PLA Degradation In Foodservice: What To Know | Bioleader® Guide

Switching to PLA spoons helps reduce plastic waste, aligns with sustainability trends, meets consumer demand for green products, and supports environmental responsibility initiatives.

Under commercial composting conditions, BPI compostable cutlery typically decomposes within 90 to 180 days, depending on local facility standards and materials used — PLA degradation.

Yes, BPI compostable cutlery is designed for strength and durability, making it suitable for use with both hot and cold foods in restaurants, catering, and events.

Industrial composting facilities process PLA waste in 1/10th of the time required for home composting, typically completing the degradation process within 3-6 months — PLA degradation.

When PLA is exposed to high temperatures and moisture, water molecules penetrate the polymer matrix, breaking the long polymer chains into smaller fragments (oligomers). This process is significantly faster when the temperature exceeds the Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of PLA, which is around 55°C — PLA degradation. Under these conditions, the material begins to lose its physical structure, making it more susceptible to microbial breakdown.