- 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 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 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 is 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 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.
- 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.
