PLA vs CPLA vs PET Advantages and Disadvantages

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Plastics have the benefit of being quick and simple to form into items or packaging using pre-made molds, which accounts for their widespread use. Plastic is the ideal material for manufacturing since it is waterproof, affordable, and durable. Conventional plastics require fossil fuels, leave a high carbon footprint, and linger in the environment for hundreds of years, all of which have a substantial negative impact on the ecosystem. The fact that plastic is overly durable is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The majority of petroleum-based plastics are not biodegradable; instead, they breakdown so slowly that they persist in the environment for a very long time, ending up in landfills, beaches, and oceans. To be clear, bioplastics are either polymers that can degrade in a reasonable amount of time or plastics that can be created at least in part using renewable biological matter (such vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and food waste).

Scientists are striving to develop new kinds of plastics with biological components that can degrade quickly, don't rely on fossil fuels, and have a smaller carbon impact in order to address this issue.

 

These new types of plastics made with biological-based ingredients are called bioplastics.

CPLA and PLA are all types of biodegradable plastics that have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their eco-friendliness. However, each of these materials has its own unique characteristics, which make them suitable for different applications. In this blog post, we will explore the differences and uses between CPLA, PLA, and PET.

What is PLA (Polylactic Acid)?

PLA is a type of biodegradable plastic that is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, cassava roots, or sugarcane. It is often used in packaging, disposable tableware, and 3D printing. PLA is a thermoplastic, which means it can be melted and reshaped multiple times.

PLA is also compostable, which means it can be broken down by microorganisms in a composting environment. However, it can take several months to break down, depending on the conditions of the composting environment.

One of the drawbacks of PLA is that it can be brittle and is not suitable for high-temperature applications. It can also take a long time to break down in a landfill, which means it may not be the best option for single-use applications.

What is CPLA (Crystallized Polylactic Acid)?

CPLA is a type of biodegradable plastic that is made by crystallizing PLA. It is heat-resistant and can be used for applications where PLA would deform under high temperatures. CPLA is also more durable than PLA and is often used for disposable tableware, such as cups, plates, and cutlery.

One of the benefits of CPLA is that it is compostable, which means it can be broken down by microorganisms in a composting environment. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.

[ CPLA is crystallized PLA, for hotter uses shop coffee lids or cutlery ]

What is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)?

PET is a type of plastic that is commonly used for packaging, such as soda bottles, food containers, and water bottles. It is also used in the textile industry to make polyester fabric. PET is not biodegradable, which means it can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.

[  PET -  is 100% recyclable, versatile, and made to be reuse, shop PET Cups  ]

Due to its 100% recyclable nature and high sustainability, PET is preferred for plastic bottles (among other uses). The number of resources wasted can be decreased because it can be repeatedly recovered and recycled into new items.

One of the benefits of PET is that it is lightweight and strong, which makes it ideal for packaging applications. It is also resistant to moisture and has good barrier properties, which makes it suitable for food packaging.

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Would packaging products made of CPLA, PLA, or PET be suitable for my business?

The demand for compostable bioplastics, including PLA and CPLA, is on the rise because of their reduced impact on the environment and their growing availability to consumers.

CPLA is mechanically the same PLA except that it has been crystallized, making it able to withstand higher temperatures and causing it to be white rather than transparent. PET is not biodegradable, but it is lightweight and strong, and can be recycled. The manufacturing process for these bioplastics is environmentally friendly and a great alternative to traditional plastic manufacturing due to less energy usage, fewer greenhouse emissions and no toxic fumes.

The versatility of these materials makes their applications broad, from food service items, food storage and trash bags. CPLA can withstand higher heat, making it an ideal alternative to plastics such as polystyrene for coffee cups, soup containers and other hot items.

In conclusion, the benefits of PLA, CPLA, and PET bioplastics cannot be overstated. These materials offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic due to their renewable plant-based raw materials, less harmful manufacturing processes, and easy compostability or recyclability. As individuals and businesses we all should continue to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, it's clear that bioplastics are becoming increasingly necessary. By making the switch to these better options, we can help reduce our impact on the planet and work towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Let us help you make the transition to more sustainable packaging options and join us in working towards a better future for the planet. Shop with us today and make a difference!

Especially when it comes to packaging in the catering sector, environmentally friendly materials should represent a sensible alternative to plastic. Petroleum-based plastic products have long since become absolutely unnecessary &#; even without an EU ban. From palm leaves to cardboard to stable products made from bagasse, Wisefood offers consumers and catering operators a wide range of sustainable crockery, cutlery, cups and packaging. Again and again one hears about CPLA in connection with sustainability. But hardly anyone knows what actually lies behind this term.

PLA as the basis for CPLA

To understand what CPLA is, you first have to know what PLA &#; the basis of CPLA &#; is all about. PLA, the abbreviation for polylactide, is a synthetic polymer that consists of renewable raw materials and is therefore considered a sustainable bioplastic. PLA is also biodegradable. PLA is obtained from starchy plants such as corn or beets. The starch is extracted from these plants and converted into lactic acid by microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. Thanks to its stable structure, it can be used in many ways, for example as an inner coating for disposable coffee cups, packaging material, cutlery or straws.

But there are now alternatives for cups and bowls with PLA inner coatings, such as the stable paper cups with water-based inner coating from Wisefood.

PLA becomes CPLA

For the production of CPLA, up to 30% talcum powder is added to the lactic acids, which allows the lactic acids to crystallize. This creates a non-transparent, but quite hard and stable granulate - the so-called crystallized polylactic acid - CPLA for short.

This is far more heat-resistant than its predecessor PLA and even tolerates temperatures of up to around 85°C, which is why it is recommended as packaging material for hot drinks and food. In addition, it is just as compostable as the clear PLA. It therefore has a number of advantages and is therefore quite versatile in the to-go area and event catering - just like PLA.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website what is cpla plastic(fr,es,it).

But: CPLA cutlery is considered a typical disposable product and is therefore also affected by the plastic ban. CPLA packaging, on the other hand, is regarded as a transport container and may continue to be used.

Wisefood turns alternatives into superlatives

The word "alternative" always sounds a bit like a substitute and second choice. But when it comes to environmental protection, climate friendliness and sustainability, Wisefood is no longer just about alternatives. Rather, it is important to us that sustainable and environmentally friendly living and working become a matter of course. We therefore see the topic of sustainability and our products made from bagasse and other renewable raw materials not just as a mere alternative to the conventional overexploitation of our nature.

And that's why we don't make any compromises when it comes to the sustainable production of disposable packaging and disposable tableware. From cultivation to the manufacturing process to environmentally friendly disposal, we see ourselves as responsible. Because there is no alternative for our planet! With our menu boxes made from bagasse and other bagasse products, we also promote the organic cultivation of renewable raw materials.

We offer a wide range of different materials and products such as lunch boxes , disposable cups, plates , bowls and more. Because at Wisefood, sustainability and practicality always go hand in hand.

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Bagasse plate - 23 cm (round, white)

&#;&#; Sustainable and plastic-free
&#; Made from biodegradable sugar cane/bagasse
&#; Diameter: 23 cm
&#; Odorless and tasteless
&#; Temperature resistant up to +100°C Zum Produkt

Original price &#;7,99

Original price

from &#;7,99

&#;6,71

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Our disposable tableware is made from sugar cane fibers. These are mixed with water to a pulp and dried in molds, resulting in practical disposable... View full details

&#;&#; Sustainable and plastic-free&#; Made from biodegradable sugar cane/bagasse&#; Diameter: 23 cm&#; Odorless and tasteless&#; Temperature resistant up to +100°C

More natural and environmentally friendly: packaging made from bagasse

At Wisefood there are enough sensible plastic alternatives in the form of practical and sustainable disposable products. The plastic and non-toxic plates, bowls and packaging made from bagasse are particularly popular.

The bagasse made from organic sugar cane is one of the most environmentally friendly, sustainable and harmless materials of all and is therefore one of the absolute favorites at Wisefood. For the transport and consumption of hot and cold food, bagasse crockery is just the thing for the to-go area of &#;&#;restaurants, cafes, catering, food trucks and more.

The heat-resistant plates, mugs and bowls in different sizes can also be stacked and are therefore extremely space-saving - a great advantage not only for the catering trade.

Another difference to the bioplastics PLA and CPLA, both of which are manufactured in engineered laboratories:

The bagasse, made from just a few organic ingredients, is usually still made in its country of origin and therefore supports the people who work and live there.

And the best:

The bagasse, which is made from the fibers of the sugar cane that is grown anyway, is 100% compostable and can be disposed of in the compost heap or in the organic waste bin. In just a few weeks, this natural packaging material becomes new earth again. 

 

 

Sources:

 Plastic waste - the most important facts briefly explained

 polylactide

 Investigation of the ecological importance of single-use beverage cups in out-of-home consumption and possible measures to reduce consumption

 

 

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