PLA film
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PLA film (Polylactic acid) is an advanced type of packaging for application to the containers of soft drinks and dairy products. It can be a film overwrap and is heat-shrinkable[1] . These sleeves are usually made of petroleum-based plastic films such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Oriented polystyrene (OPS) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PLA shrink film is a recently-developed eco-friendly alternative made of corn starch. Unlike petroleum-based films, PLA film is naturally biodegradable[2] , so the material may be of interest to some for environmental reasons.
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[edit] Process
Like most polymer materials, PLA can be processed to films using casting, extrusion and extrusion blow molding, as well as calendering. It can then be printed as desired. A study conducted by the California Polytechnic State University found that the printability of PLA films was comparable to that of standard petroleum based films.[3] PLA films can also be used for packaging in shrink tunnels.
[edit] Characteristics
Customers can see and check the sleeves on the container when they buy soft drinks or dairy products. The shrink sleeves are stuck without glue on the containers and mould to intricate shapes. This is possible because the material of the sleeve is heat-shrinkable, as if the containers wear a stocking.
[edit] Recycling
Efforts on recycling[4] in-factory scrap are beginning. There is concern about the post-consumer ability of PLA to be sorted from other plastics and the possible detrimental effects of mixing PLA with other plastics. SPI Resin identification code 7 is applicable. Any corn and/or sugar based film is not able to be mixed with any petroleum based plastics, therefore the recycling of materials is watched closely to ensure contamination of PLA based plastics does not take place.
[edit] References
- ^ Leaversuch, R (2002), "Materials: Renewable PLA Polymer Gets ‘Green Light’ For Packaging Uses", Plastics Technology, http://www.ptonline.com/articles/200203fa2.html, retrieved 28 Dec 2009
- ^ "Your plastic pal", The Economist, 26 Nov, http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14960045&fsrc=rss, retrieved 28 Dec, 2009
- ^ J. Jacobson, Malcom Keif, Xiaoying Rong, Jay Singh, Keith Vorst (April 2009). "Flexography Printing Performance of PLA Film". Journal of Applied Packaging Research. http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=it_fac&sei-redir=1. Retrieved 29 Jul, 2011.
- ^ "EREMA to recycle biopolymers", Converting Magazine, May 21, 2009, http://www.convertingmagazine.com/article/308885-EREMA_to_recycle_biopolymers_at_NPE2009.php
- Packaging Digest, PLA shrink labels get the 'green' light, 1/1/2008
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