Cellulose, generic

Injection at 180–210 °C, mould at 20–50 °C. Recommended pre-drying: 4 hours at 60 °C. Good flow properties. Low shrinkage (0.2–0.5 %). Caution: brittle at low temperatures and prone to deformation above 50 °C.

PLA is industrially compostable (EN 13432) in 12 weeks at 55 °C. Mechanical recycling is possible but the systems are not well-developed as PLA contaminates PET and PE streams. Specific collection systems are therefore required.

PLA is FDA and EFSA approved for food contact at ambient temperature. Used in cold food packaging (salads, yoghurts). Do not use in contact with hot food (> 50 °C) or in microwave ovens.