FAQ's - Our Materials
PLA (a.k.a. corn plastic)
What is PLA or Corn Plastic?
PLA or "corn plastic" is a biopolymer made from polylactide (PLA) that can be derived from starchy plants like corn, potatoes, tapioca, sugarcane, and soy protein. In the U.S., PLA is typically made from corn kernels that are milled and processed to extract the simple sugar dextrose.
These biopolymers perform like plastic, but are made from annually renewable resources like corn plants. PLA offers the cost and performance necessary to compete with traditional petroleum-based materials, but with the crucial benefit of being commercially compostable
What does the #7 code on your products mean? What number is used for bioplastics?
The numbered codes you find on plastic containers identify the type of plastic resin that makes up your container. These are officially called resin identification codes and do not indicate recyclability - although they are the easiest way to learn which type of plastic you have when you go to recycle.
The #7 code stands for all plastic types that are not #1-#6 – it is a catch all category for all other types of plastic and plastic composites. So keep in mind that all #7 containers are NOT created equal. They all have different properties and end of life destinies. Look for the words "BPI Certified" to determine if you have a compostable plastic that can go into a commercial compost facility.
This coding system was developing in 1988 by the Society of Plastics when there were only six types of plastic materials that were used in plastic packaging. So, they were numbered 1-6. The #7 was added as "all other" to be used by new plastic materials types that were not in the marketplace in 1988 – or plastic types that are blends or composites. Unfortunately, the resin coding system has not been changed or revised since 1988, despite the expanding varieties of plastic types out there. This means that any new technological advancements in plastics, using bio-based materials like plants are automatically coded as #7 until new laws are put in place.
Learn More
US EPA Resource Conservation Page for Plastics
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
What if I am allergic to corn?
While PLA is a corn-derived plastic, the extreme heat used in processing transforms it considerably and destroys any immunologically reactive profilin. Because of this, PLA should not cause an allergic reaction.
Do you use genetically modified corn in your products?
Our corn PLA resin is manufactured near Blair, NE. This corn is a mixed stream of non-GMO and GMO corn which is grown in the area. During the manufacture of PLA, the multiple-stage processing and high heat used to create the polymer removes all traces of genetic material, rendering it inert once it has been made into resin.
The U.S. grows the most corn of any nation and as a result, the majority of PLA made in the U.S. is derived from corn – and of that, most of the corn is feedstock (not food corn). We recognize the value of sustainable, organic agriculture and follow the debate and the scientific research surrounding GM crops. One day, we hope to bring you exclusively non-GM PLA, but unfortunately the infrastructure is not there yet for us – or our industry.
If GMO is a concern for you, we offer cold cups made from 50% post-consumer recycled content PET. This is the highest percentage available of recycled PET in cold cups – they perform well, and are made from an entirely different material.
Learn More
EPA Ag 101 Site
NatureWorks
Because it is made from corn, does your PLA biopolymer take away from the food supply?
Currently our supplier uses the dextrose made from No. 2 yellow dent corn because it is the most abundant and cheapest source of a fermentable sugar available in the U.S. In the future, the biopolymer they produce could use other sugars or non-food biomass as feedstock, but at capacity, NatureWorks uses less than one percent of the available U.S. corn crop.
Does PLA or corn plastic biodegrade in landfills, causing methane?
While PLA is compostable, it will only biodegrade in the right conditions. Commercial compost facilities have the capacity to maintain ideal composting conditions and sustained heat and moisture needed for PLA to break down entirely with the appropriate soil bacteria, yeast, and fungi. In a landfill, our products are stable and do not breakdown readily. Landfills are anaerobic environments that are sealed. PLA does not degrade readily in these situations and according to our suppliers of PLA, it is not a significant contributor to landfill methane. We recommend disposing of PLA products in a commercial compost facility only.
Sugarcane (a.k.a bagasse)
What is bagasse (sugarcane)?
Bagasse is made from sugarcane. Rather than throwing away or burning used sugarcane stalks, the pulp is made into a paper-like substance called bagasse which is then formed into a wide variety of products like containers, plates, and bowls.
How long does bagasse (sugarcane) take to fully biodegrade in the compost?
Bagasse or sugarcane is fully compostable and breaks down best in commercial compost facilities. In commercial composting conditions, bagasse will compost in approximately 45-60 days. Composting may take longer in a home composting bin, so we recommend disposing of it in a commercial compost facility.
