ORIGINAL RESEARCH: The eco-profiles for current and near-future NatureWorks® polylactide (PLA) production

By E. T. Vink, D. Glassner, J. Kolstad, R. Wooley, R. O'connor. 2007

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Assessment of the environmental profile of PLA, PET and PS clamshell containers using LCA methodology (2009, methodology): “[25] have shown that PLA resin produces a lower environmental footprint than its petroleumbased counterparts such as PET, PS and PP.”
Assessment of anaerobic degradation of Ingeo™ polylactides under accelerated landfill conditions (2012, methodology): “It is among the most widely available biobased thermoplastics, with a production capacity of over 140,000 metric ton/year [1].”
Life cycle assessment of the manufacture of lactide and PLA biopolymers from sugarcane in Thailand (2010, background): “Similar studies have been carried out by NatureWorks for PLLA derived from corn starch (Vink et al. 2003; Vink et al. 2007, press releases on Internet), and indicate the beneficial GWP profile for PLLA compared to fossil-based plastics.”
Sustainability assessments of bio-based polymers (2013, methodology): “For example, Vink has continued to provide updated profiles for the creation of NatureWorks’ PLA which should be incorporated into any future LCAs of that product [18].”
Recent advances in lactic acid production by microbial fermentation processes. (2013, background): “Recently, lactic acid has been produced from a variety of carbohydrates, including starchy and lignocellulosic biomasses, depending on the substrate availability in the producing country (Litchfield, 2009; Vink et al., 2007).”