PLA (Ingeo™)
Also known as: Polylactic acid, Polylactide, NatureWorks Ingeo
Bio-based polyester fibre from fermented lactic acid (corn/sugar cane) — industrially compostable.
Description
PLA (polylactide) is an aliphatic polyester whose monomer — lactic acid — is obtained by fermenting plant sugars (corn, sugar cane). The dominant commercial supplier is NatureWorks LLC with the brand Ingeo™; European distribution runs through Resinex Group.
As a fibre, PLA is melt-spun. It has a melting point of 150–160 °C, is more UV-resistant than PET, of low flammability and more hydrophobic than classic polyester. Frequently blended with cotton or wool for lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel. PLA breaks down in industrial compost above 60 °C within a few weeks; in seawater and home compost it degrades very slowly.
- Aliphatic polyester (polylactide)
- Feedstock: corn/sugar cane fermentation
- Melting point 150–160 °C, Tg 60–65 °C
- Industrially compostable (EN 13432)
NatureWorks' Ingeo™ brand is USDA BioPreferred and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certified.
Properties
| Fibre type | Aliphatic polyester |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NatureWorks (Ingeo™) |
| Melting point | 150–160 °C |
| Composting | Industrial: EN 13432 |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Ingeo Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingeo
- Wikipedia: Polylactic acid Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
