>Overview    >FAQ

OVERVIEW: Naturally Iowa, in partnership with NatureWorks™ PLA, is the first dairy in the world to introduce a new type of dairy container which pioneers the way for environmentally friendly packaging of dairy products.

What does “PLA” mean? The acronym stands for “Polylactic Acid.” This substance represents the final step in a process, engineered by Natureworks, LLC, a subsidiary of Cargill Dow, which utilizes all-natural ingredients from corn to create a compostable material that can be utilized in a variety of applications.

PLA containers work for many types of food products, including baked goods, deli, produce, meat, food wrap, and now – dairy. Other consumer products feature PLA technology as well, such as floral wraps, blister packs, tray inserts, service ware, and others. PLA can even be used in apparel, bedding, furnishings and other products when it is made into man-made fibers also created from renewable resources.

In addition to being completely biodegradable, PLA reduces dependence on foreign fossil fuels by utilizing natural ingredients such as the Midwest’s surplus corn crop. Not only the milk, but the containers as well are grown right here in the USA. Traditional oil-based, PET plastic depends upon resources purchased in large part from other countries.

As a brand-new technology, we know that you may have questions about how PLA is made and how it works with the food you purchase.

Click here to visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.