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PLA is a biodegradable plastic substitute for traditional petroleum-based plastics and has recently been popular; in fact, most packaging is made from this type of plastic. PLA is fabricated from renewable plant resources such as corn starch και sugarcane. As it has become pervasive in consumer products, including packaging food, one important question arises: Is PLA plastic toxic?
Συσκευασία Huiyang looks at the safety of PLA plastic, its environmental impact, and what both manufacturers and consumers need to know when considering PLA for packaging solutions. If you are a business that wants to make environmentally responsible choices, read on to understand why PLA plastic might be the ideal option.
Understanding PLA Plastic: What Is It?
It must be said that the issue of whether PLA plastic is toxic or not can be differentiated regarding chemical properties versus environmental impact. As long as PLA has not been subjected to additives or harmful chemicals in its manufacturing process, including BPA (bisphenol A) so that its properties are reduced or modified, then PLA is considered safe and non-toxic.
Some other key points:
Made from Natural Ingredients
PLA is made from plant-based materials like corn starch, which are renewable and natural. PLA does not contain chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates, or PVC, which are generally known to cause health issues. So, in many aspects, PLA is a safer choice.
FDA Approval for Food Use
PLA has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct food contact. Many of the products that are made out of PLA, such as disposable cups, food containers, and utensils, are considered safe for consumer use. PLA’s FDA approval is an assurance that it does not leach harmful substances under normal use, which brings peace of mind to consumers and businesses alike.
Low Chemical Migration
PLA was reported to be way below the migrating chemicals as compared to the usual plastics. It is proven that the chemical migration of PLA was far below the threshold limits required by the FDA for safety purposes and much safer for food packaging.
Thermal Sensitivity
But PLA has some disadvantages as well. PLA plastic is sensitive to heat; its melting point is relatively low, about 150°C. If heated at very high temperatures, such as microwaving or storing hot food, the PLA may break down and leak chemicals. PLA packaging must, therefore, be kept within the safe temperature range to avoid degradation and chemical leaching.
Additives and Pigments
The base PLA polymer is nontoxic, but some PLA products may contain additives, dyes, or coatings that can undermine their safety. These additives may leach into food or drinks, especially if heated. Thus, the consumer needs to choose high-grade PLA products that are safe for use and avoid low-grade products with potentially dangerous additives.
PLA Plastic’s Environmental Impact
One of the advantages of PLA is that it is biodegradable. Plastic has been marketed as being environmentally friendly, breaking down more easily than traditional plastics and leaving less waste in landfills. However, this doesn’t take into account that PLA only breaks down under certain conditions, such as industrial composting. It is much slower than in regular landfill settings and is a problem in PLA if not disposed of appropriately.
Why PLA Plastic for Your Business?
As a custom flexible packaging manufacturer such as Huiyang Packaging, it is important to understand the safety and sustainability of materials for responsible business decisions for yourself and your customers. PLA presents a good option for companies aiming to cut their carbon footprint and reach out to consumers’ requests for environmentally friendly package options. PLA is not only much safer than most traditional plastics but also aligns with global sustainability efforts in reducing single-use plastics’ environmental impact.
At Huiyang Packaging, we ensure all of our products of PLA products adhere to safety and quality standards internationally for companies to shift their packaging without toxins.
FAQ
What is PLA plastic?
PLA is an abbreviation for Polylactic Acid, a biodegradable plastic that was found to be made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane. It has found its uses in food packaging, disposable cutlery, and consumer products.
Is PLA plastic food safe?
Yes, PLA plastic is food-grade and FDA-approved for direct contact with food. However, PLA must not be exposed to high temperatures because it can release chemicals.
Can PLA plastic be recycled?
PLA can be recycled at an industrial composting facility. Because it can’t be processed along with regular plastics through curbside recycling collection, check to see your local recycling capability.
Is PLA plastic biodegradable?
Yes, under proper composting PLA degrades in environments like water and carbon dioxide and starts biodegrading very slowly under landfills.
Συμπέρασμα
For businesses seeking a responsible and safe packaging option, Συσκευασία Huiyang offers high-quality PLA products that meet safety standards and are suitable for a variety of industries.
If you’re looking to make the switch to sustainable packaging solutions, reach out to us today to learn more about how PLA can benefit your brand and the environment.