PLA — Polylactic Acid Biodegradable Resin Pellets Supplier China | Compostable Rigid Packaging
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bio-based, industrially compostable thermoplastic produced by fermentation of plant-derived sugars (corn starch, sugarcane, cassava) into lactic acid followed by ring-opening polymerization or polycondensation. It is the most widely used biodegradable polymer in the world by volume.
PLA combines:
- Bio-based carbon content — 100% from renewable feedstocks (vs fossil-derived PE/PP/PET)
- EN 13432 / ASTM D6400 industrial compostability — 90% mineralization within 180 days at 58°C in industrial composting facilities
- FDA 21 CFR & EU 10/2011 food-contact clearance for cold and ambient applications
- High clarity — comparable to PET and PS for rigid packaging
- Good stiffness — tensile modulus ~3.5 GPa
- Mainstream processability on conventional injection molding, thermoforming, film extrusion, and fiber-spinning equipment
Key Properties of PLA (TDS Summary)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic Acid / Polylactide |
| Bio-based carbon content | 100% (corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava) |
| Density | 1.24–1.26 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 50–70 MPa |
| Tensile modulus | 3.0–3.5 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 2–10% (brittle in unmodified form) |
| Flexural strength | 80–110 MPa |
| Heat deflection temp (HDT, 0.45 MPa) | 55–65°C (unmodified); 95–105°C (heat-resistant grade) |
| Glass transition temp (Tg) | 55–60°C |
| Melting point (Tm) | 150–170°C (depending on D-lactide content) |
| Clarity | Transparent (>90% light transmission) |
| Melt flow index (MFI, 210°C/2.16 kg) | 3–30 g/10 min (grade-dependent) |
| Moisture absorption | Low (0.2–0.4%) |
| Melt processing temp | 180–210°C |
| Drying requirement | 80°C / 4–6 h, desiccant dryer (moisture <50 ppm) |
PLA Subdivisions Available
| Subdivision | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PLA Virgin Injection Grade | High Mw, optical clarity | Rigid cups, cutlery, clamshells |
| PLA Thermoforming Grade | High melt strength, tailored crystallinity | Sheet extrusion & thermoforming |
| PLA Heat-Resistant Grade | Blended with PBS or talc for HDT 95–105°C | Hot-drink lids, microwaveable trays |
| PLA + PBAT Film Compound | 20–30% PBAT for toughness | Compostable bags, mulch film, mailers |
| PLA 3D Printing Grade | Optimized for filament extrusion (1.75/2.85 mm) | Desktop 3D printing filament |
| PLA + Wood Fiber Compound | Wood-fiber filled for natural look | Decorative 3D printing |
| PLA Fiber Grade | Low Mw for spunbond / meltblown nonwovens | Compostable nonwoven fabrics |
Applications of PLA
Rigid Food Packaging (mainstream)
- Cold-drink cups (water, smoothies, iced coffee)
- Clamshells and salad bowls
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Cold-food lids (coffee cup lids for iced drinks)
- Clear bakery & fruit containers
3D Printing
- Desktop FDM filament (most-used 3D printing material)
- Decorative prints, prototypes, low-stress functional parts
Compostable Bags & Mailers
- PLA + PBAT blends for compostable shopping bags
- Garbage bags certified EN 13432
- E-commerce mailer bags
Agricultural Mulch Film
- Soil-biodegradable PLA + PBAT blend (TÜV OK Soil certified)
- Harvest-time no-collection advantage vs PE mulch
Fibers & Nonwovens
- Spunbond nonwoven for compostable wet wipes
- PLA fiber for tea bags, coffee capsules
Coating & Paper Lamination
- PLA extrusion coating on paperboard (food packaging)
- Replaces PE coating for compostable paper cups
Compliance & Documentation
- EN 13432 (industrial compostability) — 90% mineralization within 180 days
- ASTM D6400 (US industrial compostability)
- FDA 21 CFR — food-contact clearance (cold & ambient applications)
- EU Regulation 10/2011 — European food-contact (PIM)
- RoHS 2 / RoHS 3 — heavy-metal restriction compliant
- REACH (EC) 1907/2006 — SVHC below 0.1% w/w
- TÜV OK Compost HOME — home-compostable variants available
- USDA BioPreferred — bio-based content verified
Packaging & Logistics
- Pellets: 25 kg / bag (industry standard), 500 kg or 1000 kg jumbo bags on request
- Powder: 25 kg / drum (for coating & sintering applications)
- 3D printing filament: 1 kg / spool on request
- Storage: dry, sealed, <25°C; PLA requires sealed packaging to minimize hydrolysis
- Lead time: 7–14 days stock / 25–40 days custom compound
- MOQ: 25 kg (sample); 1 ton (production batch)
Contact — 24h Quote
Daishuming Lingli — Founder & Sales Director
Phone: +86-13922534393 | Email: [email protected]
Send: PLA grade name + quantity + application + destination. 24h reply with TDS, MSDS, COA, EN 13432, ASTM D6400, FDA documentation, and FOB Shanghai or CIF pricing.
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