Cargill Dow presents PLA research data.

Preparing for the use of polylactide (PLA) in the manufacturing of bottles, Cargill Dow is following testing guidelines identified in the Arlington, Va.-based Association of Postconsumer Recyclers' (APR) Champions for Change program to ensure the Successful integration of PLA into the U.S. recycling stream.

Derived completely from annually renewable resources, PLA is a nature-based alternative to traditional, petroleum-based plastic materials. Based Dow's initial research, it has been determined that PLA will have no measurable impact on the existing plastic recycling stream and can be effectively sorted using available detection technology.

"Cargill Dow will continue to work with the appropriate associations and organizations to evaluate the disposal impact of PLA in the United States," Brian Glasbrenner, business development manager PLA bottles, for Cargill Dow, says. "We understand the importance of independent testing and, by working with APR under the guidelines of its Champions for Change program, we are taking the right steps to ensure the successful integration of PLA bottles into the country's waste management systems."

Cargill Dow has also been working with the Recycle America Alliance, a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc., Houston. Trials in actual recycling facilities have shown that PLA can be collected through normal plastic recycling channels and that the technology exists to efficiently separate PLA from other commonly recycled materials. In addition to its fit with the recycling stream, PLA has been successfully composted in applications where that disposal method is desired and commercial composting infrastructure is in place.

The multiple disposal alternatives of PLA means that it can play a key role in landfill diversion. PLA has shown favorable properties for use where incineration is the preferred waste disposal method, in addition, PLA may offer the potential landfill diversion option of being chemically recycled.