U.S. Develops Degradable Polymers

A U.S. company recently developed a new technology for the production of functional plastic polymer polylactide (PLA). The process uses entirely renewable raw materials such as corn and wheat, and the polymer produced can be used to make carpet fibers, packaging materials, clothing and other products. The company is currently setting up a factory in Blair, Nebraska, to produce polylactide, which is expected to be put into production in 2002 with an annual production capacity of 140,000 tons. This new technology can use renewable resources to produce polylactide polymers, thereby alleviating the pressure on petroleum resources. In addition, the polymer is degradable and does not pollute the environment.