At Green Paper Products, we offer a wide selection of products made from eco-friendly materials. Materials like cPLA and tPLA are changing the game for bioplastic production, especially in the food packaging industry.
Uh…What Do cPLA and tPLA Even Mean?
It's fair to say that cPLA and tPLA aren't in most people's daily vocabulary. Before you understand the difference between the two, you first need to know what polylactic acid is, better known by its abbreviation PLA.
Polylactic acid "plastics" are technically not plastic, but they are an eco-friendly plastic alternative. PLA is a thermoplastic polymer created from renewable resources like sugar cane or corn starch. PLA plastic products are better for the environment than traditional, petroleum-based plastics.
Since PLA is derived from plant-based starches, it doesn't withstand heat as well as conventional plastics, which led to the creation of cPLA and tPLA. They are both stronger, modified versions of polylactic acid. If you are interested in learning more about PLA, check out one of our previous blog posts here.
Understanding the Difference
Although both are created from the PLA, there are notable differences between cPLA and tPLA plastics.
Applying high heat and pressure to PLA causes the materials to crystallize— see where cPLA gets its name? Crystallized PLA plastic products are more durable and heat resistant than PLA plastic products.
Talc-injected PLA is created by combining a ratio of PLA and talc. Talc is used to aid in PLA's ability to mold into more durable materials. Due to its ability to withstand heat, many eco-friendly cutlery options are made from tPLA.
Benefits of cPLA and tPLA Plastics
Bioplastics boast a variety of advantages compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Conserves energy: Both cPLA and tPLA products require 65% less energy to produce than conventional plastics.
Compostable: Talc-injected PLA plastics are 100% compostable in a commercial facility between 3-6 months. Crystallized PLA plastics take between 2-4 months to decompose fully.
Non-Toxic: Although cPLA and tPLA plastics are sustainable and compostable, some products will inevitably be incinerated upon disposal. Luckily, burning polylactic acid does not release toxic gases like sulfides or nitrides.
High-Quality cPLA and tPLA Products
Are you looking to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? Purchasing sustainable plastic alternatives like cPLA and tPLA products is a great start.
We have a wide selection of cPLA and tPLA products, including spoons, forks, knives, and more.
Are Compostable Products Right For Me?
Compostable products are tested to meet the ASTM 6400 or 6868 standards for commercial composting. They are intended for disposal in commercial composting facilities and will not break down in a landfill or other environments. Commercial composting is not available in all areas, and different states have different requirements for composting. Please check locally to ensure you have access to commercial composting before purchasing compostable products.
