What is TPLA & CPLA? A Guide to PLA variations
Apr. 29, 2024
What is TPLA & CPLA? A Guide to PLA variations
Everything you need to know about tPLA & cPLA
You may have heard of PLA, but what makes tPLA or cPLA different? These two variations on PLA products bring unique advantages to the eco-friendly packaging arena.
In this guide, we’ll answer the following questions:
What is cPLA and tPLA?
What are the environmental benefits of cPLA and tPLA packaging products?
Are cPLA and tPLA packaging products right for my business?
What is tPLA and cPLA?
To understand cPLA and tPLA, you have to know a little about PLA, or polylactic acid.
PLA products are bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. They are manufactured from any fermentable sugar, usually corn. PLA provides a much-needed eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. For a deeper dive on PLA, check out our PLA Guide.
PLA is a comparable, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. However because its made from corn and not oil-based materials, rigidity and heat resistance isn’t as high as that of conventional plastics. Conventional plastics come in a wide variety of numbered types with different properties for various applications.
This is why cPLA and tPLA were developed.
These two variations on PLA strengthen PLA’s weaknesses while offering the same benefits.
cPLA = C
rystallized PLA
.
It’s processed by applying high pressure and heat to PLA, chalk, and other biodegradable and bio-based additives. This causes the material to crystallize, resulting in a harder product that’s less susceptible to heat degradation.
CPLA lids
are commonly used for coffee cups.
tPLA = T
alc-injected PLA
iscreated by combining the two materials at a ratio usually around
70% PLA
and
30% talc
. Talc is a natural mineral with very high thermal stability that helps PLA mold into harder more heat resistant materials. For that reason,
tPLA utensils
are a common eco-friendly option. Talc is not renewable but it is
an abundant natural resource
.
Additional reading:
What is the best biodegradable cutlery?If you want to learn more, please visit our website sontex.
What are the benefits of tPLA and cPLA products?
Like PLA, these two materials require 65% less energy to produce than traditional plastics. They also compost completely in industrial composting facilities.
1. Biodegradable – PLA meets international standards for biodegradability as it is a plant based material. Both tPLA and cPLA will naturally degrade over time. Like PLA, both varieties will decompose faster in a commercial composting facility.
2. Compostable – tPLA is 100% compostable in 3–6 months in a commercial facility. cPLA is 100% compostable in 2–4 months in a commercial facility.
3. No toxic fumes – Unlike traditional plastics, these two options won’t emit toxic fumes during incineration.
The food packaging benefits of tPLA:
- Can withstand temperatures up to 200°F
- Reusable and dishwasher safe
- Certified compostable by BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
The food packaging benefits of cPLA:
Can withstand temperatures up to 180°F
- 100% renewable and bio-based
Are tPLA or cPLA food packaging products right for my business?
If you currently use the following items and you’re passionate about providing eco-friendly packaging products, then tPLA and cPLA are terrific options for you:
We offer a large variety of samples of these products and many more for you to try before buying full cases. To learn more about Good Start Packaging’s cost-effective PLA and other environmentally friendly products, please reach out!
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Karat Earth CPLA Heavy-Weight Compostable Cutlery Kits ...
CPLA is crystallized PLA, which combines PLA material with chalk to create a stronger bond that can withstand higher temperatures. CPLA cutlery is ideal for use with hot foods such as soups and meats. The Karat Earth CPLA Cutlery Kit comes with everything you need to eat any meal! The kit includes a napkin along with a heavy-weight knife, fork, and tea spoon. Each kit is individually wrapped for safe and sanitary distribution. Karat Earth CPLA Cutlery Kits are stronger than PLA utensils and made from a compostable material. Your customers can enjoy a sizzling hot steak and cup of soup then simply toss the utensils into a compost bin when finished. CPLA kits allow you to provide quality utensils while reducing your impact on the environment. Make the switch to eco-friendly utensils today! **FAQs** What is CPLA? CPLA is crystallized polylactic acid. This is created by adding chalk to PLA in the production process. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a plant-based material derived from sugars such as corn starch or sugar cane. How should I dispose of CPLA utensils? The best way to dispose of CPLA utensils is to drop it off at a commercial composting site. You can collect compostable material in a compost bin and take it to a commercial site periodically. You may also toss CPLA cutlery in the trash. It may take longer to decompose, but it is much better for the environment compared to traditional plastic utensils. Can I recycle CPLA utensils? No, never toss CPLA into a recycle bin. These are meant to be composted and may have negative affects on the other recyclable items.
Want more information on cpla cutlery factory? Feel free to contact us.
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