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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PLA PACKAGING:

Here are some common questions and answers about the PLA process and the products made from this innovative new material.

Question: How is PLA made?

Answer: PLA starts (and ends) as an all-natural substance, such as corn. The corn is milled, and starch is separated and further processed into unrefined dextrose. The dextrose is fermented and turned into lactic acid, the same substance produced naturally by the human body after exercise. This substance is condensed and formed into a material called a lactide. After this lactide is purified, it can be made into any of the PLA products listed previously. After each product’s use, the PLA can be composted back into its simplest elements, where it will disintegrate back into the earth under the right conditions.

Question: Will the PLA container biodegrade in my refrigerator, on the shelf or anywhere at home?

Answer: No. The composting process will not start unless certain necessary conditions, such as those found in commercial composting facilities, are met first. This combination of conditions includes mixture with organic materials, along with high temperatures and humidity. So our PLA bottles will never start to biodegrade in the store or in your home. They will continue to protect each of our dairy products until you consume them, and then return them to a composting or recycling facility.

If you’re interested in learning more about how PLA is made, and its many products, visit our packaging page.

Question: How does PLA packaging compare to traditional plastic? Does it affect the taste or quality of the product?

Answer: PLA containers, and PLA bottles in particular, have been thoroughly tested for all aspects of quality and health standards by both Michigan State University and Iowa State University. PLA bottles met or exceeded all tests for aroma, flavor, microbiological quality, and vitamin retention, as compared to traditional PET plastic containers. PLA containers also provide superior clarity and flexibility; bringing you attractive packaging that also cares for the environment.

If you would like more details on testing results on PLA milk bottles, email us at info@naturallyiowa.com to request a report from Iowa State University’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Question: What happens to the PLA bottles once I’m done with the dairy product?

Answer: PLA bottles offer several waste disposal options, depending upon what is available in your area. They can be recycled along with regular plastic, and also provide a “clean burn” option. Ideally, PLA can be composted in a commercial composting facility. There are composting facilities already available across the U.S., including eight in the state of Iowa. (Use the JumpStart link to a list of U.S. composting facilities for further information.)

NatureWorks® PLA technology has already earned certification from the Biodegradable Plastics Institute (BPI), and has successfully completed real-world testing in composting facilities across the U.S. It is Naturally Iowa’s hope that, as PLA use and other compostable technology increases, more composting facilities will be built. Composting requires only a finite space, which can be reused indefinitely. As our landfills reach their physical limits, composting opens up a new, cleaner path for our environment and communities.