Acronym and details: PLA, made from corn starch
Group: thermoplastic
Developed: since 2000
Trade names: NatureWorks; Plantic
Manufacturing process: all
Cost: medium
Colour: any
Transparency: transparent to opaque
Rigidity: rigid to flexible
Feel: varies
Smell: none
Other: made from renewable resources
Typical uses: disposable plates and cutlery, trays in confectionary industry, but suitable for anything from toys to car parts
Degradation: intended to biodegrade; crucial to keep it dry