Ingeo News: July 2024


Mechanisms for PLA Degradation: In the presence of water (1), PLA undergoes hydrolysis (2) as a pure chemical process of polymer degradation during which low molecular weight intermediates (3) such as oligomers and lactic acid monomers are produced. These become soluble and can be biodegraded (4). Microbes take up these oligomers and monomers as food (5) and use them to build up biomass (6) and as energy for metabolism. Ultimately, this leads to mineralization (7) of the original polymer carbon into carbon dioxide, methane, and water.
PLA does not create persistent microplastics
New meta-study finds that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze and no persistent nano- or microplastics will accumulate. On June 25th, Holland Bioplastics released an important meta-study that summarizes currently available peer-reviewed research on how polylactic acid (PLA) interacts with the environment. This study, conducted by HYDRA Marine Sciences, found that in the presence of water or humidity, PLA will fully hydrolyze, and no persistent nano- or microplastics will remain or accumulate in the environment. Read the News Post
Read the Executive Brief (PDF)
Read the Technical Summary Report (PDF)
A Big Idea

Hydrolysis prevents the formation of persistent PLA microplastics in the environment: A NatureWorks News Post
In the latest NatureWorks News Post and in reference to the new meta-study from Holland Bioplastics, Global Marketing and Communications Director, Leah Ford, points out that the process of disintegration by hydrolysis followed by biodegradation is the same process that products made from PLA undergo when in a composting environment. This is also why we should also understand PLA does not create persistent microplastics in compost. Read the News Post
Click of the Month

New Playbook from Green Sports Alliance highlights the importance of biobased materials in reuse programs
During the latest Green Sports Alliance Summit, the “Reuse Playbook” was announced as the latest sustainable sports playbook edition and Leah Ford and Doug Kunnemann from NatureWorks were proud contributors to the edition. Even in cases of reuse, the materials chosen still matter. View the New Playbook
Quick Hits
What We're Reading
Phoam Labs’ Floral Revolution, Financial Times
Exciting News from Polymaker: Introducing Fiberon and Panchroma, Polymaker
Comprehensive Study Confirms PLA bioplastic Fully Degrades without Persistent Microplastics, Environment + Energy Leader
3D Printed Chandelier, The Hedron, Outshines Conventional Ceiling Lights, bigrep
Recent Events
The Making of BioHome3D - The World's First 100% Biobased 3D Printed Home
Upcoming Events
BPI Summit 2024 | September 10 - 12 | Berkley, CA
NatureWorks will speak at this event.
AMI Bioplastics Conference | September 17 - 18 | Cincinnati, OH
NatureWorks’ Rahul Rasal will speak at this event.
AMI Single-Serve Capsules | September 30 - October 2 | Malaga, Spain
NatureWorks’ Celmira Sousa and Viviana Conti will present, "PPWR - Unwrapping and assessing the future opportunities for compostable plastics applications," at this event.
SPC Advance | September 30 - October 2 | Chicago, IL
NatureWorks' Leah Ford will present, "Sharing a New Value Proposition for Compostable Packaging," at this event.
Stay up-to-date with where NatureWorks will be on our News & Events page