Are you looking to reduce your plastic consumption and make more sustainable choices? Say hello to PLA cutlery and goodbye to plastic cutlery! PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable material made from renewable resources like corn starch, tapioca roots, and sugarcane. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to plastic that can be used for disposable cutlery, utensils, and more.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why PLA cutlery is the perfect choice for eco-conscious consumers and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PLA.
Why Ditch Plastic Cutlery?
One of the most prevalent sources of pollution is single-use plastic cutlery, which frequently ends up in landfills and the ocean where it takes hundreds of years to decompose. Due to the energy required for its production, the creation of plastic cutlery also has a negative impact on the environment.
Only 4% of the plastic cutlery used in the United States alone is thought to be recycled each year, out of an estimated 40 billion pieces. This indicates that a significant portion of these plastic objects winds up in the environment, either on land or in water sources.
Making the switch to an eco-friendly alternative can make a huge difference. One great option is PLA cutlery, which is made from plant-based plastic that is both biodegradable and compostable. PLA cutlery is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional plastic cutlery.
Why PLA Is Becoming The Future Of Cutlery?
Cutlery made from PLA, or polylactic acid, is quickly becoming the preferred material for individuals looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly options. There are several reasons why PLA is becoming preferred for cutlery.
First, unlike traditional plastic cutlery which can take hundreds of years to decompose, PLA cutlery is made from plant-based sources, making it 100% biodegradable and compostable. This means that once disposed of, it breaks down into natural elements in just a few months without leaving any harmful chemicals or toxins behind.
In addition to being better for the environment, PLA cutlery is also stronger and more durable than traditional plastic cutlery, meaning it can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. It’s also BPA-free and does not contain any phthalates or other harmful chemicals, making it safer for you and your family to use.
FAQs About PLA
1. What is PLA?
Polylactic Acid, or PLA, is a renewable and biodegradable plastic made from plant-based materials like maize starch, tapioca roots, or sugarcane. It is a kind of thermoplastic polymer, which means that when heated, it can be molded and formed.
2. Is PLA safe to use?
Yes, PLA is a safe material to use for daily things like cutlery and food packaging. It is free of toxins like BPA, phthalates, and other dangerous chemicals, and the FDA has given its approval for use with food.
3. Is PLA biodegradable?
Yes, PLA is 100% biodegradable and compostable, making it a great alternative to traditional plastics. It will break down over time into natural substances, leaving no harmful residue behind.
4. How long does it take for PLA to degrade?
The rate of degradation depends on the environment and conditions in which it is placed. Generally speaking, PLA will start breaking down after 2-5 years. However, if placed in an industrial composting facility, PLA can break down in as little as 45 days.
5. Does using PLA have any drawbacks?
Due to its higher production costs, utilizing PLA might be more expensive than using standard polymers, which is one of its key disadvantages.
In Conclusion
Overall, PLA cutlery has a lot of advantages over other types of plastic cutlery. It is strong, durable, lightweight, heat resistant, microwave safe, BPA free, and compostable. This is why it’s quickly becoming the future of cutlery.
