PLA (biobased) (Polylactic Acid): sustainable and biodegradable

PLA is an environmentally friendly and biodegradable plastic, produced from plant-based raw materials such as corn or sugarcane. A good alternative to conventional plastics without compromising on processability.

Example of an injection-molded plastic part, QDP product photography

Main properties

Biodegradable and compostable in accordance with the EN13432 standard.
Made from renewable sources, less reliant on fossil raw materials.
Good mechanical properties, comparable to conventional plastics such as PET.
Naturally transparent and approved for food contact.
Processable with conventional injection molding techniques.

Mechanical properties (indicative values)

Property	Value
Density	1.24 g/cm³
Tensile strength	50-60 MPa
E-modulus (tensile)	3000-3500 MPa
Elongation at break	3-6%
HDT @1.8 MPa	50-60 °C
Shrinkage	0,3-0,5%
Processing temperature	190-220 °C

Indicative values for standard, unfilled grades. For a final material selection, always consult the supplier’s data sheet (TDS) for the specific grade.

Applications

Packaging industry: food packaging and disposable tableware
Medical sector: bioresorbable implants and sutures
Consumer goods: toys and office supplies
Textile industry: fibers for clothing and non-woven materials

Why choose PLA (biobased)?

PLA delivers performance comparable to traditional plastics, with compostability as an extra: ideal when sustainability is an explicit requirement. See also our broader experience with biobased materials such as PHA.

View the complete materials overview or the DfM-pillar.

Frequently asked questions about PLA (biobased)

What is PLA?

PLA is a biobased plastic made from plant-based raw materials such as corn or sugarcane. It is rigid and strong, with a tensile strength of 50 to 60 MPa, and it shrinks very little, which makes it dimensionally stable. The weak point is heat: above 50 to 60 degrees, it starts to deform. That makes it suitable for products that stay at room temperature. QDP uses PLA where biobased is requested and the load is low.

Is PLA compostable in the organic waste bin?

No, and that is the most common misunderstanding. PLA is industrially compostable: it requires a facility with high temperature, moisture, and a controlled process. In a home compost heap or in the environment, it remains for years, just like conventional plastic. Many waste processors also remove PLA because it disrupts their process. Anyone who truly needs compostability will more often end up with PHA. QDP puts that distinction on the table in advance.

How warm can PLA get?

Not very. The heat deflection temperature is around 50 to 60 degrees, and that is lower than what a car in the sun or a dishwasher reaches. A PLA product that sits behind a window or comes into contact with hot water can start to deform. There are modified grades that go higher, but these sacrifice some of the biobased character. QDP checks the operating temperature before making PLA the choice.

Does a product made of PLA get the recycling logo?

No. The triangle with a number refers to an existing recycling stream, and there is none for biobased materials. Putting a logo on it suggests the product may go with the plastic waste, while it actually contaminates that stream. Instead, there should be a label indicating what the material is and how it should be disposed of. QDP puts that label in the mold so it cannot come off.

What do you use PLA for?

For products with a short lifespan that stay at room temperature: packaging, disposables, promotional items, and parts where a biobased origin is the selling point. It is not the right choice for structural parts, outdoor use, or anything that gets warm. Anyone who does make a structural part out of it will be disappointed as soon as the product sits in the sun. QDP first checks whether the load and temperature are within this material's range.

What does this mean for your design?

Calculate your mold and unit price in 2 minutes, or ask our engineers for a DfM check.

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