The technological center Eurecat has created an innovative formulation of polylactic acid, a biodegradable plastic of natural origin known as PLA.
The PLA is specifically designed for the manufacturing of low environmental impact textiles both in its origin, renewable sources, and at the end of the life cycle through its biodegradability. This can contribute to reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
“Innovation arises from the study, by Eurecat, of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics used in the industry, as they can be used to manufacture single-use textiles that degrade naturally, rapidly, without leaving residues in the environment,” says Javier Baselga Zapater, Innovation Manager of Polymeric & Composites Processes at Eurecat.
As explained by Sofia Perales Viñals, a researcher at Polymeric & Composites Processes at Eurecat, “the process has been developed entirely at Eurecat’s facilities, from the formulation in Cerdanyola to the biodegradable multifilament generated and the manufacturing of the textile material in Canet de Mar. There, tests have also been carried out according to textile industry ISO standards, consolidating a completely sustainable production process“.
Naturally sourced biodegradable plastic
In the textile industry, the use of synthetic plastics such as polyester (PET, PBT, and PTT), nylon (polyamide), or polypropylene is common. However, there are polyesters synthesized from natural resources like PLA, which are a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic plastics derived from petroleum.
Although polylactic acid is bio-based, its biodegradation time is still high, so Eurecat has studied alternatives by modifying the PLA formulation to accelerate its degradation. Through this process, the team of Eurecat researchers has obtained synthesized threads, aiming for accelerated biodegradation.
PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources, commonly used in 3D printing. This thermoplastic polymer can be obtained from the fermentation of plants such as corn, cassava, or sugarcane, among others.
The global issue of plastics
Plastic pollution is a serious global problem, as this substance can alter habitats and natural processes. It reduces ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change and directly affects the livelihoods of millions of people, reducing their food production capacity and social well-being.
Biodegradable plastic is designed to be part of the solution. Living organisms can use it as a source of carbon and other raw materials, making it easily consumable, digestible, and quickly disappearing from the environment.
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