What is PLA?
Polylactic acid, also known as PLA, is a thermoplastic monomer derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch, sugar cane, tapioca root, cassava, and sugar beet pulp. PLA is the second most produced bioplastic (after thermoplastic starch) and has similar characteristics to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS), as well as being bio-degradable. PLA like most plastics made from naphtha (petroleum), it is thermoplastic and can be moulded and processed in a wide range of applications.
How PLA is Produced?
Polylactic acid (PLA) is made by converting plant starches and sugars into a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer through harvesting, fermentation, and polymerization. PLA is an aliphatic polyester produced through either direct condensation of D-Lactic acid as well as through catalytic ring-opening polymerization of lactide, a cyclic dimer derived from lactic acid generated by fermenting plant-based sugars (corn starch, sugarcane, cassava).
PLA Production Pathway