Poly-lactic acid (PLA) may be a rigid thermoplastic polymer which will be semi-crystalline or totally amorphous, depending on the stereo-purity of the polymer backbone. L()-lactic acid (2-hydroxy prop ionic acid) is that the natural and commonest sort of the acid, but D(L)-lactic acid also can be produced by microorganisms or through racemization and this “impurity” acts very similar to co monomers in other polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene (PE). In PET, diethylene glycol or is ophthalic acid is copolymerized into the backbone at low levels (1–10%) to regulate the speed of crystallization. within the same way, D-lactic acid units are incorporated into L-PLA to optimize the crystallization kinetics for specific fabrication processes and applications. PLA may be a unique polymer that in some ways behaves like PET, but also performs a great deal like polypropylene (PP), a polyolefin. Ultimately it's going to be the polymer with the broadest range of applications owing to its ability to be stress crystallized, thermally crystallized, impact modified, filled, copolymerized, and processed in most polymer processing equipment. It are often formed into transparent films, fibers, or injection molded into blow moldable performs for bottles, like PET. PLA also has excellent organoleptic characteristics and is superb for food contact and related packaging applications. In spite of this unique combination of characteristics, the commercial viability has historically been limited by high production costs. so far PLA has enjoyed little success in replacing petroleum based plastics in commodity applications, with most initial uses limited to biomedical applications such as sutures.
The global polylactic acid (PLA) market was valued around US$ 2.23 Bn in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a stable CAGR above 20.5% during the forecast period 2018 to 2026. According to the “Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market-Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2018-2026”. Growing application in the cosmetics and personal care industry, ongoing advancements in science and technology, increasing consumer awareness and government incentives are some of the fundamental factors that are driving the global polylactic acid (PLA) market growth globally.
The demand for polylactic acid products are increasing in the personal or skin care industry as the product improves skin lightening effects, accelerates cell renewal and exfoliation and enhances the collagen & elastic synthesis. Rapid invention of innovative products with focus on formulation improvement for a particular consumer group is anticipated to fuel the market growth. Moreover, the growing demand for fermented foods such as canned vegetables, yogurt, and butter is escalating the demand for lactic acid products. Entrepreneurs who invest in this project will be successful.
Few Indian major players are as under
Astra Specialty Compounds India Pvt. Ltd
B A S F India Ltd.
Crest Composites & Plastics Pvt. Ltd.
Malladi Specialities Ltd.
Neelam Aqua & Speciality Chem Pvt. Ltd.
Network Polymers Pvt. Ltd.