| 1. |
What is PLA. |
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PLA ( poly lactic acid ) is a polymer derived from corn sugar , dextrose , through fermentation. |
| 2. |
What can be made with PLA. |
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PLA is a versatile bulk polymer which has a wide range of applications.
Rigid thermoforms, eg, Clear short shelf life trays and lids. Opaque dairy containers. Consumer displays and electronics packaging. Disposable articles. Hot and cold drink cups.
Biaxially orientated films, eg ,Shrink wrap for consumer goods packaging .Twist wrap for flowers and confectionary. Windows for envelopes ,bags and cartons .
Bottles, eg, short shelf life milk and water bottles as well as oil packaging. |
| 3. |
How much corn is required to make 1 kg of PLA. |
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Generally speaking it takes about 2.5 kg of corn to make 1 kg of PLA. The 1.5 kg difference is used in other areas such as corn gluten meal and corn gluten feed plus germ oil. Their is also about 15 % of water per 2.5kg of corn. |
| 4. |
Is PLA compostable and biodegradable. |
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Yes it is. Composting is a viable diversion of landfill that allows organic materials to be recycled into a valuable soil enhancement. Biodegradation is the transformation of polymers by micro organisms .During this process Compostable Plastics yield carbon dioxide , water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable materials and leaves no visible , distinguishable or toxic residue. |
| 5. |
Does PLA Contain any genetically modified material. |
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No PLA does not contain any genetically modified material nor does it’s production require any. |
| 6. |
How much fossil fuel resources are used to produce PLA in comparison to other petroleum type plastics. |
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Measured in millijoules (MJ) of energy per kilogram (kg) of pellets (MJ/kg pellets)
Future Production of PLA = 7
Current Production of PLA = 54
PET AM = 77
PP = 77
PET SSP = 79
LDPE = 81
GPPS = 87
Cellophane = 91
HIPS = 92
PC = 117
Nylon 6 = 120
Nylon 66 = 142
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| 7. |
Can PLA be recycled. |
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Yes there are facilities already in place to accept PLA into the waste stream. |
| 8. |
Why is PLA better than some other petro chemical based plastics. |
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Because PLA uses plant sugars rather than petroleum, the process to create PLA uses 20 percent to 50 percent less fossil resources than is required by conventional plastic resins. And, because carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere in growing corn, the overall carbon dioxide emissions are lower than comparable plastics. There are also a number of waste management options because the products are fully compatible with all standard waste and recycling management practices and are fully compostable in municipal and industrial facilities. |
| 9. |
Is PLA edible. |
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While PLA is well suited for food contact and packaging, it is not recommended for human consumption. However, if it is accidentally ingested it will either pass through the body, or break down into lactic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance of the human body. This natural substance is consumed by people everyday in a variety of foods and it poses no known health hazards. |
| 10. |
Is there a focus on PLA purely because of it’s biodegradability. |
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No most manufacturers who use PLA do so because of it’s performance characteristics. Such as clarity and gloss, tensile strength, and deadfold. Based on field trials and customer feedback, the performance of PLA makes it a great fit in these markets, regardless of the fact that it is compostable. |
| 11. |
What is Biaxially oriented film. |
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Bi-ax film is film that has been stretched on two directions. PLA is made into sheet form and then stretched both in the machine process direction and the transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction. This biax or biaxially orientation adds toughness to PLA film. |
| 12. |
Can PLA be used to manufacture product on existing machines. |
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Yes, PLA can be used on existing machinery with only very minor adjustments or modifications. |
| 13. |
Is there a danger of PLA contaminating groundwater through landfill. |
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NO In standard waste management facilities, PLA will ultimately break down into its original form, lactic acid, and a naturally occurring metabolite. |
| 14. |
How long has PLA been around. |
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The process to create PLA began in 1992, when a team of scientist was charged with finding new uses for corn by-products. |
