PLA is short for Polylactic acid. It is a thermoplastic filament derived from natural, renewable sources like corn starch or sugar cane.
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First discovered by Wallace Corothers, the inventor of Nylon, in the s, PLA was not initially used commercially.
However, by , it became the second most valuable bioplastic in the packaging market based on consumption figures.
PLA is sometimes called “corn plastic.”
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a bioplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane.
The manufacturing process for PLA involves several steps, including fermentation, separation, purification, and polymerization.
During fermentation, microorganisms break down the starches in corn or sugarcane into simple sugars.
These sugars are then separated and purified before being transformed into lactic acid through polymerization.
Finally, the lactic acid is polymerized and converted into PLA resin pellets, which can produce various products, including food packaging, disposable utensils, and 3D printing filaments.
Yes, PLA plastic is generally considered food safe.
Studies have shown that PLA containers used for food packaging showed no significant evidence of harmful substances transferring into the food.
Furthermore, PLA is an FDA-approved Generally Recognized Safe (GRAS) polymer when used in contact with food.
PLA is the most commonly used bioplastic in the food packaging industry
However, it’s important to note that the safety of PLA may vary depending on the manufacturing process, additives used, and other factors.
For example: Heating PLA filament produces a hazardous chemical called methyl methacrylate.
Another point to consider is that while PLA can withstand temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, still it’s not recommended for hot foods.
Note: Always remember to check the specific guidelines and recommendations for using PLA products and choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure the safety and quality of the product.
PLA is an explicit and transparent material, just like PET, making it an ideal food packaging option.
One of the most significant advantages is that you can see the contents without opening the package.
For example, PLA is widely used for clear food packaging, like fruits, salads etc.
A study found that transparent PLA packaging did not affect the quality and safety of sliced ham stored in the packaging. This study confirms that PLA is a safe and effective material for transparent food packaging.
PLA has excellent oxygen and water barrier properties, which help to preserve the freshness and quality of food
For example, Studies have shown that PLA-based packaging films can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to two days compared to traditional plastic packaging.
Food stored in PLA food packaging has been tested to maintain its flavour and taste for up to a week.
In comparison, other packaging materials, namely PET, have kept the food’s flavour for only three days.
PLA is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics that can take years to decompose.
While PLA is biodegradable and compostable, a Wageningen Food & Biobased Research study found that compostable products made with PLA disintegrated faster than orange peels or paper.
The study showed that the PLA-based products couldn’t be recovered even after one composting cycle of 11 days, raising questions about their effectiveness in reducing waste.
It’s important to note that the biodegradability and compostability of PLA may vary depending on the conditions of composting facilities and other factors.
PLA has a lower temperature resistance than traditional plastics, with a maximum recommended use temperature of around 110°F (43°C).
In contrast, conventional plastics such as polypropylene can typically withstand temperatures up to 220°F (104°C).
This makes PLA unsuitable for hot foods or liquids and not recommended for packaging hot soups or beverages.
Yes, technically, PLA is recyclable.
However, due to the lower melting point of PLA, it can not be recycled with other plastics.
This can cause contamination and damage to the recycling machinery.
And PLA mixed with traditional plastics reduces the recycled material’s quality and durability.
Despite these challenges, there are still ways to recycle PLA.
The two main methods are to hand it over to a recycling plant that knows how to handle it or to grind it up and extrude it into new filament.
However, both methods require specific equipment and processes, making them less accessible and more costly than traditional plastic recycling.
PLA needs to be composted in industrial facilities with controlled conditions, which can limit its biodegradability in particular settings.
If you don’t provide these conditions and leave them be, it may take up to 100 years for PLA packaging to decompose.
For PLA to decompose efficiently, it requires specific conditions, such as a temperature between 122-140°F (50-60°C), moisture, and oxygen.
Industrial composting facilities have these conditions to ensure PLA can break down within 90-180 days.
PLA is made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources.
For example, PLA production could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% to 75%
Moreover,The production of PLA decrease fossil fuel consumption by up to 65% compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
PLA is biodegradable and compostable, which means microorganisms in industrial composting facilities can break it down.
It is far much better than traditional plasitic which are able to be biodegradable
PLA can fully degrade into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter in just a few months.
This reduces its environmental impact and prevents it from ending up in landfills or oceans.
PLA can take between 6 months to 2 years to decompose in industrial composting facilities, depending on the conditions.
However,The time taken for PLA to biodegrade in the wild is at least 80 years. This is because, without the specific conditions needed, PLA can’t biodegrade in nature
PLA containers are a popular choice for takeout and delivery of food packaging due to their durability and versatility.
PLA disposable containers are great for keeping your food fresh for a long time when stored correctly.
For example, McDonald’s fast-food chain has started using PLA containers for its McFlurry desserts and salads
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global PLA market for food packaging is expected to reach USD 2,772.93 million by , driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
TIPS:PLA container is advised against storing very hot food
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PLA utensils like forks, spoons, and knives are a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic utensils, significantly contributing to plastic waste.
Tableware or utensils manufactured from PLA are sturdy and can be used more than once
For example, the food service company Aramark has replaced over 2 billion plastic utensils with PLA utensils in its colleges and universities across global operations.
PLA utensils are also completely food safe and can be recycled or composted when discarded.
PLA film is a clear, biodegradable laminating film that packages food products like meats, cheeses, and snacks
It also creates a barrier for odour which helps you keep your food fresh inside the packaging.
For example, the UK supermarket chain Tesco has switched to using PLA film for its meat and poultry products.
According to a study, PLA film can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional petroleum-based films
PLA coating paper is used to produce paper cups, bowls, lids, and boxes, providing a barrier between the food and the paper and preventing leaks and spills.
PLA can be coated on Kraft paper, white paper, or bamboo paper.
The PLA-coated paper container is very versatile and can be used to store hot or cold food items without any problems.
For example, the coffeehouse chain Starbucks has introduced PLA coating paper in its cups to reduce its environmental impact.
PLA foam clamshells are a popular choice for fast-food packaging due to their lightweight and durable nature.
These clamshell products are great for storing both cold and hot food items
PLA creates a hydrophobic surface, condensation from the food does not impact the structural strength of the packaging in any way.
For example, the fast-food chain Burger King has started using PLA foam clamshells for its Whopper sandwiches.
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It’s time to positively impact the environment and promote sustainability through our choices.
PLA is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to common packaging materials.
Is PLA food safe? In short, PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable resources (e.g., corn starch or sugar cane). It's generally considered safe and used for packaging food.
However, we suggest using PLA products that specifically mention compliance with relevant food safety standards to ensure they are suitable for your particular food handling needs.
Polylactic acid (PLA) has recently emerged as a common material in the food industry. That’s because it offers a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional plastics.
From packaging materials to disposable tableware, PLA's applications in the food sector are expanding. This is driven by a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and the pursuit of more sustainable practices.
Does it contain any toxic particles or harmful substances? What about toxic chemicals? Read along as we explore these important questions in detail.
What is PLA?
PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic made from corn starch or sugar cane. It is used as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics for packaging materials, disposable tableware, and other food-related products.
PLA’s material properties are enough to produce a plastic-like material that can act as packaging for foods at ambient temperature. At the same time, it is known for its eco-friendliness because it can break down into harmless byproducts in composting environments or does not release any toxic substances during degradation.
As a result, it’s gaining more popularity on an industrial scale because of the drive to reduce single-use plastic waste by using compostable materials for food products.
Understanding the PLA filament
You might come across the term “PLA filament” and it’s important to distinguish it from PLA. PLA filament or plastic filament refers to a specific 3D printing material made from PLA using a 3D printer. This means that the filament is derived from PLA and combined with additional additives.
PLA is the general term for the polymer, while PLA filament is a specific form of PLA designed for use in 3D printing technologies.
While PLA filament is generally considered safe for food contact, the final safety of 3D-printed items depends on factors such as the quality of the filament, the print materials, execution of food-safe 3D printing, and any post-processing treatments (such as chemical smoothing) applied.
If the intention is to use 3D-printed items for direct food contact, it's advisable to use PLA filament labeled as food-safe and follow any recommended cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
That’s because not all 3D printing filaments pass safe food grading. Some may cause food safety concerns and develop dangerous chemicals or the growth of bacteria when they come in direct contact with food.
What is PLA made of?
PLA is made mainly of cornstarch or sugar cane, a common food ingredient. The production process involves the following steps:
- Fermentation. The raw material is subjected to a fermentation process using microorganisms. This process converts starch into lactic acid.
- Chemical processing. The lactic acid is then chemically processed to create a monomer called lactide.
- Polymerization. Lactide monomers undergo polymerization, a process where they link together to form long chains, forming a PLA polymer. The polymer is then used for making 3D prints.
Food businesses using PLA must ensure the raw ingredients used to produce PLA are all food-grade materials that will not lead to foodborne illnesses.
Is PLA food-safe?
PLA is generally considered safe for food contact. This property makes it popular for food packaging, disposable tableware, and custom 3D-printed items used in food-related contexts.
Despite this, ensuring the safety of PLA in food products requires attention to certifications, intended use, and considerations specific to the 3D printing process.
Here are four important considerations to keep in mind:
- Non-toxic composition: PLA is derived from organic compounds like corn starch and is considered non-toxic. It has no health concerns, which makes it a popular choice for food-related applications.
- Biodegradability: PLA is biodegradable and made of biocompatible materials, adding to its environmentally friendly profile. However, its biodegradability depends on specific conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities. This means that degrading PLA may not be easy for small businesses.
- Certification: If you intend to use PLA for food products, especially in manufacturing or packaging, it's crucial to ensure that the product you use is certified as food-safe. You want to look for products that comply with relevantfood safety regulations and standards
- Temperature sensitivity: PLA has a lower heat resistance compared to other plastics (like plastic bottles). While it is suitable for pre-packaged foods, it may not be ideal for hot liquids or foods.
Importantly, PLA is not exempt fromfood contamination. Bacteria buildup may still occur if it’s not handled properly. This means handling PLA requires strict control of temperature and sanitation.
Is PLA filament food safe?
In a Reddit thread on PLA food safety, people agree that it is food-safe. Although in the context of 3D printing, some caution against using food-grade filament with wet unsealed food because the plastic is porous and its texture is often rough. This increases the likelihood of 3D-printed products collecting food and dirt, resulting in bacterial contamination.
You can use FoodDocs' smart Food Safety Management System to automatically generate monitoring tasks for recording temperature and sanitation practices. You want to record product temperatures before packaging to ensure they are not high enough to create a ground for bacteria.
Is PLA toxic?
PLA is generally considered non-toxic under normal use conditions. Here are a few key points about its safety:
- Biocompatibility: PLA is widely used in medical applications, such as sutures and implants, which indicates its high level of biocompatibility and safety for human contact.
- Non-toxicity: PLA is made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, which naturally leads to a lower risk of toxicity compared to some petroleum-based plastics. It does not contain toxic substances such as bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which are often concerns with other plastics.
- Degradation products: When PLA degrades, it breaks down into lactic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body, further supporting its non-toxic profile.
- Use and disposal: Under normal environmental conditions and use, PLA is safe and poses minimal risk of toxicity. However, if incinerated at high temperatures, it could potentially release any residual monomers or additives used in its manufacture, which could be harmful if inhaled in significant quantities.
Overall, PLA is a safer alternative in many uses, especially where direct contact with the human body or food products is concerned. However, it's always good to consider the entire lifecycle and conditions of use of any material to fully understand its safety implications.
How is PLA used in the food industry?
PLA has a wide range of applications in the food industry. Here are five common uses you should know about:
- Packaging materials. PLA is used to make biodegradable and classic food containers for products. This includes containers, trays, cups, and films. These packaging materials can be used for various products, from fresh produce to pre-packaged meals like sandwiches.
- Biodegradable cutlery. PLA-based cutlery — such as knives, forks, spoons, and other ordinary kitchen utensils — provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic cutlery. These ideal materials can be composted under the right conditions.
- Molds and cutters. 3D-printed molds and cookie cutters made from PLA filament can be used in the production of chocolates, cookies, and other confections. These utensils are traditionally made using stainless steel.
- Food service ware. PLA is used to produce food service items like trays, clamshells, and food containers. These items are designed for one-time use and can be disposed of in composting facilities.
- Lining for paper cups. PLA is also used as a lining material for paper cups, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic-lined cups.
Keep in mind that while PLA is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics, its biodegradability depends on the presence of industrial composting facilities.
How can you manage safe PLA packaging with FoodDocs?
The effectiveness of PLA as food packaging can be achieved only if favorable conditions for the material are consistently maintained. This is why food handlers must ensure that PLA packaging materials are stored in the right conditions and used only for appropriate food products. FoodDocs'AI-powered Food Safety Management System can automatically generate relevant food safety monitoring tasks to help you ensure this. It offers:
- Temperature log to ensure appropriate PLA packaging
- Cleaning and sanitation checklist to help ensure the PLA packaging is free from contamination
- Real-time dashboard to help identify areas that need more attention
Temperature log to ensure appropriate PLA packaging
Food inside PLA packaging must be at a temperature lower than 60°C (140°F). Steel hot food may cause shrinking or warping of the packaging material.
You can use FoodDocs' automatically generated monitoring tasks for logging the temperature of food before wrapping it in PLA packaging. This monitoring task will ensure that the integrity of the packaging material is retained even after shipping the packed product.
You can also further customize the temperature log by inputting the target internal temperature before packaging. Our system will then recognize this standard and suggest corrective actions in case of non-compliance.
Cleaning and sanitation checklist to ensure PLA packaging is free from contamination
PLA must be kept in a clean space to prevent it from collectingbiological hazards and causing food poisoning. This contamination is likely when you have an untidy kitchen and working area.
To prevent this, ensure that all food handlers and facilities in your business follow critical cleaning tasks using our automatically generated Cleaning and Sanitation checklist.
This checklist contains the essential tasks to protect PLA packaging and your products from anyfood safety hazards. You can also customize it by adding specific handling tasks for PLA packaging.
Real-time dashboard to identify areas that need more attention
Ensure your team and operations comply with food safety standards with a quick overview using our real-time dashboard. With the help of this feature, you can easily identify key areas that require more attention. You can quickly detect non-compliant food safety tasks and come up with immediate solutions to minimize further problems.
Our research shows that this saves at least 20% of the time it takes you to supervise your team and allows you to focus on more meaningful areas of your business.
Remember, for PLA food packaging to work well, it's crucial to store it properly and maintain an appropriate food contact time. Food handlers can make this easier by relying on FoodDocs'AI-powered system, which automates monitoring tasks and helps maintain the quality of both the PLA packaging and the food inside.
Book afree demo now to understand how our software can help you.
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