Polylactide (PLA) became established in the last decade as the first purely bio-based commodity plastic in the packaging industry. However, its low elongation-at-break and impact strength properties mean that there are major restrictions on the use of PLA. SoBiCo has overcome these restrictions through the development of the PLA-Copolymers in the Plactid® series, a whole new type of bioplastic.

The Plactid® plastics developed and manufactured by SoBiCo GmbH are made from natural lactic acid. Corn crops, sugar cane, as well as other crops that are high in starch can be used as the raw materials for these bioplastics. As a result of the raw material combination in the copolymer, this new class of material opens up a whole new world for bioplastics as a result of their unique properties. Plactid® has a high level of bio-based content amounting to over 80% coupled with a wide range of properties, for example, elongation-at break-properties from 10% to well over 300% and flow properties (MFI) of less than 1 to over 20. The wide range of uses includes packaging for foodstuffs, injection molding applications, fibers and 3D-printing filaments.

Main features of Plactid® bioplastics

• Lactide as the main component of the copolymer
• Bio-based (80 – 95% made from sustainable raw materials)
• No plasticizer
• Long-term stabilized
• Biodegradability optional
• Recyclable (mechanically and chemically)
• Easy to use in traditional production processes

Lactoflex® – Plasticizer for PLA (up to 100% bio-based)

Lactofix® – Nucleating agent for PLA for injection moulding and blow moulding

Lactobatch – Functional masterbatches