic acid (PLA) uses you must know!

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the eminent biodegradable & bioactive (thermoplastic aliphatic) polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It is well-known as environment-friendly polyester. It favors & fulfills the dream of cost-efficient & non-petroleum plastic production. Accordingly, PLA has the second largest production volume of any bioplastic.

In recent years, noticeable research effort has been devoted to the use of biodegradable materials in plastics applications, such as food packaging, food handling, medical implants, to reduce the environmental impact related to the accumulation of plastics waste, etc. There is a vast array of applications of Polylactic acid. Here are some efficient uses of Polyactide you must know!

  1. Food packaging: A growing alternative need as a "green" food packaging polymer! The major application of PLA was the packaging which was nearly 70% of the total applications as use of PLA material as a food packager provide improved aesthetics, better printability, good resistance to grease & oils & many reduced issues in taste & odor transformation2
  2. Higher version of PLA: Today sturdier version of PLA is developed which has incorporated its use in microwavable containers & engineering plastics with higher melting temperature & increased mechanical strength.
  3. 3D-printing: PLA is typically available in the market as thin films for thermoforming, plastic pellets for injection molding, or 3D printable filaments. This is because they can be projected via extrusions, injection molding, casting, blown film, thermoforming, & fiber spinning.
  4. Medical field: PLA is widely preferred to use in the medical field because of its ability to degrade into non-toxic lactic acid. Screws, pins, mesh, rods & other medical implants have been made using PLA. The biodegradability of PLA helps to break down the PLA in the patient's body within a period of 2 to 6 months which eliminates the need for further surgeries.5
  5. Short term applications: Water bottles, Edible oils bottles, short shelf-life milk bottles, food containers, disposable cutlery, etc are popular uses of PLA. It is a desirable material to manufacture shrinkwraps as its films shrink upon heating.
  6. PLA as plastic & fabrics: Following are the specific materials list made from PLA in the plastic & fabric sector which are completely environmental-friendly.

 

PLA plastics in rigid thermoforms:

  1. To clear fresh fruits & vegetable clamshells.
  2. Daily meat trays
  3. Bakery, fresh herbs & candy containers
  4. Disposable articles & cold drink cups
  5. Opaque dairy (yogurt) containers
  6. Consumer displays & electronic devices

PLA plastics in biaxially oriented films:

  1. Candy twist & flow wrap
  2. Envelope & display carton window
  3. Lamination film
  4. Lidding stock
  5. Die-cut labels
  6. Gift basket (product) overwrap
  7. Floral wrap & tapes
  8. Stand up pouches & shrink sleeves
  9. Cake mix, cereal & bread bags

PLA fabrics:

  1. Nonwovens: Wipes, hygiene products, diapers, shoe liners, automotive head, door liners, paper reinforcement
  2. Fillings: Pillows, comforters, mattresses, & Duvets
  3. Apparels: Casual (sports), active & underwear fashion items
  4. Furnishings: Upholstery, panels & decorative fabrics
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