Polylactide

PLA

A graph showing the spectra for polylactide.

Inventor: discovered by Wallace Carothers (1896–1937), 1932

Patented: unknown

Commercially available from: 1994, Kanebo Ghosen Ltd, Japan

Trade names: Lactron (said to be the first commercial polylactide fibre), Ingeo,  Ecodear, Terramac

Commonly used starting materials: corn, cassava, sugar cane, sugar beet. For a simplified visual explanation of the process from starting materials to usable fibre please go to Fibre conversion processes: polylactide.

Principal characteristics: good wicking qualities; UV resistant; can be blended with traditional natural fibres; good shape retention and resistance to creasing; can be utilised for wadding; can be washed in warm water but only pressed with a cool iron; low melting point makes dyeing and finishing challenging.

Principal uses: used as a sustainable alternative to oil and gas-based polymers. Currently being developed for apparel.

Environmental impact: made from annually renewable crops of carbon-absorbing plants in a process that does not involve solvents.

Care and signs of degradation: Polylactide appears to be very stable and does not require specialised care. Unlike other synthetic fibres, it does not absorb light in the visible region of the spectrum. This leads to very low strength loss compared to petroleum-based fibres when exposed to ultraviolet light. It does, however, have lower colour fastness than synthetics like PET.

Recyclable? Yes, in a chemical recycling facility. Chemical recycling is not yet commercially available.

Biodegradable? Yes, in an industrial composting plant. In landfill or a domestic composting system it decomposes very slowly.

Potential narratives:

  • use of fermentation in the development of bio-based fibres.
  • the pros and cons of replacing fossil fuel derived polymers with polymers derived from plants, including agricultural waste.

Documented garment exemplars:

  • No exemplars

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