Can PLA be used for food packaging? A comprehensive guide

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the US FDA, Polylactic Acid (PLA) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food packaging under recommended conditions. This renewable, plant-based bioplastic is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based plastics.

Quick Summary

An overview of using polylactic acid (PLA) for food packaging, covering its safety profile, benefits as a bio-based material, and specific limitations, such as its sensitivity to high temperatures.

Key Points

Food Safety Approval: PLA is generally considered food-safe and has been approved for food contact by major regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EFSA, under specified conditions.
Temperature Limitations: PLA has a low heat resistance (around 60°C or 140°F), making it unsuitable for hot food, reheating in microwaves, or use in traditional ovens.
Compostability Requirements: While biodegradable, PLA requires specific industrial composting facilities with controlled temperature and humidity to break down effectively; it does not decompose reliably in home compost piles or landfills.
Source and Environmental Impact: Derived from renewable plant-based resources like corn starch, PLA reduces reliance on fossil fuels and has a lower carbon footprint compared to many conventional plastics.
Wide Range of Applications: PLA is commonly used for cold drink cups, deli containers, produce packaging, and disposable cutlery, leveraging its transparency and clarity.
Additives and Cross-Contamination: The food safety of PLA can be compromised by non-food-safe additives or cross-contamination during manufacturing, highlighting the need for certified food-grade products.
Ongoing Improvements: Research is focused on enhancing PLA's properties, such as heat resistance and barrier performance, to broaden its applications through techniques like blending and nanocomposites.

Can PLA be used for food packaging? An in-depth look

What is PLA and why is it used for packaging?

Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch, sugarcane, and cassava. The fermentation of plant starches produces lactic acid, which is then polymerized to create PLA resin pellets. The appeal of PLA in packaging is multifaceted, driven by its eco-friendly credentials and versatility. Unlike conventional plastics that rely on finite fossil fuels, PLA reduces dependency on these resources and typically results in a lower carbon footprint during production.

PLA can be processed using conventional equipment and is known for its high transparency, comparable to PET, making it suitable for applications where product visibility is key. It also offers moderate barrier properties against moisture and gases, which helps preserve the freshness of certain foods. However, its use is best suited for cold and room-temperature foods due to its low heat resistance. For higher temperature applications, a crystalline form known as CPLA is often used.

Food safety and regulatory approval

One of the most important considerations for any food packaging material is its safety. Regulatory bodies have extensively evaluated PLA for its suitability in food contact applications. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have approved PLA for use, provided it adheres to specific manufacturing standards and conditions.

In its pure form, PLA is considered food safe and non-toxic, and it does not release harmful substances under normal conditions. A key safety concern arises with additives and colorants used in some PLA products, which may not be food-safe. For this reason, it is crucial for manufacturers to use only food-grade additives and for consumers to purchase products explicitly labeled as food-safe.

Applications and limitations of PLA packaging

PLA’s properties make it suitable for a variety of food packaging applications, primarily those involving cold or ambient-temperature goods. Common applications include:

Clear containers and films: Used for fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat salads.
Beverage cups and straws: Often utilized for cold drinks, smoothies, and other beverages.
Disposable cutlery and tableware: A sustainable alternative for forks, knives, and spoons in catering and takeout services.
PLA-coated paper products: Used as a lining for cold cups and food containers to provide a liquid barrier.

Despite its benefits, PLA has notable limitations. Its low heat resistance means it can deform or melt when exposed to temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F), making it unsuitable for hot food, microwaves, or traditional ovens. Additionally, PLA requires specific industrial composting facilities to biodegrade effectively. It will not break down in a standard backyard compost pile or landfill, which limits its environmental benefit if not disposed of correctly through proper infrastructure.

PLA versus other food packaging plastics

To understand PLA’s place in the market, it is helpful to compare it with other common food-safe plastics like PET and PP.


Feature	PLA (Polylactic Acid)	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	PP (Polypropylene)
Source	Renewable plant-based materials (e.g., corn starch)	Petroleum-based	Petroleum-based
Biodegradability	Compostable in industrial facilities, not naturally biodegradable	Recyclable, but not biodegradable	Recyclable, but not biodegradable
Temperature Resistance	Low (deforms around 60°C). Not suitable for hot foods or reheating	Higher (up to 140°C), suitable for hot filling and some heat	High (up to 120°C), microwavable and heat-resistant
Barrier Properties	Moderate barrier to moisture and gas	Excellent barrier to oxygen and moisture	Excellent barrier to moisture, grease, and chemicals
Durability	Generally less durable and more brittle than PET	Stronger and more impact-resistant	Lightweight, tough, and durable
Environmental Impact	Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon footprint in production	Creates a circular economy through recycling, but dependent on fossil fuels	Dependent on fossil fuels, but widely recyclable
Cost	Generally more expensive than conventional plastics	Cost-effective and widely available	Cost-effective and widely available

The future of PLA in the food packaging industry

Continued research and development are addressing some of PLA's current shortcomings. Innovations focus on enhancing thermal properties, improving barrier performance, and making PLA more compostable outside of industrial settings. For instance, blending PLA with other biopolymers or integrating nanocomposites can enhance its mechanical strength and barrier qualities.

The market for PLA food packaging is expected to grow significantly as regulations promote sustainable practices and consumer demand for eco-friendly products increases. As infrastructure for industrial composting expands and advanced chemical recycling methods become more viable, the end-of-life options for PLA will improve, further solidifying its position as a key sustainable packaging material. However, clear communication and consistent labeling are essential to ensure consumers properly dispose of PLA to prevent contamination of traditional recycling streams. Learn more about the sustainability of PLA at NatureWorks.com, a leading PLA manufacturer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PLA offers a promising, safe, and sustainable solution for specific food packaging applications. As a non-toxic, bio-based material, it is approved by major regulatory bodies for food contact, especially for cold and ambient-temperature items. While its temperature sensitivity and requirement for industrial composting present challenges, ongoing technological advancements are improving its properties and expanding its potential. For businesses and consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives, PLA is a viable and responsible choice, provided its limitations and disposal requirements are well-understood and managed. Continued investment in recycling and composting infrastructure is key to maximizing PLA's environmental benefits and ensuring a greener future for food packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure PLA is generally considered safe for food contact by bodies like the FDA and EFSA. It is non-toxic and does not release harmful chemicals under normal use, especially for cold or room-temperature foods.

No, PLA has low heat resistance and will deform or melt at temperatures above 60°C (140°F). It is not suitable for hot food or drinks, microwaves, or ovens.

No, PLA requires very specific conditions—high heat, humidity, and microbial activity found only in industrial composting facilities—to break down efficiently. In a landfill, it can take centuries to decompose.

In many ways, yes. PLA is derived from renewable resources and has a lower carbon footprint during production. However, its environmental benefit depends heavily on whether it is properly disposed of in an industrial composting facility, as improper disposal limits its positive impact.

CPLA stands for Crystallised Polylactic Acid. It is a more heat-resistant form of PLA, made by adding chalk as a catalyst and rapidly heating and cooling the resin during manufacturing. This makes CPLA suitable for products like hot coffee cup lids and cutlery.

PLA can be technically recycled, but it requires specialized facilities that are not widely available. It must be processed separately from conventional plastics like PET and PP to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.

PLA is best suited for cold or ambient-temperature foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and cold beverages. Its transparency and moderate barrier properties help maintain product freshness.