Poly(lactic acids): A potential solution to plastic waste dilemma

Abstract

With mechanical properties that can be tuned at will to mimic a large range of conventional petrochemically produced thermoplastics, poly(lactic acids) (PLA) are also totally biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters. Moreover, PLA can be advantageously produced from renewable raw materials such as sugar beets, sugar cane, and maize, which, in turn, might strengthen the agricultural sector by allowing it to enter the non-food market. Through the description of the main characteristics of PLA, the development strategy of the main intervening industrial players, the economical interests and supports, it is pointed out how probable and close is PLA becoming a commodity plastic.