What is PLA?
PLA (known as Polylactic acid) is a compostable bioplastic made from plant-based resources. Put: it’s a plant-based bioplastic that can be recycled through industrial composting. This makes it an ideal material to use when packaging is mixed with food waste.
Five reasons we love PLA
1. PLA is made from renewable resources
PLA bioplastic food service packaging is made from plants, not oil. Think about it: plants are rapidly renewable and better for the environment, oil is finite, and its extraction, processing, and conversion into products adversely affect people’s health and the environment.
2. PLA has a lower carbon footprint
The production of PLA bioplastic results in 75% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic derived from fossil resources.
3. PLA is a compostable alternative to many products
PLA bioplastic products will biodegrade through the industrial composting process in a maximum of 8 weeks and are certified to Australian and European Standards (AS4736, EN13432).
4. Less energy is required to create PLA
According to an independent analysis by NatureWorks, producing PLA requires 65% less energy than conventional plastics.
5. PLA aligns with the circular economy
A lower carbon footprint and less energy required in production are just some of the reasons PLA aligns with the circular economy. The best bit? PLA comes from natural resources and can be returned to the earth naturally through industrial composting, mirroring the cradle-to-cradle model of the circular economy.
