Disposable Serviceware

PLA can be used in the manufacturing of disposable cold drink cups, bowls, plates, and cutlery. 

Serviceware made with biodegradable polymers such as PLA is particularly valued at outdoor events such as sports stadiums, concerts, universities, amusement parks, shopping malls and other venues that benefit from the disposal options available with biodegradable polymers. Over the next five years, biopolymers are expected to make further inroads into these markets. 

In the summer of 2005 for example, Alken-Maes Breweries served more than 1.5 million beers in NatureWorks PLA cups at three popular Belgian music festivals. A total of 2,940 kg of compostable cups were recycled at those music festivals, creating 147 kg of compost, and generated a lot of interest in Alken-Maes. 

There are also opportunities for serviceware made from biodegradable polymers through retail outlets. Coop Italia for example, became the first retailer in Europe to offer consumers serviceware from NatureWorks PLA in April 2005. The company reported that sales had since exceeded their expectations. 

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PLA is also finding growing use in the manufacture of thermoformed disposable serviceware. Because of its compostability, cups and containers made from PLA can be collected with food waste and transported to an appropriate commercial composting facility. Cups also feature high gloss and clarity, strength and excellent printability. 

Chapter 9 examines the market opportunities for biodegradable plastics by end use market covering packaging, bags and sacks, disposable serviceware, agriculture and horticulture, medical devices, consumer electronics products, automotive, speciality cards and fibres. 

Major applications for styrene plastics are summarized in Table III (23). The packaging and serviceware (disposables) markets predominate, and account for approximately 50% of the total. One of the most rapidly growing portions of these markets is in low-density (usually 1-10 Ib/ft ) polystyrene foams, either in the form of extruded foam sheet or expanded polystyrene beads (EPS). Projections indicate that production of these foams will be greater than 2000 metric tons (24). 

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