PLA bio film

PLA Bio Film Made from Renewable Raw Materials

PLA bio film is produced from polylactide (PLA), which is also commonly referred to as polylactic acid. Polylactide is an artificially manufactured polymer and therefore a synthetic material.

Unlike plastics made from petrochemical raw materials, however, PLA is classified as a bioplastic according to EU standard 13432. Polylactide is synthesized from lactic acid and corn starch, meaning it is produced from renewable resources.

For this reason, the material has a molecular structure that is biodegradable. Products made from PLA bio film are therefore compostable.

However, only industrial composting facilities provide the conditions necessary for successful composting. Under industrial composting conditions, the material decomposes within a few months. In garden compost or in the natural environment, the decomposition process takes much longer.

Applications of PLA Bio Film

PLA bio film is used as a substitute material for petroleum-based thermoplastics due to its mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. This bioplastic is used, for example, in the production of films and hollow products such as bottles, containers, cups, molded parts, and many everyday consumer goods.

Thermoformed products and packaging films, such as viewing windows for cardboard packaging or complete film packaging, are among the most common application areas.

Bio-based carrier bags and air cushion bags are further typical examples of uses for this compostable plastic.

PLA bio film is also used for the manufacture of disposable tableware and disposable cutlery. After use, the dishes and cutlery can be composted.

Use of PLA Bio Film in Agriculture

In horticulture and agriculture, mulch films made from PLA bio film are used. These ground-cover films reduce weed growth, increase the soil temperature by approximately 2 °C, and thus provide better growing conditions in cooler outdoor temperatures.

The mulch films are perforated in the areas where crops are intended to grow.

Mulch films produced from petrochemical materials are usually made from polyethylene film. A major advantage of mulch films made from PLA bio film is that they can simply be plowed into the soil at the end of the growing season.

The labor-intensive collection, cleaning, and disposal of the film material, which is necessary for films made from fossil-based raw materials, is no longer required.

This saving in labor and effort offsets the slightly higher price of mulch films made from PLA bio film.

The Manufacturing Process of PLA Bio Film

Bleher’s PLA bio films are produced through fermentation, meaning an enzymatic or microbial conversion of organic substances. Fungal cultures and lactic acid bacteria process starch and sugar into the intermediate product lactic acid. Polymerization then takes place at around 180 °C with the addition of the catalyst tin oxide.

The resulting molecular structure as L- or D-lactides determines the durability and biodegradability of the bioplastic. The exact molecular structure depends on the type of fermentation bacteria added.

In addition, the properties of the final film material can be influenced through copolymerization with other monomers. The degree of crystallinity and the molecular weight are important factors affecting the material’s property profile.

It must always be noted that pure PLA is not yet a ready-to-use bio-based raw material. The desired base material for film production is only obtained by adding additives or compounds to the PLA.

The resulting blend is then tailored to the specific applications required.

Compostability of PLA Bio Film

optimont® PLA films are industrially compostable plastic films. They are produced from renewable raw materials. The food-contact compliant quality of the films and their excellent moisture transmission rate make PLA bio films particularly suitable for use in the food sector.

Of course, products from the non-food sector can also be packaged with these films or enhanced with viewing windows to make them more attractive to consumers.

The compostability of the films is certified according to the standards DIN CERTCO, DIN EN 13432, and ISCC Plus.

Under suitable conditions, PLA bio film is broken down by microorganisms into natural components such as carbon dioxide and water. During this degradation process, no microplastics are formed, which are now considered a major threat to the environment and wildlife.

Properties of PLA Bio Film

The property that most strongly distinguishes PLA bio film from many other industrially manufactured and processed films is its compostability, as mentioned above.

PLA bio film is transparent, offers high transparency to UV light, and is scratch-resistant. The film has a high gloss level, high surface tension, and good permeability to water vapor.

It is resistant to fats, oils, and water. The films are approved as packaging materials under food regulations and comply with applicable standards and requirements for food contact.

The film is flexible and can also be processed very well in automated machinery.

Environmental Friendliness of PLA Bio Film

The use of PLA bio films helps reduce environmental impact. Compared to conventional plastic films, their production consumes fewer fossil fuels and causes lower greenhouse gas emissions.

At the end of their life cycle, PLA bio films can be biologically degraded and broken down into their basic components.

Manufacturing from renewable, plant-based raw materials reduces the consumption of petrochemical resources and therefore contributes to lowering the demand for fossil energy sources.

Recycling of PLA bio films is currently not possible. Only production waste from film manufacturing can already be directly reintroduced into the production process.

PLA filament used in 3D printing can, in some cases, already be integrated into recycling processes. However, research aimed at developing recycling methods for PLA bio film is currently ongoing.

The Future of PLA Bio Film

For a more environmentally friendly film industry, it is hoped that development in PLA bio films will continue and that compostable films made from renewable raw materials will increase their market share.

Alongside many advantages, there are also challenges. These include the development of more efficient and energy-saving production processes and the implementation of recycling systems with pure-grade collection.

It is necessary to address the problems associated with integrating PLA into existing recycling infrastructures. The future of PLA bio film depends on continuous innovation and improvement in production and recycling technologies, as well as growing acceptance of biodegradable materials within industry.

For reducing the environmental impact of the packaging industry, PLA bio films and other films made from renewable raw materials represent an important step forward.

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