PLA is more expensive than other plastics because it is made from renewable resources, has higher production costs, and faces limited supply and demand factors. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic that is derived from plant sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava roots. PLA has many advantages over petroleum-based plastics, such as being environmentally friendly, safe for food contact, and having a low carbon footprint. However, PLA also has some drawbacks that make it more expensive than other plastics, such as its lower melting point, lower thermal stability, and lower mechanical strength. In this article, we will explore the reasons why PLA is more expensive and how it compares to other plastics in terms of price, performance, and sustainability.
One of the main reasons why PLA is more expensive than other plastics is that it is made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava roots. These resources are considered renewable because they can be replenished by natural processes, unlike fossil fuels that are finite and non-renewable. However, using renewable resources also has some challenges that increase the cost of PLA production. For example, renewable resources are subject to fluctuations in availability, quality, and price due to factors such as weather, crop yields, market demand, and competition. Moreover, renewable resources require more land, water, and energy to grow and process than fossil fuels, which can have negative impacts on the environment and food security. Therefore, PLA production depends on the availability and affordability of renewable resources, which can vary depending on the region, season, and market conditions.
Another reason why PLA is more expensive than other plastics is that it has higher production costs, due to the complexity and inefficiency of its manufacturing processes. PLA production involves two main steps: the fermentation of plant sugars into lactic acid, and the polymerization of lactic acid into PLA. Both steps require specialized equipment, catalysts, solvents, and purification methods, which add to the cost and energy consumption of PLA production. Furthermore, PLA production faces some technical challenges that limit its yield and quality, such as the formation of by-products, the racemization of lactic acid, and the degradation of PLA. Therefore, PLA production requires more investment and optimization than other plastics production, which increases its cost and reduces its competitiveness.
Supply and demand factors
A third reason why PLA is more expensive than other plastics is that it faces limited supply and demand factors, which affect its market price and availability. PLA supply is limited by the availability and cost of renewable resources, as well as the capacity and efficiency of PLA production facilities. PLA demand is limited by the awareness and acceptance of consumers, as well as the performance and compatibility of PLA products. PLA products are often perceived as being inferior to petroleum-based plastics in terms of durability, functionality, and appearance, which reduces their appeal and adoption. PLA products are also not compatible with existing recycling and composting systems, which limits their end-of-life options and environmental benefits. Therefore, PLA faces a challenge of balancing its supply and demand, which affects its price and availability.
Comparison with other plastics
To better understand why PLA is more expensive than other plastics, it is useful to compare it with some of the most common plastics in terms of price, performance, and sustainability. The table below summarizes some of the key characteristics and differences between PLA and other plastics, based on the data from :
As the table shows, PLA has a higher price than other plastics, which range from $1.0 to $1.5 per kilogram. PLA also has a lower melting point and tensile strength than other plastics, which limits its use in high-temperature and high-stress applications. However, PLA has some advantages over other plastics, such as being biodegradable and having a lower carbon footprint, which makes it more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Conclusion
PLA is more expensive than other plastics because it is made from renewable resources, has higher production costs, and faces limited supply and demand factors. PLA has some benefits over other plastics, such as being biodegradable and having a lower carbon footprint, but it also has some drawbacks, such as having a lower melting point and tensile strength. PLA is a promising material for the future, but it still needs to overcome some challenges to become more competitive and widely used.
