Material	CPLA - Polylactide aliphatic copolymer
	Biodegradable CPLA is a mixture of lactide and aliphatic polyesters. It can be either a hard plastic (similar to PS) or a soft flexible one (similar to PP) depending on the amount of aliphatic polyester present in the mixture. Possible applications will include compost bags, cushioning materials, food wrapping materials, fishing nets, etc. It is easy to process with stability up to 200 °C.
Category	Biopolymers
Processes	Most conventional plastic processes like: Blow moulding Injection moulding Extrusion Vacuum forming Fibre spinning
Similar materials	Aliphatic polyesters
References	Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. (DIC)
Price	DIC plans to produce several tons per year at a price ranging from 25 to 50 DKK/kg.
Environmen- tal notes	Creation: CPLA is made by copolymerising lactide (made by fermenting cornstarch, cheese whey, etc.) with aliphatic polyester (e.g dicarboxylic acid or glycol made from fermentation of glycerol). All are renewable resources. Disposal: If incinerated, no toxic substances are generated. The heating value and carbon dioxide generated during combustion are lower, by almost half the level, of that generated by PE or PS. Although CPLA has a high molecular weight and high melting-point, it begins breaking down into a low-molecular weight polymer, in natural environments, after 5-6 months. Complete decomposition after 12 months. When composted with food garbage, it begins breaking down into a low-molecular weight after 2 weeks.
Additional Info	CPLA does not dissolve in alcoholic solvents, oils, and diluted solution of strong acids. It does dissolve in aromatic hydrocarbon, concentrated acids, and caustic soda.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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