Did you know out of all the plastic produced worldwide, 50% of it is single-use? Technically, single-use plastic products are meant to be used just once and then disposed of. And, while they might seem convenient, single-use plastics can be devastating for our ecosystem. For starters, they are slathered in toxins that can contaminate your food or drinks. Moving on, plastic takes a long time (more than decades, in fact) to break down in the soil. So, what's the alternative? If you are keen on living a lifestyle that is sustainable, but also convenient, PLA products can be a great alternative to the single-use products. Products made from PLA, like PLA party cups, are plant-based and certified compostable. And, here's exactly what you need to know about PLA, its benefits, its sustainability attributes, and the type of PLA products you can use for your daily life. What Is PLA? PLA, or also called Polylactic acid, is a thermoplastic monomer, which comes from renewable or organic sources like plants. To make it simple for you, PLA is a substance that is derived from plant starch, like sugarcane starch or corn starch. The fact that PLA comes from plant starch implies that these products only use biomass resources during production and do not rely on non-renewable resources like petroleum. And, because no distillation or polymerization of petroleum is involved here, PLA products like PLA straws use less energy during the manufacturing process and are not resource-intensive. While PLA is made from organic resources like corn starch, it does have similar characteristics to polyethylene. However, one of the most note-worthy benefits of that, unlike plastics, PLA is compostable. So, while single-use plastic products may take even centuries to break down, PLA products can break down into nutrient-rich compost within a few weeks. Technically, PLA can be derived from several kinds of organic resources like corn, cassava, sugarcane, maize and even sugar beet pulp. You can find the best quality PLA products like PLA cutlery, made from corn starch, here at EcoSoul. The sugar, present in corn starch, is fermented and turned into lactic acid, which is then processed into polylactic acid. With sustainability on the brimming rise, you may find PLA party cups, resealable bags, shrink-wraps, and even medical devices, which are known to biodegrade in less than 6-12 months. The primary process of making PLA products from corn starch usually involves converting the starch into sugar, This is done through a mechanical process called wet milling, which separates starch from the kernels. Once the components are separated, enzymes are added. Later on, the mixture is heated to convert starch into dextrose (sugar). Moving on, this dextrose, or sugar is fermented through lactobacillus bacteria, making it a "lactic acid." Once the lactic acid is formed, it is converted into lactide so that to molecules can bond together to create polymers. Polymerization results in the formation of raw material polylactic acid plastic, which is, then, molded, into required PLA products. Relevance of using PLA Products: According to a recent study, over 70% of consumers prefer products with a sustainable attribute. The point is, that the shift towards normalizing a sustainable lifestyle is coming faster than any of us ever anticipated. And, with people stretching away from plastic, PLA products can help them live a lifestyle that is convenient but also planet-safe. While PLA products like PLA party cups do look exactly like plastic cups, they are made from just plants. In fact, our entire PLA range is certified for being compostable. Meaning, after 90-180 days post-disposal, these products are certified to break down into compost, which is ultra rich in nutrients and can be mixed in with the soil. History and Development of PLA While the concept may sound new, Polylactic acid has been around for a very long time. To be precise, it was back in the 1800s when Pelouze used a lactic acid distillation process to create PLA, which was low on the molar mass. Years later, in 1932, PLA was first synthesizes by heating the lactide using a vacuum, by Wallace Carothers. In 1954, Carothers's study was patented by DuPont, where he once worked, for further studies. The history of PLA saw its first nerve of modernization back in 1989, when a couple, Dr Patrick Gruber and Sally Gruber discovered a process to create PLA at home, from corn. This allowed them to reduce the manufacturing process at various levels. And, if we talked detail, it was only in 1966, that PLA's properties of being non-toxic and biodegradable were discovered by the studies of Kulkarni. Uses of PLA PLA demonstrates exceptional adaptability and degrading behavior. It has become one of the most promising biopolymers available today as a result. PLA has become an increasingly popular choice for a number of applications, considering its renewability, biocompatibility, and biobased build. Currently, PLA is immensely used in the packaging industry. The high-performance grades are great substitutes for ABS, PP, and PS. They are becoming more popular in applications that are more demanding. Medical and healthcare, food contact materials, and other fields are some of the main applications of PLA. Examine in-depth the entire spectrum of PLA uses. PLA for Food Packaging The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized PLA as a polymer that can come into contact with food. Common uses for PLAs in packaging include: Cold Cups for drinks Cups for sundaes and salads Cling-wraps Additionally, it can be utilized as a food packaging polymer for perishable goods like fruits and vegetables PLA in Healthcare The usage of PLA in the healthcare and medical business is made possible by its biocompatibility and biodegradability. It is employed in the production of various bioabsorbable medical implants, covering membranes, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and materials for delivery systems. Because PLA is so versatile, it has been looked into for: Applications for membranes: Wound coverings, for instance. Medical devices and implants: sutures, plates, pins, screws, and fixation rods, among others. Dermatological treatments: scar rejuvenation, face lipoatrophy, etc. PLA in Structural Applications Biobased PLA is novel for use in electronics, electrical, and automotive fields. Because PLA is known for its impact properties and tensile strength, this qualifies them for usage in safety helmets or interior car components. The usage of PLA in floor mats, pillar covers, door trim, front panels, and ceiling materials is made possible by improved material qualities. It is suggested that PLA biocomposites be used to cover spare wheels or translucent roofs in hybrid concept cars. Nonetheless, there are still certain characteristics that prevent PLA from being commercialized for use in other structural applications. Benefits of PLA products PLA products, like PLA resealable bags, may be used in a variety of applications. However, when it comes to replacing single-use plastics, their benefits are noteworthy. In fact, PLA products require 65% less energy during the manufacturing process, when compared to traditional single-use plastic products. Moreover, they also emit 68% fewer greenhouse gases, making them highly planet-safe. Below are some of the most common benefits of PLA products: PLA vs PET plastics: Over 95% of plastics produced worldwide are derived from crude oil or natural gas. Plastics made from fossil fuels are not only dangerous, but they also have a limited supply. Products made with PLA offer a similar, renewable, and useful alternative. Bio-based: The components of a bio-based product come from plants or sustainable agriculture. Polylactic acid is regarded as bio-based since sugar starches are the source of all PLA products. Biodegradable: PLA products meet worldwide biodegradation requirements, breaking down organically instead of accumulating in landfills. It does need specific circumstances to break down rapidly. It can decompose in 45–90 days in an industrial composting facility. Doesn't release harmful fumes: When burned, bioplastics don't release any harmful emissions like conventional plastics do. Thermoplastic: PLA is a thermoplastic, meaning that when heated to its melting point, it becomes pliable and moldable. It is an excellent choice for food packaging and 3D printing since it can be solidified and injection-molded into a variety of shapes. FDA-approved: As recognized by FDA, PLA is safe to come into contact with food. To be precise, it is a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) polymer by the FDA. PLA Over Single-Use Products: The Conclusion Beyond their sustainable attributes, PLA products like PLA straws have a lot to offer. Unlike single-use plastic products, that get too flimsy, these products are super strong and ultra-sturdy. They do not get saggy or mushy and are pretty convenient for a sustainable lifestyle. Moreover, unlike plastic, which is slathered in toxins, PLA products are usually free from any kinds of toxins or chemicals, which can contaminate the food.