PLA
What is PLA, also known as corn plastic or green plastics? PLA (polylactide or poly lactic acid) is a transparent plastic whose characteristics resemble common petrochemical-based plastics such as polyethylene and polpropylene. It can be processed on equipment that already exists for the production of conventional plastics.
Sometimes referred to as corn plastic, PLA is produced from the fermentation of starch from crops – most commonly cornstarch or sugarcane in the U.S. – into lactic acid that is then polymerised. Because it is stiff and brittle, it typically needs modifications to increase its flexibility.
PLA specialty polymer blends are used in a wide range of applications including computer and mobile phone casings, foil, biodegradable medical implants, molds, tins, cups, bottles and other packaging.
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