Why Use Polylactic Acid？
Polylactic Acid or more commonly known as Polylactic Acid is a biopolymer derived polymer which is generated through the process of trans-resinification. This is an amorphous polymer which contains chains of sugar molecules that are attached to one another. It was discovered in the 1970's by scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The compound has recently been subject to extensive research and it has been found to be very useful in the field of cosmetics. Polylactic Acid has been extensively used in the pharmaceutical, nutritional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for the purpose of manufacturing nutritional supplements, laxatives, detergents and even cosmetics.
Polylactic Acid can be formed as a powder from monomerized polysaccharides via chemical reactions between certain sugars and other compounds present in polymer solutions and raw materials. These polymers can be used for manufacturing a variety of containers, such as plastic bottles, pharmaceutical containers, soft and thickener containers, synthetic fiberboard, cushion covers, paperboard coatings, paperboard packaging, protective coatings for toys, dyes, silk and wool as well as other polymers. Polylactic Acid has the ability to resist high temperatures and it does not degrade over a period of time. Its physical properties allow it to bond tightly to almost any surface. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, Polylactic Acid has been extensively used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical packaging in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, packaging peanuts and pine nuts, pigments for printing, paper, fabric, rubber and latex.
Polylactic Acid has numerous applications in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, packaging polymer and so on. It is also widely used in the food industry as it makes food packaging easy and less messy. It can be used for making baby food containers, infant toys, baby food pouches and other soft and absorbent containers. For cosmetic packaging it is used for making lipstick boxes, lip balm packaging and cosmetic jars. It can also be used for making nutritional supplement containers, skin care products packaging and other skin care product packaging.
The uses of polylactic acid polymer continue to grow as it finds uses in a variety of sectors of science and industry. One of the best examples of its use is its production of biodegradable waste material for the gardening industry. It is found that as plant nutrients become less available, plants must turn to alternative sources of nutrients to produce growth and yield. Polylactic Acid as a biodegradable byproduct from Polylactic Acid production makes this possible.
Polylactic Acid plays an important role in the manufacture of Biomass, the term used to describe any product made from organic matter that undergoes a chemical process, resulting in the release of gas or liquid. In the manufacture of biodegradable waste materials from plants or animals, Polylactic Acid is efficiently utilized as a biodegradable byproduct of the processes used to transform sugars into starch. In fact, most sugar cane waste materials can be considered as biodegradable because they contain Carbon Dioxide already. The fact that Polylactic Acid is a noncellulose polymer makes it a great contributor to the clean-up of landfills.
Polylactic Acid is used in the production of a wide range of commercial and industrial goods including paper, plastics, textile dyes, paints, pharmaceuticals, natural fibers, rubber and other biodegradable materials. It is also used in the production of plastic bags, foam and Teflon Coating that prevent foods from sticking. A number of other industries that have greatly benefited from Polylactic Acid include: packaging and printing, cosmetics, agriculture, forestry, landscaping, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction and automotive.
