Pla Sheet
PLA material (Polylactic acid, polylactide or PLA) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water (hence its name). It can also be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of lactide.
Product Details
Why Choose Us?
Quality Control
Our material and products are certified with BPI(ASTM D6400), Din Certco(EN13432), and are food contact safe with FDA and EU test reports.
Custom Service
We provide compostable material and products to plastic manufacturers and end customers, and offer custom solutions according to customers' requirements.
Advanced Equipment
Our company has tableware packing machine, injection molding machine, napkin folding machine etc.
High quality
Our compostable tableware and other products are made of PLA and other compostable material. They are eco-friendly, non-toxic, food contact safe and naturally antibacterial.
PLA material (Polylactic acid, polylactide or PLA) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water (hence its name). It can also be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of lactide.
The name "poly(lactic acid)" does not comply with IUPAC standard nomenclature, and is potentially ambiguous or confusing, because PLA is not a polyacid (polyelectrolyte), but rather a polyester.
OEM & ODM Services of PLA Sheet
Thickness
The thickness of PLA sheets can be precisely adjusted according to the application. Thinner sheets (usually 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches) are suitable for applications that require flexibility and lightweight, such as disposable food containers or flexible packaging production. Generally, thicknesses of 0.02 inches to 0.03 inches are preferred to both hold items and facilitate handling. and discarded; thicker sheets (0.06 inches to 0.2 inches) are used where higher rigidity and durability are required, such as furniture making or building structural components. A thickness of about 0.1 inches to 0.15 inches ensures that the finished product has the necessary strength. and stability.
Color Customization
PLA sheets can be produced in a variety of colors to match brand needs, such as white, black, gray, transparent, red, blue, green, and more. Food brands can choose bright green to convey a fresh and natural feel, and cosmetic brands can choose smooth black or pastel colors to show the elegant and charming appearance of the product.
Material Customization
PLA materials can significantly enhance their specific properties by mixing with other materials and adding functional additives. Mixing PLA with 5% to 15% of natural fibers (such as cellulose or hemp) can significantly improve the mechanical strength of the sheet while giving it a more natural and textured appearance, which is suitable for products that pursue environmental protection or rustic appearance. . Mixed with 10% to 20% polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), the flexibility and heat resistance of the PLA sheet can be enhanced, making it particularly suitable for applications in high-temperature environments such as microwave food packaging or automobile interiors. In addition, adding 0.1% to 1% antibacterial additives can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, ensuring the safety and hygiene of food contact and medical device packaging; while 0.5% to 1.5% UV stabilizers can prevent material degradation caused by sunlight. , maintain the mechanical properties and aesthetic properties of the sheet. These customized blends enable PLA materials to be widely used in different fields and meet diverse performance requirements.
Biocompatibility
PLA is non-toxic to humans. It can remain in contact with the skin for long periods without any negative effects. The decomposition products of PLA are also non-toxic: it degrades into harmless lactic acid. It is often used for stents and sutures that are designed to break down inside the body over several months.
Low-energy For Production
PLA takes less energy to produce compared to other petroleum-based plastics due to its relatively low melting point of 165 °C. The polymerization of PLA also consumes 25 to 55 % less energy than other conventional petroleum-based polymers.
Mechanical Properties
PLA has good room temperature strength and stiffness, but is not suitable for sudden impact loads.
Food Safe
PLA is non-toxic and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Compostable
While PLA is theoretically compostable it must be processed under special temperature and pressure conditions that are only available at some composting facilities.
Types of PLA Sheet
PDLA (poly-d-lactic acid)
PDLA biodegrades more slowly than other types of PLA.
PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid)
PLLA is most commonly used in 3D printing and injection molding. PLA+, a type of 3D printing material that is stronger than regular PLA, is also typically made with PLLA, albeit with strength-increasing additives.
PDLA (poly-d-lactic acid)
PDLA breaks down more quickly than other types of PLA, making it a good choice for pharmaceutical applications that will be ingested by humans or animals.
Medical field / healthcare
When made with the right solvents and additives, PLA is bio-compatible and sees widespread use in medical applications from drug delivery systems toorgan modeling. PLA is also a promising material for temporary implants. Joints can regrow around 3D-printed PLA scaffolds which the body breaks down into non-toxic lactic acid.
Engineers
Engineers use PLA for rapid prototyping since it is easy to print, non-toxic and does not shrink much when it cools. Today, many industries are going beyond classic prototyping and adopting 3D printing for finished parts. The toy industry, for example, uses PLA to create limited-run or customized products that are safe for kids.
Food Packaging
Bottles and other food-safe packaging are already made from PLA. Since it comes from plant-based resources, PLA is more sustainable than other petroleum-based plastics used in food packaging. And with the growing concern over microplastic waste, PLA's ability to biodegrade makes it even more attractive to the food industry.
Everyday Users
Kid-safe and pet-safe, PLA is the most accessible material for everyday 3D printing. All filament-based printers from the most affordable consumer-grade products on up let you use the material. Whether you are repairing a household item or unleashing your creativity, there is a color and blend of PLA for every project.
Process of PLA Sheet
Polylactic acid (PLA) production technology involves several key components and processes to ensure the material's quality and applicability across various industries. Initially, PLA is produced through ring-opening polymerization or polycondensation of lactic acid, followed by melt processing techniques such as injection molding, hot pressing, and 3D printing. The production of PLA composite fibers involves drying the PLA material, melt-compressing it in a screw extruder, and then feeding it into a spinning component to create fully drawn yarn (FDY) and pre-oriented yarn (POY) strands, which are subsequently cooled, oiled, drafted, interlaced, and wound to form the final product. For higher strength PLA composites, the material is blended with polycarbonate (PC), glass fiber, a coupling reagent, and a compatibilizer, followed by melt extrusion and pelletization. The PLA sheet extrusion production line includes a feeding unit, die forming unit, cooling edge cutting unit, and finished product collecting unit, which work sequentially to produce degradable PLA sheets. In the context of 3D printing, the production technology involves preparing and mixing PLA particles with a flexibilizer, drying the mixture, extruding it through a die head, cooling the extruded plastic wire in stages, and finally drying, detecting, adjusting, and rolling the wire to ensure precision and stability. These processes collectively enhance the mechanical properties, thermal workability, and biodegradability of PLA, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including medical implants, food packaging, and 3D printing materials.
How to Maintain PLA Sheet
Store The Filaments Properly
Use airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to Sheet brittleness. Include desiccants like silica gel packets to absorb any residual moisture. Store the containers in a consistently cool and dry environment.
Avoid High Temperatures
Since PLA is sensitive to heat, it's important to store it in a place where it isn't exposed to high temperatures. Ideal storage temperatures range between 10 – 30 °C (50 – 86 °F). Keep the Sheet away from heat sources like heaters and ovens and avoid placing it in areas prone to temperature spikes, such as attics, garages, or near windows that receive direct sunlight.
Protect Them From The UV
Prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade PLA Sheet, affecting their color and strength. To prevent this, store the Sheet in a dark place or use containers that block UV rays. If direct sunlight is unavoidable in your storage area, consider using UV-protective window films or curtains to minimize exposure.
Inspect And Replace Regularly
Regular inspection is vital for maintaining the quality of PLA Sheet. Check for signs of brittleness, discoloration, or other damage before each use.
The global polylactic acid market size was estimated at USD 713.22 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of the PLA market is mainly driven by the growing demand for polylactic acid (pla) biodegradable resin in packaging across emerging economies such as China, India, Italy, and others. Bioplastics are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, notably in flexible and rigid packaging applications, because they are bio-based, compostable, and biodegradable in nature. Bioplastics are materials in which all the carbon is derived from renewable Raw Materials such as algae, corn, sugarcane, bacteria, potatoes, seashells, and starch.
The growing transition toward developing energy-efficient vehicles and electric vehicles has pushed global automotive manufacturing companies toward including plastics in automotive components to reduce the overall weight of a vehicle. Thermoplastic plastic manufacturers are collaborating to develop plastics suitable for use in the automotive industry, which, in turn, is expected to drive the overall market growth.
As of 2022, the U.S. was one of the major countries exporting large amounts of polylactic acid to other countries while other countries are exporting very small amounts of polylactic acid as compared to the U.S. Due to the availability of raw materials and the presence of major PLA manufacturers, the country experiences rapid expansion. The increasing food processing business is expected to stimulate demand for packaging materials, resulting in PLA demand in the country. Increasing demand for packaged food and ready-to-eat meals is significantly boosting the growth of the U.S. food processing market.
The favorable government laws and regulations implemented in the U.S. related to the applicationion of polylactic acid, along with the easy availability of raw materials for the synthesis of this acid in the country, are projected to boost the growth of the market in the U.S. from 2023 to 2030. The increased applicationion of polylactic acid in the country resulted to its increased usage in the packaging and healthcare industries in the U.S. Other significant factors contributing to the country's market growth include increased consumer awareness of the use of bioplastics and the presence of key enterprises in the country.
PLA packaging provides an environment-friendly solution and helps in enhancing the appearance of the final product. PLA packaging has become an essential part of green packaging of various food products, which is likely to improve its growth prospects over the forecast period. The increasing utilization of bio-based plastics in flexible packaging is expected to fuel the growth of the polylactic acid market. Growing demand for food, on account of increasing global population, is one of the key trends augmenting the market growth.
However, the polylactic acid pricing as compared to conventional polymers, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS), is one of the key factors restraining the growth of the global PLA market. One of the major cost factors is the raw material used in the fermentation process. Advancements in glucose fermentation have lowered the production costs of lactic acid and PLA.
Our Factory
Shanghai Exquisite Biochemical Co., Ltd (Hereinafter PLAbiochem) is an enterprise specialized in the R&D, production and sales of compostable plastic material and products.
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