The mechanical recycling of PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most promising strategies for extending the lifespan of this bioplastic and reducing its environmental impact. This process allows for the recovery and reuse of PLA previously used in products or packaging, transforming it back into raw material ready for new applications. Let’s delve into the main steps of the process, along with its economic and environmental advantages.  

What is PLA and why recycle it?  

PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable sources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or sugar beet. While it is biodegradable under specific conditions, mechanical recycling offers a valuable alternative to industrial composting, which is not always accessible in all regions. Through mechanical recycling, post-consumer PLA can be recovered, reducing the demand for new natural resources and minimizing waste.  

Steps in the Mechanical Recycling of PLA  

The mechanical recycling of PLA is a physical process that requires specific but relatively simple equipment compared to other recovery methods. The main steps include:  

1. Collection and sorting: PLA waste is collected and separated from other types of plastic or non-recyclable materials. This phase is crucial to ensuring the purity of the recycled material and preserving its properties.  

2. Shredding: once cleaned, the PLA is ground into small fragments or flakes to facilitate processing.  

3. Melting: the PLA flakes are heated to their melting point and then reformed into granules (or pellets) that can be used to produce new items. During this phase, additives may be incorporated to enhance the quality of the recycled material.  

4. Production of new products: the resulting granules are used to create new products, such as packaging, utensils, or filaments for 3D printing.  

Economic advantages of Mechanical Recycling of PLA  

1. Reduction in raw material costs: recovering PLA through mechanical recycling is often more cost-effective than producing it from scratch, as it reduces dependency on agricultural resources used to create new PLA.  

2. Increased Competitiveness: companies adopting mechanical recycling can lower production costs and better position themselves in the market with a more sustainable offering, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly products.  

3. Creation of New Market Opportunities: the market for recycled materials is expanding, and mechanical recycling of PLA allows for meeting the needs of sectors such as food packaging, fashion, and 3D printing, offering high-quality, low-impact materials.  

Environmental benefits of Mechanical Recycling of PLA  

1. Waste reduction: recycling PLA prevents this material from ending up in landfills or incinerators, reducing pressure on ecosystems and minimizing pollution.  

2. Natural resource savings: mechanical recycling decreases the need to cultivate raw materials like corn or sugarcane, promoting a more sustainable use of agricultural resources.  

3. Reduction of CO₂ emissions: producing recycled PLA consumes less energy than producing new material, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with industrial processes.  

4. Sustainability of the Lifecycle: mechanical recycling improves the environmental balance of PLA, making it a more sustainable solution compared to biodegradation, which requires industrial facilities that are not always available.  

Conclusions  

The mechanical recycling of PLA is a concrete and advantageous solution for managing this bioplastic sustainably. Beyond economic benefits for companies, the process significantly contributes to environmental protection by reducing waste and emissions. For mechanical recycling of PLA to become widespread, however, it is essential to promote separate collection, raise consumer awareness, and invest in technologies and infrastructure.  

Thanks to mechanical recycling, PLA can truly play a key role in a circular economy, supporting the transition toward a greener future.