Pros and Cons of Eco Friendly, Plant Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer

Plant based Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer is an eco friendly, biodegradable plastic alternative that has gained popularity as a more sustainable option to traditional petroleum-based plastics. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of using plant based PLA polymer as a replacement for various plastic items.

Pros of Plant-Based PLA Polymer:

1. Sustainable: One of the biggest benefits of using plant-based PLA is that it is made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, and cassava. This means that it has a lower carbon footprint and is less harmful to the environment compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

2. Biodegradable: Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, plant-based PLA is biodegradable and will break down into natural materials over time. This makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative, as it reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.

3. Compostable: Plant-based PLA can be composted, which means that it will break down into natural materials that can be used as fertilizer for crops. This is a significant benefit over traditional petroleum-based plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment and release harmful chemicals into the soil and water.

4. Health and Safety: Plant-based PLA is considered safe for use in food packaging and other applications, as it does not release any harmful chemicals into the environment or into food and drink. This is in contrast to traditional petroleum-based plastics, which have been linked to various health and safety concerns.

Cons of Plant-Based PLA Polymer:

1. Cost: One of the biggest drawbacks of plant-based PLA is that it is often more expensive than traditional petroleum-based plastics. This can make it difficult for companies and consumers to switch to this alternative, especially when cost is a major concern.

2. Limited Applications: Plant-based PLA is not as versatile as traditional petroleum-based plastics and may not be suitable for all applications. For example, it may not be strong enough for certain applications, such as car parts or heavy-duty packaging.

3. Complex Manufacturing Process: The process of making plant-based PLA is more complex and requires specialized equipment, which can make it more difficult and expensive for companies to switch to this alternative.

4. Poor Performance in High Temperatures: Plant-based PLA is not as heat-resistant as traditional petroleum-based plastics and may break down or deform when exposed to high temperatures. This can be a major disadvantage for certain applications, such as in hot food packaging or in products that are exposed to high temperatures during shipping and storage.

In conclusion, plant based PLA polymer is a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, offering a number of benefits, including sustainability, biodegradability, and health and safety. However, it also has some limitations, including cost, limited applications, and poor performance in high temperatures. Ultimately, the decision to switch to plant-based PLA will depend on a number of factors, including the specific needs of each application and the trade-off between the benefits and drawbacks of this alternative. Although, with enough investment and use, these cons should disappear over time as the technology scales and processes and techniques improves.

If you're interested in seeing great use cases for PLA polymer, make sure to check out our selection of zero waste Bento Boxes and Phone Cases!