The Potential of Bio-Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) as an Alternative in Reusable Food Containers: A Review

Jennie O’Loughlin (), Dylan Doherty, Bevin Herward, Cormac McGleenan, Mehreen Mahmud, Purabi Bhagabati, Adam Neville Boland, Brian Freeland, Keith D. Rochfort, Susan M. Kelleher, Samantha Fahy and Jennifer Gaughran
Additional contact information
Jennie O’Loughlin: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Dylan Doherty: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Bevin Herward: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Cormac McGleenan: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Mehreen Mahmud: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Purabi Bhagabati: School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Adam Neville Boland: Office of the Chief Operations Officer, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Brian Freeland: School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Keith D. Rochfort: School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Susan M. Kelleher: School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Samantha Fahy: Office of the Chief Operations Officer, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland
Jennifer Gaughran: School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-27

Abstract: The biodegradable biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) has been used in the recent past in single-use packaging as a suitable replacement for non-biodegradable fossil fuel-based plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Under FDA and EU regulations, lactic acid (LA), the building block of PLA, is considered safe to use as a food contact material. The mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of PLA are, however, major challenges for this material. PLA is a brittle material with a Young’s modulus of 2996–3750 MPa and an elongation at break of 1.3–7%. PLA has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 60 °C, exhibiting structural distortion at this temperature. The water permeability of PLA can lead to hydrolytic degradation of the material. These properties can be improved with biopolymer blending and composites. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), for instance, increases the thermal stability of PLA while decreasing the water permeability by up to 59%. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common plastics in reusable food containers. This study will compare PLA-based blends and composites to the currently used PP as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. The end-of-life options for PLA-based food containers are considered, as is the commercial cost of replacing PP with PLA.

Keywords: polylactic acid; bioplastic; biodegradable; sustainability; food containers; polymer blends; composites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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