Food Contact Approved Polymer for Packaging
PLA is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved polymer for use a food contact material. It can be used as a food packaging polymer for short shelf life products such as fruit and vegetables.
The common packaging applications of polylactides include as containers, drinking cups, sundae and salad cups, overwrap and blister packages
Extremely Biocompatible Plastic in Healthcare and Medical Industry
Thanks to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, the healthcare and medical industry is making good use of polylactide to manufacture tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery system materials, or covering membranes and different bioabsorbable medical implants.
Due to its versatility, PLA has been investigated for membrane applications (e.g. wound covers), implants and medical devices (fixation rods, plates, pins, screws, sutures, etc.), and dermatological treatments (e.g. facial lipoatrophy and scar rejuvenation).
Growing Use of Polyactide in Structural Applications
Biobased PLA and PLA-based composites are comparatively new for high-end automotive as well as electrical and electronics applications. These composites show better tensile strength and impact characteristics and hence could be used for interior parts of automobile or safety helmets.
Improved material properties enable PLA suitable for use in floor mats, pillar cover, door trim, front panel and ceiling material. PLA Biocomposites are proposed for use in cover spare wheel or translucent roof in hybrid concept vehicles.
Polylactide Biocomposites Could Find Applications
in Translucent Roof in Hybrid Vehicles
However, there still are certain features which limit the commercialization of PLA in other structural applications.
Fibers and Fabrics Made from PLA
PLA is also suitable for textile fiber applications such as shirts, carpets, bedding, mattress, sportswear etc. due to to its low moisture absorption, low smoke generation capability as well as good resistance to UV light.
The polymer also has potential in mulch films and compostable garden waste bags, structural protective foams, insulation materials etc.