PLA
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane, it is known as “bioplastics.” Polylactic Acid is biodegradable and has characteristics similar to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS).
PLA is expected to biodegrade within 6-12 months.
PLA is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, starting with chemical hydrolysis process, followed by the microbial digestion, to ultimately degrade the PLA.
PLA can be incinerated, leaving no residue and producing 19.5 MJ/kg (8,368 btu/lb) of energy.
The least preferable option is landfilling because PLA degrades very slowly in ambient temperatures.
