PLA - Polylactic Acid which is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable plant resources such as corn starch. The PLA most commonly used in food packaging has a relatively low melting temperature and therefore is only suitable for packaging cold food and drinks. PLA food packaging products are generally manufactured through a process of ‘thermoforming’ whereby heat is used to mould PLA sheets into specific shapes. Since PLA has a relatively low melting temperature this means that less energy is required and therefore less carbon dioxide is emitted during the manufacturing process of PLA food packaging products.
PSM - PlaStarch Material. PSM is derived from the renewable resource corn starch which is modified, rendering it more heat resistant. As with PLA, PSM is made using renewable resources thereby preserving the earth’s non-renewable resources such as coal and oil.
Specific forms of PSM meet the EN 13432 standard and are certified as compostable.
Sugar Cane Pulp - This biodegradable material comes from the reeds of sugar canes and makes an excellent substitute for the plastics used in conventional fast food takeaway packaging which takes many years to break down.
Products made from sugar cane pulp are not only made from a renewable resource – plants – but also have the added benefit that sugar cane pulp would otherwise be a WASTE product which is now being put to good use. Sugar cane pulp products can be used in microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators.
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