PLA

Overview

Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic made from renewable resources. Depending on the region it is produced in, these resources could include; corn starch, tapioca roots or sugarcane. Commonly used in the food and beverage industry, PLA plastic can be used to wrap eco-sensitive food products. PLA plastic is not heat resistant, meaning it melts making it ideal for creating shrink wraps for food packaging.

Plastic Recycling Chart

Resin Identification Code
Abbreviation	PET or PETE	HDPE	PVC	LDPE	PP	PS	OTHER	PLA
Polymer Name	Polyethylene Terephthalate	High-Density Polyethylene	Polyvinyl Chloride	Low-Density Polyethylene	Polypropylene	Polystyrene	All Other Plastics	Polylactic Acid
Recyclable	Commonly Recycled	Commonly Recycled	Somethims Recycled	Somethims Recycled	Occasionally Recycled	Commonly Recycled (but diffcult to do)	Difficult to Recycle	Compostable
% Recycled Annually	36%	30~35%	<1%	6%	3%	34%	Low	Low
Time to Decompose	5~10 years	100 years	never	500~1000 years	20~30 years	50 years	never	6 months
Toxicity Level	High	Low	High	Low	Low	High	High	-
Max Temperature	70°C (158°F)	120°C (248°F)	70°C (158°F)	80°C (176°F)	135°C (275°F)	90°C (194°F)	135°C (275°F)	150°C (302°F)
Brittleness Temperature	-40°C (-40°F)	-100°C (-148°F)	-30°C (-22°F)	-100°C (-148°F)	0°C (32°F)	-20°C (-4°F)	-135°C (-211°F)	60°C (140°F)