Replacement of Traditional Packaging Materials

For rigid thermoformed packaging, the stiffness of PLA enables more efficient down gauging versus existing PET materials. PLA is also an alternative to traditional plastic films such as cellophane, cellulose acetate and glassine, as well as a low temperature heat seal layer and/or flavour and aroma barrier in co-extruded structures where its combination of properties allows layer simplification or replacement of specific layers. 

PLA blow moulded bottles offer comparable organoleptic properties to glass and PET making it suitable for a variety of short shelf-life food and beverage bottling applications. 

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. 

For flexible film applications such as carrier and trash bags PLA has the potential to replace LDPE and HDPE bags when a compostable solution is desired. Furthermore, the high water vapour transmission rate of PLA is beneficial for fresh food applications where it is important that the water vapour escapes quickly from the packaging. PLA also reduces fogging on the lid of the packaging. 

While PLA has made good progress in flexible film applications, development of new technologies is required to improve the fundamental qualities such as thermal properties heat resistance, heat shrinkage etc.) and mechanical properties (strength, ductility, etc.) for further successful commercialisation. 

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