What is PLA (Polylactic Acid)?
Even PLA, which is a representative biodegradable resin, is attracting attention as an eco-friendly material, but it is true that there are still more obstacles to overcome than advantages in terms of technology, economy, and environment.
The eco-label of a product does not guarantee that the product is truly eco-friendly plastic. A truly eco-friendly plastic is plastic that can be decomposed without a special device in a general natural environment.
- Weak price competitiveness – significantly higher than the prices of general petroleum-based plastics currently used
- Induced competition with food production – PLA production depends on global corn production
- Limitations on reuse and recycling – Inappropriately discarded PLA products may contaminate the recycling process
- Biodegradation is available only under certain conditions – PLA only biodegrades in certain commercial facilities under high temperature and humidity conditions.
- Inadequate durability and lifespan - Inadequate heat resistance temperature (about 50 oC) and poor durability in storage and transportation
- Comprehensive environmental benefits in total life cycle – Reduction of use of petroleum-based raw materials VS Necessity to consider environmental load – Increase in energy consumption in the production phase and increase in GHG emissions during landfill
What is PLA (Polylactic Acid)?
Even PLA, which is a representative biodegradable resin, is attracting attention as an eco-friendly material, but it is true that there are still more obstacles to overcome than advantages in terms of technology, economy, and environment.
The eco-label of a product does not guarantee that the product is truly eco-friendly plastic. A truly eco-friendly plastic is plastic that can be decomposed without a special device in a general natural environment.
- Weak price competitiveness – significantly higher than the prices of general petroleum-based plastics currently used
- Induced competition with food production – PLA production depends on global corn production
- Limitations on reuse and recycling – Inappropriately discarded PLA products may contaminate the recycling process
- Biodegradation is available only under certain conditions – PLA only biodegrades in certain commercial facilities under high temperature and humidity conditions.
- Inadequate durability and lifespan - Inadequate heat resistance temperature (about 50 oC) and poor durability in storage and transportation
- Comprehensive environmental benefits in total life cycle – Reduction of use of petroleum-based raw materials VS Necessity to consider environmental load – Increase in energy consumption in the production phase and increase in GHG emissions during landfill
