PE Films and Rollstock Configurations
Additional Features
Biodegradable Film
Comparisons of Oxo-Biodegradable LDPE vs. PLA
Properties and Economics
OXO-LDPE
PLA
COMMENTS
DENSITY
.925 gm / cc
1.25 gm / cc
35% more area
per pound with polyethylene
RAW MATERIAL PRICE
$.90 per pound ±
$2.20 per pound
STRENGTH
Can be tailored for application
Weak
VULNERABLE TO STRESS WHITENING
(turns white when creased)
(turns white when creased)
NO
YES
SPECIAL PACKAGING
None
non-biodegradable barrier
SOFTENING POINT
230º F to 280º F
105º F / 50º C
PLA must be transported in a refrigerated truck or it will melt
DEGRADABLE TIME FRAME
Can be customized to commence after service life of item
Uncontrolled
AVAILABILITY AND CAPACITY
Plentiful
Limited
ASTM D 6400 - 99 COMPLIANCE
Meets 3 of 4 requirements of compostability - Disintegration (ability to fragment into non-distinguishable pieces after screening and safely support bio-assimilation and microbial growth), safety ( no ecotoxicity in finished compost and can support plant growth ),toxicity (heavy metal concentrations are less than 50% recommended values) falls short of definition of inherent biodegradation, defined as conversion of carbon to carbon dioxide to the level of 60% over a period of 180 days. A leaf will not naturally biodegrade with the time frame allotted by ASTM D 6400 - 99.
YES
PLA degrades rapidly if exposed to triggers of heat, humidity, microbes. PLA meets compost standards.