Is PLA Biodegradable? The Reality Behind PLA Plastic Biodegradability

PLA, also known as Polylactic Acid, is often marketed as an environmentally friendly plastic alternative. Many believe it is biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for packaging, disposable products, and 3D printing.

However, is PLA biodegradable in real-world conditions, or is this claim misleading? This article explains how PLA breaks down, whether it truly benefits the environment, and what challenges exist in composting and recycling PLA plastic biodegradable materials.

Is PLA Plastic Biodegradable in Natural Environments?

PLA is a bioplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA has a lower carbon footprint during production. PLA remains one of the most commonly used materials in FDM 3D printing due to its ease of use and lower printing temperatures.

However, the idea that PLA plastic biodegradable properties make it a perfect solution for waste management is not entirely accurate.

For PLA to break down properly, it needs industrial composting conditions. These facilities maintain temperatures above 55 to 70°C (131 to 158°F) and provide the right combination of moisture and microbial activity. According to a scientific review of PLA’s life cycle, PLA is compostable under aerobic industrial conditions within six to twelve weeks (Rezvani Ghomi et al., 2021).

Outside of industrial composting, PLA does not degrade efficiently. In landfills, it remains intact for decades or even centuries due to the lack of oxygen and heat. In home composting systems, the process is inconsistent because most compost bins do not reach the required temperatures. Research suggests that under natural conditions such as soil or marine environments, PLA degrades very slowly, with some studies indicating that it remains largely intact even after 428 days in marine environments (Royer et al., 2023). Other studies show limited degradation over periods ranging from several months to years (Krasowska & Heimowska, 2023 - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/1/198).

How PLA Composting Works in the United States

The ability to compost PLA depends on access to facilities that handle industrial composting. In the United States, there are approximately 185 composting sites that process food waste, but not all of them accept PLA. A 2023 study found that 71 percent of composting facilities surveyed accepted compostable packaging, which includes some PLA products (US Food Waste Composting Infrastructure).

Even when facilities accept PLA, processing can be inconsistent. Some composting plants reject PLA products due to contamination concerns or because they take longer to break down than organic waste. Many composting programs are designed for food scraps and plant materials, making PLA a challenge for large-scale processing.

Most Americans do not have access to industrial composting sites. As a result, much of the PLA waste generated in the United States ends up in landfills, where it does not break down as expected.

The assumption that PLA plastic biodegradable materials will naturally disappear is not accurate unless composting infrastructure improves.

Can PLA Be Recycled Instead of Composted?

Since industrial composting facilities are not widely available, many wonder whether PLA can be recycled. Theoretically, PLA is recyclable, but practical challenges make it difficult to process in standard recycling programs.

Recycling PLA requires separate collection because it cannot be mixed with common plastics such as PET, which is used for water bottles. If PLA contaminates PET recycling streams, the quality of recycled plastic drops, making the entire batch unsuitable for reuse.

Some private companies and universities are working on PLA-specific recycling programs. However, without a large-scale system for collecting and processing PLA waste, widespread recycling remains limited.

Is PLA Biodegradable Enough to Be a Sustainable Solution?

PLA is biodegradable under specific conditions, but in most real-world situations, it does not break down as easily as many assume. Without industrial composting, PLA behaves similarly to traditional plastics, lingering in landfills for long periods. Recycling is also challenging due to contamination risks and the lack of a standardized collection system.

Although PLA is made from renewable materials, the difficulty in properly disposing of it raises concerns about its sustainability. The environmental benefits depend on whether composting and recycling options are available.

What Can You Do to Reduce PLA Waste?

1. Check local composting options before purchasing PLA products. If an industrial composting facility is not available, PLA waste will likely go to a landfill.

2. Reuse or repurpose PLA items whenever possible. While not all PLA waste can be avoided, extending the life of PLA products helps minimize environmental impact.

3. Support advancements in PLA recycling and composting. Encouraging policies and technologies that improve waste management will help PLA become a more effective sustainable material.

As we discussed in this article, the assumption that PLA plastic biodegradable properties make it an easy solution is not entirely accurate. Until large-scale composting and recycling systems improve, PLA should be used thoughtfully to ensure it does not contribute to plastic pollution. You might be also interested in learning more about PETg properties and whether PETg for outdoor use is a good idea.

If you are looking for high-quality Boston 3D printing services and would like to discuss your project needs, including its environmental impact, please feel free to contact us - we are just a call away.