Benefits of tPLA and cPLA In Materials

At Green Paper Products, we offer a wide selection of products made from eco-friendly materials. Materials like cPLA and tPLA are changing the game for bioplastic production, especially in the food packaging industry.

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Uh&#;What Do cPLA and tPLA Even Mean?

It's fair to say that cPLA and tPLA aren't in most people's daily vocabulary. Before you understand the difference between the two, you first need to know what polylactic acid is, better known by its abbreviation PLA. 

Polylactic acid "plastics" are technically not plastic, but they are an eco-friendly plastic alternative. PLA is a thermoplastic polymer created from renewable resources like sugar cane or corn starch. PLA plastic products are better for the environment than traditional, petroleum-based plastics.

Since PLA is derived from plant-based starches, it doesn't withstand heat as well as conventional plastics, which led to the creation of cPLA and tPLA. They are both stronger, modified versions of polylactic acid. If you are interested in learning more about PLA, check out one of our previous blog posts here.

Understanding the Difference

Although both are created from the PLA, there are notable differences between cPLA and tPLA plastics. 

Applying high heat and pressure to PLA causes the materials to crystallize&#; see where cPLA gets its name? Crystallized PLA plastic products are more durable and heat resistant than PLA plastic products. 

Talc-injected PLA is created by combining a ratio of PLA and talc. Talc is used to aid in PLA's ability to mold into more durable materials. Due to its ability to withstand heat, many eco-friendly cutlery options are made from tPLA.

Benefits of cPLA and tPLA Plastics

Bioplastics boast a variety of advantages compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. 

• Conserves energy: Both cPLA and tPLA products require 65% less energy to produce than conventional plastics.

• Compostable: Talc-injected PLA plastics are 100% compostable in a commercial facility between 3-6 months. Crystallized PLA plastics take between 2-4 months to decompose fully. 

• Non-Toxic: Although cPLA and tPLA plastics are sustainable and compostable, some products will inevitably be incinerated upon disposal. Luckily, burning polylactic acid does not release toxic gases like sulfides or nitrides.

High-Quality cPLA and tPLA Products

Are you looking to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? Purchasing sustainable plastic alternatives like cPLA and tPLA products is a great start. 

We have a wide selection of cPLA and tPLA products, including spoons, forks, knives, and more.

Are Compostable Products Right For Me?

Compostable products are tested to meet the ASTM or standards for commercial composting. They are intended for disposal in commercial composting facilities and will not break down in a landfill or other environments. Commercial composting is not available in all areas, and different states have different requirements for composting. Please check locally to ensure you have access to commercial composting before purchasing compostable products.

Are you interested in learning more about what is cpla plastic(fr,es,it)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic is a material made from fermented starchy plants such as corn, sugarcane and cassava. This natural polymer is a renewable resource, that is a popular environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics like polyethene terephthalate (PET).

Green Choice offers a range of PLA packaging including lids, containers and cups. It is often used as a lining on cardboard cups to stop liquid leaking out &#; instead of polyethylene.

As a thermoplastic, PLA turns to a liquid form when it reaches temperatures of 150-160 degrees Celsius. This means it can easily be moulded into any shape, with very little waste.

Is PLA sustainable?

Using PLA eliminates the need to use non-renewable and unsustainable petroleum resources. Of course, the disposal of PLA-based products is important in maintaining the sustainable lifecycle of the material &#; and as more commercial waste-management plants become able to process PLA and separate PLA linings.

Are there multiple options for PLA?

Yes &#; crystalised PLA is another option in the PLA umbrella known as CPLA. Chalk is added to the PLA as a catalyst which creates a harder material that isn&#;t as susceptible to hot temperatures. We use crystalised PLA (CPLA) in our Green Choice cutlery and our coffee cup lids.

What is best practice for businesses using PLA products?

PLA has a low resistance to heat (around 60 degrees C) &#; so is unsuitable for very high temperature applications (such as reheating in a microwave). To maintain the products integrity, we strongly recommend storing all PLA products in a cool dry place. Sunlight has the potential to erode the product over a long period of time.

What other purposes are there for PLA?

In some parts of the world, PLA is used for making different products that will not be contaminated with food waste. For example, 3D printers use PLA. In these instances, PLA can be, and sometimes is, recycled and not turned into compost.

Do PLA products break down?

Yes! PLA is biodegradable and commercially compostable. However, many coffee cups and takeaway vessels that are only lined with PLA end up in landfills because very few waste-management companies have the infrastructure to separate the lining and the cup. In the future this is more likely to become common practice as eco-alternatives to plastic become the norm.

How do you recycle PLA?

PLA is categorised as recycling ID Code 7 which represents "other" plastics. This class includes a number of petroleum-based plastics that are not considered mainstream, and they are all bundled together into class 7. The problem with placing PLA in this mix is that PLA is not petroleum-based and recyclers do not want it bundled. Yet PLA is still seen as an "other" plastic, so it is classed as 7.

PLA is not recycled in the same way as other plastics because of its significantly lower melting point. There is progress to be made in the classification system, which should see PLA put into its own class for lower temperature melting and recycling.

For a quick guide to the plastic recycling classifications in NZ, click here to download.

What certifications does Green Choice PLA have?

All Green Choice products are either home compostable or commercially compostable. Products with PLA lining are commercially compostable only.

Currently the challenge in composting PLA commercially in New Zealand is that there are only 12 commercial composting facilities in the country. We strongly urge you to contact your local government representative to ask for better commercial composting access.

Are PLA products right for my business?

We encourage you to reach out if PLA Bioplastic food packaging is on your radar, and we are always happy to answer your questions. If you we can organise samples to be sent out &#; to cater to your specific needs. Browse our full product range here to discover an environmentally friendly alternative for your business.

Call us on 864 725 for any inquiries.

For more resilient plastic utensilsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.