What Is PLA? Everything You Need To Know
Want more information on history of polylactic acid? Feel free to contact us.
Have you been searching for an alternative to petroleum-based plastics and packaging? Today’s market is increasingly moving toward biodegradable and eco-friendly products made from renewable resources.
PLA products have swiftly become one of the most popular biodegradable and environmentally-friendly options on the market. A 2017 study found that replacing petroleum-based plastics with bio-based plastics could reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.
In this guide, we'll answer the following questions:
What is PLA?
PLA, or polylactic acid, is produced from any fermentable sugar. Most PLA is made from corn because corn is one of the cheapest and most available sugars globally. However, sugarcane, tapioca root, cassava, and sugar beet pulp are other options.
Like most things chemistry-related, the process of creating PLA from corn is quite complicated. However, it can be explained in a few straightforward steps.
How are PLA products made?
The basic steps to create polylactic acid from corn are as follows:
1. First corn starch must be converted into sugar through a mechanical process called wet milling. Wet milling separates the starch from the kernels. Acid or enzymes are added once these components are separated. Then, they’re heated to convert the starch into dextrose (aka sugar).
2. Next, the dextrose is fermented. One of the most common fermentation methods involves adding Lactobacillus bacteria to the dextrose. This, in turn, creates lactic acid.
3. The lactic acid is then converted into lactide, a ring-form dimer of lactic acid. These lactide molecules bond together to create polymers.
4. The result of the polymerization is small pieces of raw material polylactic acid plastic which can be converted into an array of PLA plastic products.
What are the benefits of PLA products?
PLA requires 65% less energy to produce than traditional, petroleum-based plastics. It also emits 68% fewer greenhouse gases. And that’s not all:
Bio-based – A bio-based product’s materials are derived from renewable agriculture or plants. Because all PLA products come from sugar starches, polylactic acid is considered bio-based.
international standards
for biodegradation, naturally degrading rather than piling up in landfills. It does require certain conditions to degrade quickly. In an industrial composting facility, it can break down in 45–90 days.Doesn’t emit toxic fumes – Unlike other plastics, bioplastics
don’t emit any toxic fumes
when they’re incinerated.
PLA is a thermoplastic
, so it’s moldable and malleable when heated to its melting temperature. It can be solidified and injection-molded into various forms making it a terrific option for food packaging and 3D printing.FDA-approved – Polylactic acid is approved by the FDA as a
Generally Recognized as Safe
(GRAS) polymer and is safe for food contact.
In the past, when foodservice operators wanted to switch to eco-friendly packaging, they may have only found expensive and subpar products. But PLA is functional, cost effective, and sustainable. Making the switch to these products is a significant step toward reducing your food business’s carbon footprint.
Besides food packaging, what are other uses for PLA?
When it was first produced, PLA cost about $200 to make one pound. Thanks to innovations in manufacturing processes, it costs less than $1 per pound to manufacture today. Because it’s no longer cost-prohibitive, polylactic acid has the potential for massive adoption.
The most common uses include:
3D printing material filament
Medical implants and devices
Fibers (carpet, clothing)
Packaging
In all these applications, the PLA alternatives present clear advantages over traditional materials.
For example, in 3D printers, PLA filaments are one of the most popular choices. They have a lower melting point than other filament options, making them easier and safer to use. 3D printing PLA filament emits lactide, which is considered a non-toxic fume. So, unlike the filament alternatives, it prints without emitting any harmful toxins.
It also presents some clear advantages in the medical field. It’s favored because of its biocompatibility and safe degradation as PLA products degrade into lactic acid. Our bodies naturally produce lactic acid, so it’s a compatible compound. Because of this, PLA is frequently used in drug delivery systems, medical implants, and tissue engineering.
In the fiber and textile world, advocates aim to replace nonrenewable polyesters with PLA fiber. Fabrics and textiles made with PLA fiber are lightweight, breathable, and recyclable.
PLA is extensively used in the packaging industry. Major companies such as Walmart, Newman’s Own Organics and Wild Oats have all begun using compostable packaging for environmental reasons.
Are PLA packaging products right for my business?
If your businesses currently uses any of the following items and you’re passionate about sustainability and reducing your business’s carbon footprint, then PLA packaging is an excellent option:
To learn more about Good Start Packaging’s affordable and environmentally-friendly PLA products, get in touch!
We're here to help!
Contact Us
The company is the world’s best Beverage Shrink Film Supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Here, we’ll look at how PLA is made, as well as its origins, uses in manufacturing and 3D printing, and more.
PLA is made by fermenting the sugars in plant-derived materials such as corn starch or sugar cane to produce lactic acid, which is then condensed into a lactide and polymerized. From there, PLA can be sold as raw granulated plastic for use in manufacturing processes such as injection molding and casting. Alternatively, PLA can be turned into a filament, spooled, and sold for use in additive manufacturing.
PLA was created in the 1930s, but did not begin to be widely used until the 1980s. Its use in 3D printing grew in popularity after that time, thanks to PLA’s ease of use and relatively low cost.
PLA is used in a great number of industries for a wide variety of applications. Among them:
Food & beverage. Because it is derived from natural sources, PLA is non-toxic and food-safe. It can be used to package items that will be consumed by humans.
Medical. PLA’s non-toxicity means it can be used to create parts or components such as binding screws or other implantable devices.
Textiles. PLA is breathable and light, making it an excellent choice for creating textiles.
Cosmetics. PLA is relatively affordable and eco-friendly, and is an increasingly popular choice for the creation of cosmetics packaging – both from a cost and environmental standpoint.
Prototyping. Especially when 3D printed, PLA is a solid candidate for prototyping, where speed, cost, and ease of use are of utmost importance.
In this section, we’ll take a look at various types of PLA, typical pricing, and material properties.
There are three main types of PLA – PDLA, PLLA, and PDLLA. Get to know the properties of each.
PDLA (Poly-D-Lactic Acid). PDLA biodegrades more slowly than other types of PLA.
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid). PLLA is most commonly used in 3D printing and injection molding. PLA+, a type of 3D printing material that is stronger than regular PLA, is also typically made with PLLA, albeit with strength-increasing additives.
PDLA (Poly-D-Lactic Acid). PDLA breaks down more quickly than other types of PLA, making it a good choice for pharmaceutical applications that will be ingested by humans or animals.
Additionally, PLA is available in many colors and finishes, such as matte, glossy, and silk. It can also be purchased in hybrid form – containing a mix of PLA and materials such as wood, or with additives that increase properties such as strength or flexibility.
Prices of PLA 3D printing filament will vary, depending on factors including color and characteristics. For example, hybrid filaments that combine the properties of PLA and materials such as wood – or increase properties such as strength or flexibility – will be more expensive than regular PLA filament. Typically, however, prices of PLA 3D printing filament will fall between €20-70 per kilogram.
PLA is derived from natural materials, which means it is much more environmentally friendly than other plastics. It is biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
PLA has several interesting properties. Among them:
High stiffness. PLA is a very stiff and brittle material, which means it also features low flexibility.
Good strength. PLA is a relatively strong material, featuring a flexural strength of 103 MPa.
Low melting point. A melting point of approximately 145 °C makes PLA well-suited for 3D printing.
Good aesthetic properties. Because of its low melting point, PLA material can be used to create parts that exhibit smooth surfaces and fine details.
Low UV and temperature resistance. PLA will quickly deform under high temperatures and UV light.
Chemical resistance. PLA is chemical-resistant and is not soluble in solvents such as acetone or isopropyl alcohol, although certain chemicals can cause it to release lactic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Dimensional stability. PLA is not prone to warping, meaning it can be used to print large parts that are very close to a 3D model’s dimensions.
In this section, we’ll take a look at best practices to consider when 3D printing with PLA, as well as several popular post-processing techniques for the material.
Consider these things when designing or creating parts with PLA 3D printing filament so that you can print more effectively and efficiently.
Oozing. Because of its low melting point, PLA is prone to leaking from the nozzle of the 3D printer. The printer’s retraction settings can be adjusted to prevent this.
Cooling. PLA filament stays soft for quite a long time, meaning effective cooling is a must. The 3D printer’s fan should stay on full power during the entire 3D printing process to be sure that layers effectively cool.
Consider a heated print bed. PLA does not require a heated print bed, but using one can increase or decrease the material’s adhesion – depending on the bed’s temperature and what is required for the part you are creating.
Find the right nozzle temperature. To prevent stringing and other undesirable aesthetic qualities, the 3D printer’s nozzle should be fine-tuned to the type of PLA being used – typically between 190-230 °C.
The following are a few ways that PLA 3D printing filament can be post-processed.
Support removal. PLA 3D printing filament is often printed using PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) as a support material for overhangs or other tricky areas. When creating a part using PLA and PVA, the finished part is submerged in water to dissolve the support material (as PVA is a water-soluble polymer).
Sanding. PLA is capable of achieving smooth surfaces, but certain areas may need to be sanded to make them smoother.
Polishing. Parts created with PLA can also be polished using a buffer to create the smoothest possible surfaces.
Painting. PLA filament is available in a wide variety of colors, but you may nevertheless want or need to paint PLA-printed parts, depending on the application.
Want to learn more about 3D printing? Read our full guide: What is 3D printing? Or check out our article,How to design parts for FDM 3D printing.
When you’re ready to start 3D printing, upload a CAD file for an instant quote and automatic DFM analysis. You can also ask any questions about the process or request something specific by contacting networksales@protolabs.com.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of pvc shrink roll. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.