Questions about Corn Plastics / PLA

What are corn plastics?

Corn plastics are plastics made from Ingeo™ PLA (polylactide).  PLA is made from corn.  Corn plastic products look and feel just like regular plastic, but they are 100% biodegradable and compostable.  Corn is a renewable resource which makes corn plastics much more sustainable than regular plastic.  Did you know that regular plastic is made from petroleum? 

What is PLA?

 Ingeo™ PLA stands for Polylactide, and is a versatile polymer produced by NatureWorks LLC. PLA is made from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made from dextrose by fermentation. Dextrose is made from cornstarch and cornstarch is made from carbon dioxide and water.  Ingeo™ PLA can be formed into several different products like you see on our website. 

What are the environmental benefits of PLA?
Ingeo™ PLA is made from corn, a renewable resource. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, the corn used to make Ingeo™ PLA can be grown every year – and can be grown domestically. The Ingeo™ PLA resin also requires significantly less energy to make compared to petroleum-based plastics, and Ingeo™ PLA bottles are blow molded at lower temperatures than PET and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottles, which requires less energy.

What is the heat tolerance of PLA?

Normal heat tolerance of PLA is 110 degrees (F).  Remember to keep these products out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place.  Corn cutlery has a heat tolerance of 140 degrees, but all other corn plastic food containers and cups can only withstand temperatures of 110 degrees.  guarantees that all products shipped out of our temperature controlled warehouse are in good condition prior to shipping.  We do not take responsibility for any products that melt during shipping or after a customer receives them.  Please call if you have any questions about our PLA heat disclaimer policy. 

How long does PLA take to biodegrade or compost?

Ingeo™ PLA is fully compostable and biodegradable.  In commercial composting conditions, PLA will compost in approximately 30-45 days.  Composting may take longer in a home composting bin. 
 

What do you mean a compostable?

Ingeo™ PLA is compostable, means it breaks down to negligible organic materials within a relatively short time frame under industrial composting conditions. For example, it would take approximately 45 days for a typical disposable cup made of Ingeo™ PLA to compost into carbon and water. (Actual days can vary depending on the shape and thickness of the item.) Industrial composting conditions mean that a sustained level of heat and humidity are maintained, and mature compost with microbes are present; compost piles in individuals’ back yards do not produce these same results.

If I throw PLA in the trash, will it biodegrade in a landfill?

Most landfills are not designed to allow biodegrading of their contents.  With that being said, Ingeo™ PLA will react in landfills like other organic waste such as food.  Ingeo™ PLA is fully compostable in a composting facility.  In addition, Ingeo™ PLA is made from a renewable resource – corn – instead of regular plastic that is made from oil.

What’s the cost of PLA compared to other conventional plastic resins?

Based on NatureWorks published prices as of December 2007, the cost for PLA resin is between 15% and 20% higher than PET (recycle code #1) and also considerably higher than HDPE (recycle code #2), but prices for both PET and HDPE have been rising significantly in the past six months as the cost of oil has risen. It is conceivable that PLA will eventually be priced similarly to PET and HDPE, however that depends greatly on the supply of Ingeo™ PLA, as well as the future price of petroleum-based resins.

What products are made out of PLA?

Products include cups, cutlery, food containers, trash bags and more.  Everyday new products are being produced and soon enough every plastic product will have a Ingeo™ PLA counterpart. 

What kinds of products are most appropriate for PLA? Will my products have compatibility issues?
Ingeo™ PLA is best-suited for products that are oil-based or products that are not negatively affected by moisture vapor transmission. It is also a good option for products that have a relatively short shelf life (12 months or less) and which are not stored in or transported through hot and humid environments. We always suggest that our customers perform their own compatibility tests any time they move into a new resin.

Does PLA contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)?

Ingeo™ PLA resin does not contain any GMO.  All genetically modified organisms are eliminated during the production process of the PLA resin.  Unfortunately, Ingeo™ PLA is not produced from GMO-free corn.  NatureWorks LLC, the manufacturer of the Ingeo™ PLA resin is continuing to explore the possibility of making PLA from GMO-free corn.

Is PLA made from GMO free or organic corn?

Unfortunately, Ingeo™ PLA is not produced from GMO-free corn.  NatureWorks LLC, the manufacturer of Ingeo™ PLA resin is continuing to explore the possibility of making PLA from GMO-free corn.  The resin Ingeo™ PLA does not contain any GMO.  All genetically modified organisms are eliminated during the production process of the PLA resin. 

Can you print my company’s logo on the corn plastic cups?

Yes!  Corn cups can be custom printed with your logo.  For prices and details on custom printed cups, please our Greenware Cups web page.

Questions about Bagasse (Sugarcane) 

What is bagasse?

Bagasse is made from sugarcane.  Rather than throwing away or burning used sugarcane stalks, the pulp is made into a paper-like substance called bagasse.  Bagasse can be molded into different shapes and products that are perfect for food service. 

What is the heat tolerance of bagasse?

Bagasse is fully heat tolerant like paper.  Bagasse can even be put in the microwave.  As with paper, extremely hot food might cause bagasse to lose some of its strength, but bagasse is one of the only biodegradable food service products in the world that can handle hot temperatures. 

Can bagasse handle liquids and grease?

Bagasse will hold up to liquids and grease.  It is fully grease absorbent. 

Where are bagasse products made?

Bagasse products are made in China in a clean, safe factory.  The factory does not use any child labor or sweatshop labor.  If you would like more details on the conditions of the factory, please call us. 

Do the factories where bagasse products are made use child labor?

The factory does not use any child labor or sweatshop labor.  Bagasse products are made in China in a clean, safe factory.  If you would like more details on the conditions of the factory, please call us. 

Is bagasse better for the environment than paper?

Many people consider bagasse to be more environmentally friendly than paper because it is derived from a very renewable resource – sugarcane.  Also, bagasse comes from the sugarcane stalk.  Rather than burn or throw away the used sugarcane stalks, they are used to make bagasse food service products.  That makes bagasse a very sustainable product!

How long does it take for bagasse to fully biodegrade and compost?

Bagasse is fully compostable and biodegradable.  In commercial composting conditions, bagasse will compost in approximately 45-60 days.  Composting may take longer in a home composting bin.

Questions about Other Products 

Why don’t you have biodegradable lids for the biodegradable paper hot cups?

Unfortunately, biodegradable lids for hot cups are not produced anywhere in the world… yet.  This is a major gap in biodegradable products and we are confident that with the advanced technology being focused on these types of products, biodegradable hot cup lids will be manufactured within the next few years.  When they begin to be produced, you can count on SimBio USA, Inc. to be one of the first companies to carry them. 

How long does it take for BioGrade cutlery to compost or biodegrade?

BioGrade biodegradable forks, spoons and knives are made from a combination of cellulose and limestone.  Being completely heat-stable, these utensils begin to breakdown upon entering a compost friendly environment with the right temperature and bacteria.  BioGrade utensils will biodegrade in approximately 90-120 days and are certified compostable according to DIN Certco test.  To speed composting time, we recommend breaking the cutlery in half prior to composting. 

Can you print my logo on any of your products?

Yes!  We can print your logo on corn cups, hot cups and other products.  Corn cups have a minimum order of 50,000 cups (50 cases) per size.  Biodegradable hot cups have a minimum order of 15,000 cups (15 cases) per size. 

(QTY requirements can change without notice)

Can recycled paper be used in food service packaging?

The FDA does not allow post-consumer recycled waste in food service packaging that has contact with food like plates, cups and food containers.  Post-consumer recycled waste is defined as reclaimed materials such as newspapers and magazines that have already "touched" the consumer. 

 The FDA allows pre-consumer recycled waste in food service packaging that does not have contact with food.  Pre-consumer recycled waste is defined as reclaimed fibers that have not touched the consumer such as mill scraps and manufacturer leftovers that are reused. 

Some of our recycled paper products contain post-consumer waste and others contain pre-consumer waste.  Products that are allowed to have post-consumer waste include napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, carry trays and cup sleeves.  Products that are only allowed to have pre-consumer waste include hot cups, plates and bowls.