PLA is a
polymer produced from lactic acid.
Corn starch is converted into lactic acid in a fermentation process. Being produced from a natural product the polymer in this was based on annual renewable resources. PLA can be disposed off in industrial compost sites where it degrades into lactic acid after 45-60 days in high humidity and a constant 60°C. The lactic acid is then degraded into CO2 and H2O by microscopic organisms in the compost.
Corn starch is converted into lactic acid in a fermentation process. Being produced from a natural product the polymer in this was based on annual renewable resources. PLA can be disposed off in industrial compost sites where it degrades into lactic acid after 45-60 days in high humidity and a constant 60°C. The lactic acid is then degraded into CO2 and H2O by microscopic organisms in the compost.
PLA is a transparent and
brittle material.
It is possible to seal PLA trays with PLA sealing
film.PLA is suitable for use between 0°C and +40°C.
The PLA used at Faerch Plast is based on the NatureWorks PLA from Cargill Dow.
The PLA used at Faerch Plast is based on the NatureWorks PLA from Cargill Dow.
Production
process
A flat film is extruded, that is then cooled and calibrated in thickness between two cooling rollers before being wound onto large reels. In the thermoforming process, the film is heated until it is soft enough to be fed into the forming machine. The item is formed under high air pressure & vacuum, cooled and punched out of the film. The skeletal waste and running-in material are ground into granulate and reused in the next production of film.
A flat film is extruded, that is then cooled and calibrated in thickness between two cooling rollers before being wound onto large reels. In the thermoforming process, the film is heated until it is soft enough to be fed into the forming machine. The item is formed under high air pressure & vacuum, cooled and punched out of the film. The skeletal waste and running-in material are ground into granulate and reused in the next production of film.
Product safety
At Færch Plast we only use raw materials guaranteed by our suppliers to meet the requirements in the EU directive EC 2002/72 (rules governing which monomers and other basic materials can be used in the manufacture of plastic raw materials for direct food contact).
The raw materials also comply with the EU directive EEC 94/62 concerning heavy metals.
At Færch Plast we only use raw materials guaranteed by our suppliers to meet the requirements in the EU directive EC 2002/72 (rules governing which monomers and other basic materials can be used in the manufacture of plastic raw materials for direct food contact).
The raw materials also comply with the EU directive EEC 94/62 concerning heavy metals.
In order to ensure that
legislation is respected we carry out migration tests. Our PLA products are
tested under the following conditions:
10 days at 40°C in water
10 days at 40°C in olive oil
10 days at 40°C in 3% acetic acid
10 days at 40°C
in 15% ethanol
All migration test results comply with the EU-specified limits. The migration tests are carried out by internationally recognised testing institutes, and are up to date with respect to legislative changes.
Use
PLA is especially suitable as packaging for fresh meat, cold food and snacks.
PLA is especially suitable as packaging for fresh meat, cold food and snacks.
Hygiene
Hygiene plays a vital role throughout the company. For more than 10 years Færch Plast has been focusing on hygiene issues and has been hygiene accredited since 1998.
Hygiene plays a vital role throughout the company. For more than 10 years Færch Plast has been focusing on hygiene issues and has been hygiene accredited since 1998.
In 2002 Færch Plast was the
first danish manufacturer of packaging for direct food contact to be accredited
with the BRC/IOP technical Standard by Bureau Veritas Quality International. The
accreditation ensures, that all aspects of hygiene, product quality and product
safety, are respected fully.
Energy and environment
Færch Plast is continually striving to minimise its environmental impact and reduce the amount of energy used in production. This focus is maintained through energy management and energy control using a SRO system, which controls and regulates and monitors energy consumption and processes. Before production equipment is purchased, it has to satisfy rigorous criteria for economical energy consumption and lower environmental impact.
Færch Plast is continually striving to minimise its environmental impact and reduce the amount of energy used in production. This focus is maintained through energy management and energy control using a SRO system, which controls and regulates and monitors energy consumption and processes. Before production equipment is purchased, it has to satisfy rigorous criteria for economical energy consumption and lower environmental impact.
Waste disposal
Incineration
When incinerated PLA produces more energy than it absorbs, and can re-enters the natural cycle. Complete incineration of PLA produces CO2, H2O, CO and small quantities of ash.
When incinerated PLA produces more energy than it absorbs, and can re-enters the natural cycle. Complete incineration of PLA produces CO2, H2O, CO and small quantities of ash.
Handling
PLA-products from Færch Plast contain only raw materials
approved for food packaging.
PLA-products from Færch Plast contain only raw materials
approved for food packaging.
Disposal
PLA is suitable for landfill disposal without any known risk to the environment. PLA is also suitable for industrial compost sites degrading into lactic acid after 45-60 days with high humidity and temperature. Microscopic organisms in the compost degrade the lactic acid into carbon dioxide and water (CO2 and H2O).
PLA is suitable for landfill disposal without any known risk to the environment. PLA is also suitable for industrial compost sites degrading into lactic acid after 45-60 days with high humidity and temperature. Microscopic organisms in the compost degrade the lactic acid into carbon dioxide and water (CO2 and H2O).
Storage
Packaging made from PLA should be stored in dry conditions under 30°C. The PLA material is stable up to +40°C.
Packaging made from PLA should be stored in dry conditions under 30°C. The PLA material is stable up to +40°C.
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