8. Conclusion
Most manufacturers are currently working on the development of second- or even third-generation sugars, which in the near future will make it possible to produce PLA without using food crops. Another avenue of research, adopted by Natureworks in particular, involves using natural gas as a raw material, as this is an abundant and relatively inexpensive resource.
What's more, optimum use of PLA's unique properties, such as its excellent optical properties and its properties as a hydrolysable solid or piezoelectric material, will enable the development of new, unprecedented applications, such as intelligent packaging.
It's worth mentioning that PLA is a relatively young polymer, with around a decade of industrial production behind it. As with other industrial polymers, the next developments will most certainly come via modification of PLA's...
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Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
- (1) - E. B. &. N. Institute - « http://www.european-bioplastics.org » [En ligne] (décembre 2016).
- (2) - Natureworks - « Innovation Takesroot Conference »....
Websites
Bioplastics magazine – Reference magazine for biopolymers
http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com (page consulted on February 27, 2017)
Events
Biannual conference organized by Natureworks – Innovation takes root.
http://www.innovationtakesroot.com
Biannual conference – PLA world congress.
http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/events/4plaworldcongress
...Standards and norms
- Evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of released carbon dioxide. - ISO 14855 -
- Packaging – Requirements for packaging recoverable by composting and biodegradation – Test program and assessment criteria for final acceptance of packaging. - EN 13432 -
- Plastics – Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting....
Directory
PLA producers
Natureworks (United States)
Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co. LTD (China)
Synbra Holding BV (Netherlands)
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