What is PLA plastic and what is it used for

You have doubts about the plastic material PLA and you’ve come to the best place to solve them!

PLA plastic is a compostable and biodegradable material that is often used to make a variety of products, ranging from packaging to surgical material.

Besides being a versatile material, has a low production cost, which allows easy access to the companies that need it.

At the same time, it is important to remember the commitment that this material has to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment. It is manufactured from natural resources and has the ability to biodegrade.

Learn everything you need to know about this amazing plastic material and incorporate it into your daily routine.

What is PLA plastic?

Polylactic acid – better known as PLA plastic – is a polymer manufactured from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugar cane bagasse and other products with high starch content

Due to its manufacturing materials, it has the ability to biodegrade when subjected to certain environmental and atmospheric conditions. At the end of the cycle, it leaves no residue.

For example, may degrade on contact with water or carbon dioxide, as well as in temperatures around 60 degrees Celsius.

Characteristics of PLA plastic

PLA plastic has characteristics that make it a material very demanded for the manufacture of very diverse products.

The first of its characteristics is that this material is presented in clear and brilliant colours. In addition, products made of PLA plastic do not transmit moisture, odours or flavours.

PLA plastic is often compared to polyethylene terephthalate plastic, as they share characteristics such as strength, hardness and elasticity.

Uses of biodegradable PLA plastic

As PLA is a versatile material, it has been frequently used in the manufacture of textile products, packaging, surgical material and containers.

In the case of the textile industry, PLA plastic is used for making upholstery, carpets and awnings.

It has been used for more than 25 years in the manufacture of medical and surgical material Implants are manufactured from this type of plastic, such as mesh, screws or rods for surgery on bones or tissues.

On the other hand, it is one of the preferred materials for companies in charge of manufacturing food containers or packaging.

These companies bet on this type of plastic because it is a waterproof, aesthetic material that does not absorb odours or flavours and is easy to customise.

Advantages of using PLA plastic

The main advantage of using PLA plastic is its ability to biodegrade, which makes it a environmentally friendly material.

In hot weather conditions, PLA plastic can degrade or compost within a month, unlike traditional plastic that takes years to begin to decompose.

Since PLA plastic is manufactured from renewable resources, the pollutant process for the environment to extract the oil

By simply using the starch-rich agricultural products or waste, the production of PLA plastic material is ensured.

Another contribution that PLA plastic makes to the environment is that its processing does not generate high amounts of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide.

It also has the ability to be recycled. It’s a simple material to melt when it reaches 160° C.

So after it’s melted, it should only be poured into corresponding manufacturing moulds and let them harden.

PLA plastic with unfavourable properties

Although it has various uses and advantages, the disadvantages should not be overlooked of the use of PLA plastic.

PLA plastic is a material that melts easily and with which many products can be created

However, some products made from PLA plastic can be deformed or melted progressively, with the heat of the microwave oven or the environment during seasons such as summer.

It has also been indicated that the long-term use of packaging made of PLA plastic loses its waterproofing, so food expires more quickly.

At the same time, the strength and hardness of PLA plastic decreases with the frequency of use.

Biodegradable PLA plastic in the hospitality industry

If you need any product made of PLA plastic for your hotel business, in the virtual shop of Single-use you find the better options at affordable prices.

In our shop’s catalogue you will find a variety of products including plates, cutlery, glasses and miniatures.

The biodegradable corn starch dishes and have the same strength as traditional plastic, so you have a quality product while caring for the environment.

To complement the PLA cornstarch dishes, you find the pLA biodegradable cutlerythat have the right stamina to make diners enjoy their dishes.

The cutlery comes in different colours, so you can play with the combinations with the plates and glasses.

In every catering establishment, glasses are also necessary, so in our shop you will find biodegradable plastic cups PLA

In addition to a wide variety of capacities, you can choose between transparent or coloured glasses that will give you the necessary hardness in case of falls.

Finally, we offer you pLA cornstarch miniatures. These miniatures complement the dishes and easily capture the attention of diners.

In the miniatures you can serve appetizers, desserts or any dish if your hotel business offers a tasting menu