What is PLA and Why It’s Great for the Environment

If you're exploring 3D printing or just interested in sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic, you've likely come across PLA (Polylactic Acid). PLA is a type of plastic that has become incredibly popular for 3D printing and other applications because it's made from renewable plant sources—primarily corn—instead of petroleum, the base of most plastics. But what makes PLA so special, and why is it considered an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics? Let’s break it down.

What is PLA?

At its core, PLA is a biodegradable plastic that’s made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics that can take hundreds of years to break down, PLA breaks down much faster in the right conditions. This makes it a great alternative for industries and consumers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

The process to make PLA begins with fermenting starch (usually from corn) to produce lactic acid. This lactic acid is then polymerized (turned into a long-chain structure) to create the final plastic material. This process is not only renewable but also carbon-neutral in comparison to fossil fuel-based plastics.

Environmental Benefits of PLA

1. Made from Renewable Resources

Unlike plastic made from petroleum, which is finite and heavily polluting, PLA is made from plants that can be grown year after year. The most common material used to produce PLA is corn, a crop that is widely cultivated and can be replenished annually. This renewable cycle makes PLA a more sustainable material in comparison to traditional plastics.

2. Biodegradable & Compostable

PLA is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally over time. Under the right conditions (like in industrial composting facilities), PLA can break down within months, reducing the long-term environmental impact that conventional plastics have when they end up in landfills. While PLA requires specific conditions to break down efficiently, it is still far better than petroleum-based plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

3. Lower Carbon Footprint

One of the most compelling reasons to use PLA is its lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics. Since PLA is derived from plants that absorb CO2 as they grow, the carbon emissions during production are much lower than plastics made from fossil fuels. The full carbon impact of PLA depends on the growing and processing methods used, but it’s a much more sustainable option overall.

The Impact of Local Sourcing

While PLA is already considered an eco-friendly material, its environmental benefits can be further amplified if it’s grown and processed locally—especially when paired with clean energy sources. Here's how:

1. Local Corn Farming: By growing the corn used in PLA production locally, you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. When PLA is produced closer to where it's needed, fewer resources are used to transport raw materials, resulting in a smaller overall environmental impact.

2. Sustainable Farming Practices: If the corn is grown using sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, minimal pesticide use, and water conservation techniques, the environmental impact of PLA production is minimized even further. Sustainable farming helps preserve the soil, reduce water waste, and promote biodiversity—all of which are crucial for long-term environmental health.

3. Clean Energy in Production: If the processing of PLA is powered by renewable energy like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, the overall carbon emissions from production can be drastically reduced. Using clean energy makes PLA even more eco-friendly, as it prevents further reliance on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment.

Why This Matters

At Elkwood, we believe that the future of manufacturing and 3D printing should be rooted in sustainability. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing PLA made from locally grown corn and processing it using clean energy. By combining these practices with sustainable agricultural methods, we can ensure that our products are not only high-quality but also made in the most environmentally conscious way possible.

By choosing products made with sustainable PLA, you’re helping support a circular economy—one that reduces waste, minimizes reliance on fossil fuels, and encourages a healthier planet. Whether you’re buying a 3D-printed item from us or another eco-conscious brand, you’re playing a part in creating a more sustainable future.

The Big Picture

The environmental benefits of PLA become even more impactful when you consider how localized production can change the game. Instead of relying on overseas factories that contribute to carbon emissions through long shipping routes, products can be made locally, reducing emissions, waste, and transport costs.

When PLA is processed and manufactured locally using renewable energy and sustainable practices, it’s not just a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics—it’s a solution for a more sustainable future in manufacturing.

What You Can Do

As consumers, we have the power to support sustainable practices by choosing products made with PLA, especially when it’s sourced and produced in a way that prioritizes the environment. Whether it’s supporting businesses like Elkwood or encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly practices, every small action counts in moving towards a more sustainable world.