PLA plastic, as a bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn sugar, has garnered widespread attention in recent years for its potential in reducing carbon footprints and supporting a circular economy.
PLA is generally safe for most applications, as supported by its widespread use and scientific studies evaluating its safety profile.
However, the safety and environmental attributes of PLA plastic are not without controversy. The question “Is PLA safe?” has become a focal point of concern for plastic manufacturing companies.
Therefore, this article will undertake a comprehensive exploration of PLA’s safety, seeking a scientific and truthful answer for consumers and manufacturers.
What Is PLA？
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugar cane.
As a material, PLA is generally considered food safe and is widely used in the food industry for food packaging, disposable tableware, and other food-related products.
Its origin from natural, plant-based sources makes it a safer alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, both for the environment and for human health.
In its pure form, polylactic acid is non-toxic and is considered a safe food substance, making it suitable for direct food contact and a popular choice for sustainable food packaging solutions.
The Composition of PLA Material
Polylactic acid is primarily composed of lactic acid molecules, which are derived from fermenting renewable plant resources, such as corn sugar or sugarcane sugar.
This process, compared to petroleum refining, results in less environmental pollution and, since lactic acid is a substance naturally present in human metabolism, it is safe for human use.
This grants PLA materials an inherent safety advantage in applications that involve contact with the human body, such as food packaging and medical supplies.
Moreover, the production process of PLA mainly involves two stages: fermentation and polymerization.
This process does not require the use of plastic additives or other chemicals, ensuring the safety of PLA’s composition. However, the overall safety of PLA products also depends on the absence of unsafe other materials during production.
Processing Of PLA Plastics：Is Polylactic Acid Safe？
Due to its excellent solvent resistance, PLA can be processed in various ways, such as extrusion, spinning, biaxial stretching, and injection molding.
During the processing of traditional plastics, especially at high temperatures, some plastics may release harmful gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), posing a threat to the health of operators.
These processes can also generate fumes containing ultrafine particles and VOCs, which may affect respiratory health and require proper ventilation and protective measures.
In contrast, PLA, being a bioplastic derived from natural resources through fermentation, does not release harmful substances or significant fumes during its processing, offering higher safety.
The melting point of PLA is lower than many traditional petroleum-based plastics, meaning that less heating energy is required during the PLA injection molding process, thereby reducing carbon emissions during production.
Is PLA Filament Food Safe For 3D Printing？
PLA filament, specifically designed for 3D printing, is generally regarded as non-toxic and food safe in its pure form. This makes it a favored material for creating food-related prints, such as custom cookie cutters or utensils.
However, not all PLA filaments are identical—some may contain additives or colorants that can affect their food safety. For food-related 3D printing projects, it is crucial to choose PLA filaments clearly labeled as food grade or food safe.
Moreover, the 3D printing process itself can introduce risks, including contamination from non-food-safe printer components or bacterial growth in the layer lines of printed objects.
To mitigate these risks, always use food-safe materials, maintain strict hygiene, and consider applying a food-safe coating to finished prints intended for direct food contact.
When operating a 3D printer, ensuring good ventilation in your workspace is essential. Safe PLA 3D printing practices require proper airflow, enclosures, or filtration systems, as the process can release small particles, toxic chemicals, and ultrafine particles into the air. Prolonged exposure to these emissions may pose health risks.
Although PLA is generally safer than many other materials, potential risks from harmful emissions during printing still exist, so appropriate safety measures should always be taken.
Being a bioplastic derived from renewable natural materials, PLA does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA, making it a non-toxic choice.
Additionally, during heating, PLA emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) compared to many other plastics.
For these reasons, the safety of PLA filament is widely recognized.Nonetheless, it is advisable to print in a well ventilated room or near open windows to have safe printing.
Safety Of PLA Material In Food Contact Applications
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a cornerstone in the food industry due to its safety and versatility, particularly when addressing the question: Is PLA food safe?
PLA is generally considered safe for food packaging, including food containers, disposable cutlery, wraps, bags, and other packaging materials.
Its non-toxic, biodegradable nature ensures minimal risk of releasing toxic particles, making it a preferred choice for sustainable food packaging solutions. Additionally, PLA’s smooth surfaces reduce the likelihood of trapping food particles, enhancing hygiene in food contact applications.
Furthermore, 3D-printed PLA objects can be tailored for specialized food applications, with food-safe coatings applied to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent contamination from food or toxic particles.
This blend of safety, eco-friendliness, and customization solidifies PLA’s pivotal role in food-related applications.
PLA In Medical Industry：Safe & Innovative
Beyond its use in food applications, PLA is highly regarded in the medical industry for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. It is commonly used in medical applications such as implants, sutures, and devices that require a safe, non-toxic material.
PLA’s unique properties also make it ideal for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where it serves as a scaffold for cell growth and tissue repair.
The safety and innovation of PLA extend to 3D printed medical devices and even food-safe kitchen tools, such as cookie cutters and utensils, demonstrating its versatility across industries.
PLA’s non-toxic nature and ability to safely interact with both the human body and food make it a trusted material for a wide range of safe, innovative applications.
Is PLA Safe For Humans?
PLA is primarily derived from non-renewable plant resources such as corn, utilizing starch extracted from these sources.
Its degradation product, L-lactic acid, is a substance that is unnaturally absent within the human body and does not participate in metabolic processes, which significantly undermines the toxicity and incompatibility of polylactic acid with biological systems.
UFPs are tiny particles that can be easily inhaled, while VOCs are chemicals that can cause irritation and other health issues.
Currently, PLA materials have not been disapproved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in medical applications and food packaging. PLA is not considered toxic (“PLA toxic”) and is generally recognized as safe for human use.
This disapproval implies that the safety of PLA products has not been unrecognized by an authoritative body.
This downplays the potential of polylactic acid as a safe alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, particularly in applications that involve indirect human contact.
Environmental Safety And Biodegradability Of PLA
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is widely recognized as a biodegradable material, but its environmental safety and degradation process are nuanced.
Research confirms that PLA is biodegradable, yet full decomposition requires specific conditions, such as industrial composting facilities with controlled temperature and humidity.
In natural environments like soil or water, PLA degrades more slowly than conventional plastics like PP and PET, potentially leading to microplastic accumulation if not properly managed.
Thus, while PLA is biodegradable, its environmental impact hinges on effective post-use treatment and disposal practices. Further studies are needed to fully understand PLA’s long-term degradation behavior across diverse conditions.
Despite these challenges, PLA remains a cornerstone of eco-friendly materials, significantly contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane, PLA reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Its biodegradability enables it to break down into water and carbon dioxide in composting conditions, minimizing long-term environmental pollution.
Additionally, PLA production consumes less energy and water, resulting in lower carbon emissions compared to traditional plastics. These attributes underscore PLA’s role as a sustainable choice, supporting efforts to mitigate climate change and promote greener practices.
Is PLA Recycled Material Safe?
Recycled PLA itself is not considered toxic. PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, and is widely used in various eco-friendly products.
Its degradation product is lactic acid, a substance naturally present in the human body and involved in normal metabolic processes.
However, the safety of recycled PLA can be affected by contaminants introduced during the recycling and processing stages.
If PLA is mixed with other types of plastics during recycling, or if unsafe additives are used during processing, the final recycled product may contain harmful substances.
Recycled PLA is commonly used to produce plastic filament for 3D printing applications, so ensuring the safety and purity of the recycled material is especially important for these uses.
Therefore, the safety of recycled PLA depends on the quality of its source, handling, and processing.
To ensure the safety of recycled PLA, it is important to choose reliable suppliers and pay attention to whether the product has relevant safety certifications, especially for applications involving food contact or medical use.
Proper handling and strict quality control are key to ensuring the safe use of recycled PLA.
Is PLA Safer Than Other Plastics?
In the PLA vs ABS battle, PLA is generally considered to be less toxic than ABS. Derived from renewable resources like corn starch, PLA is biodegradable and has a reduced carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based ABS, which is non-biodegradable and contributes to environmental pollution.
PETG, meanwhile, blends PLA’s user-friendliness with ABS’s durability and is also a safer option, as it emits no toxic substances like styrene during 3D printing.
When selecting materials for 3D printing, choosing the safer option depends on the intended application, with careful consideration of the safety profiles of PLA, PETG, and other filaments, particularly for food contact or sensitive uses.
Thus, PLA vs PETG concludes that PLA is preferred for general use with biodegradability and minimal toxic emissions, while PETG is used for applications requiring higher durability and chemical resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Polylactic Acid stands out as a safe and sustainable material for food contact applications, supported by regulatory approvals from bodies like the FDA and EU for specific formulations.
It’s generally considered non toxic,biodegradability, and versatility make it ideal for food packaging, disposable cutlery, and even customized 3D-printed items when paired with food-safe coatings.
However, ensuring PLA’s safety requires using certified food-grade filaments, maintaining proper printing conditions, and avoiding long-term or high-temperature applications due to potential porosity and additive leaching.
By adhering to best practices, PLA can continue to serve as a reliable, eco-friendly solution in the food industry, balancing safety with environmental responsibility.