Our Guide to PLA Packaging

PLA is an abbreviation for Polylactic Acid, this substance is a new form of high molecular polymer material and is also well-recognised across different industries as corn plastic. PLA has many uses, the most popular include packaging, 3D printing, bottles, and biodegradable medical devices.

The reasoning behind why the material is beginning to take over many production sectors is because it has similar characteristics to Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), and Polystyrene (PS) whilst also being beneficial for the environment due to being made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. Companies becoming more sustainable is a favourable feature not only for saving the ecosystem, reducing pollution and money spent on waste but also for influencing growth in consumer bases because of how much introducing greener ways of working can impress customers and improve a business’s reputation.

This blog will include information regarding how the material can be used for PLA packaging, the benefits of using the substance, and why it is easily disposable for large warehouses.

PLA is mostly used for containers of food items, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to using plastic, hence also being known as a bioplastic due to its degradable capability. It is a highly popular choice for takeaway cartons as the PLA material can be transformed into plastic containers. The reason why countless food production companies invest in this form of bioplastic is that it doesn’t have the same harmful chemical composition as petroleum-based products, it is as strong as many conventional plastics, it’s freezer-safe, PLA cups can handle temperatures of up to 110°F, PLA utensils can handle temperatures up to 200°F, and it is an environmentally sound source of packaging thanks to its non-toxic, carbon-neutral, and 100% renewable attributes.

Bioplastics aren’t just a sustainable replacement for food packaging; they are also a great choice for a shrink-wrap material within storehouses since they contract under heat. It can handle many different environments and temperatures and can withstand mishandling to a certain point, making it a viable option for larger corporations to use on pallets for transit. Overall, PLA packaging is a functional, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging variant. Switching from regular plastic to these forms of bioplastic products is a significant step for countless businesses in reducing their environmental impact and carbon footprint.

The main advantage of using PLA for packaging is its biodegradability. With the sustainable process and raw materials used, PLA is an environmentally friendly choice for many different packaging applications. The melting point that this bioplastic holds also means that it is a desirable material for recycling. The melting point PLA holds is up to 160 degrees Celsius (°C), from those temperatures, it will turn into a liquid and can be re-purposed, set to cool and reheated again to form other shapes without degradation.

Carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing of PLA are significantly less than other forms of plastic or bioplastics. The net greenhouse gas emission of the PLA fabrication process is considered negative due to carbon dioxide being consumed during the growth of corn before the production of the bioplastic material.

The reason why PLA is so popular for food businesses is because of its insulating properties, which can control the temperature of its contents. The insulation features of PLA assist with keeping the temperature of an internal item around 4°C at an average room temperature of 25-30°C for up to 30 hours. Having insulating qualities is important for retaining the quality and credibility of countless types of products such as food or pharmaceutical items.

Another beneficial characteristic of PLA that makes it favoured for packaging purposes is that it does not release toxic fumes when oxygenated, which enables it to be well-suited for chemical products alongside food and beverage items. This is because these particular types of goods are incredibly sensitive and need neutral surroundings that will not be contaminated during the storage or transit stages, ensuring that the bioplastic protects the contents, the handlers and the end-user.

With PLA plastic being made from renewable sources and having biodegradable qualities, the techniques used to dispose of the material are just as important for the sustainability of the substance. There are two main processes used for disposing of bioplastics:

Within the first 180 days of PLA plastic’s production, it is 100% biodegradable and completely compostable to guarantee the material’s sustainability. The PLA will decompose into digestible polymer fragments within 7 days at 60°C in a moist environment, which is a typical compostable timeline and environment for a large composting operation.

PLA doesn’t contain any chlorine atoms within its structure, which means it can be easily and safely incinerated under controlled conditions without producing or releasing any highly toxic chemicals into the environment. Biodegradability of the bioplastic is a hugely influential factor when companies are choosing whether or not to use it as a form of packaging however, it is also essential to consider the incineration process after it is no longer able to be composted, as this makes it an even more sustainable and environmentally friendly material to integrate into packing operations.

Overall, there are many reasons why PLA is taking over the packaging world. From being composed of renewable materials and their thermoplastic tendencies to the sustainability of the incineration process, it has become a favoured choice for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. If you deal with sensitive items that need controlled temperatures during storage and transport, or if you want to consider a more environmentally sound option for shrink wrap during the palletisation process, PLA is the perfect replacement! Shop from BiGDUG today to find out more eco-friendly packaging products available for quick dispatch. Learn more advice and tips at BiG BLOG on how you can develop your business to be more efficient through storage, furniture, and equipment solutions stocked at BiGDUG!