What is Polylactic Acid (PLA)? It's used to make degradable straws and cutlery!
PLA, which stands for polylactic acid, has very down-to-earth raw materials: it's either derived from starch extracted from corn, sugarcane, or cassava, then converted into glucose, fermented into lactic acid, and finally polymerized; or it's made by fermenting straw into lactic acid and then polymerizing to form PLA. Both methods are extremely safe, making it completely safe for contact with food.
When it comes to its degradation capability, here's a key point: PLA degrades quite slowly in the natural environment, but under industrial composting conditions, it can be broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide and water within 180 days, without polluting the environment. This is why it's particularly suitable for making disposable tableware like straws, knives, forks, and spoons - once used and properly disposed of, it can quickly 'return to nature.'
Even more impressive, PLA isn't just limited to disposable plastic products; it has many high-end applications!
In medicine, because it is compatible with the human body, PLA microspheres can be used for facial rejuvenation injections to stimulate collagen regeneration after injection;
There are also PLA bone screws for humans, which gradually degrade once implanted, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove them, which is very convenient.
In the textile field, clothes, underwear, and socks made from PLA fibers are particularly friendly to sensitive skin and have antibacterial and mite-resistant properties. It's said that socks made from PLA can be worn for several days without any odor, making them very practical.
In the 3D printing world, PLA is also highly popular. Its printing temperature is only 190-220°C, lower than ABS (230-250°C), its shrinkage rate is just 0.2%-0.3%, it has no odor, and it's not prone to deformation. Whether you're a beginner or doing daily creative work, many people prefer PLA.
The price is also becoming more affordable: at the beginning of 2021, one ton cost 34,000 yuan; now, with increased production, it has dropped to around 17,000 yuan, and its applications are becoming more widespread.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that even though PLA-made degradable products are very eco-friendly, disposable items should still be used as little as possible. If you really need to use disposable plastic products, it's best to choose degradable ones first and contribute to protecting the environment.
