Swiftpak, the Berkshire-based packaging business, have recently launched their latest packaging product – PLA insulation. Tackling the everyday problems businesses face when transporting food and pharmaceuticals, PLA packaging offers a sterile and eco-friendly way to insulate sensitive products during transit. Discover what PLA is and the products Swiftpak use to revolutionise packaging operations below.

What is PLA packaging?

PLA stands for Polylactic Acid and is a new type of high molecular polymer material, commonly known as corn plastic. PLA is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, is biodegradable, and has similar characteristics to Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) and Polystyrene (PS). The benefits of using PLA packaging include:

•100% Biodegradability – Made from renewable resources, PLA is an environmentally friendly choice for packaging applications.

•Carbon reduction – Carbon dioxide is consumed during the growth of corn, meaning net greenhouse gas emissions of the entire PLA production process could be considered negative.

•No toxic fumes or pollution – PLA does not release any toxic fumes when oxygenated, therefore has become very popular for packaging pharmaceutical and food products.

•Insulating properties – PLA insulation keeps the temperature of an internal product around 4 degrees Celsius at an average room temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius for up to 30 hours.

The PLA packaging range from Swiftpak

PLA is extremely versatile and can be used to create various packaging products based on an organisations’ requirements. From insulation pouches and bags, to insulation felt and zippers, here are PLA examples from Swiftpak.

1. PLA self-sealing insulation bag

Benefiting from a PLA and PBAT outer layer film combined with a needle punched PLA inner felt, The PLA self-sealing insulation bag prevents condensed water from escaping the package, while offering sufficient heat protection for thermal insulation. This is essential for keeping produce fresh from the point of packing through to its point of delivery.

2. PLA insulation felt with film

Similar to the self-sealing insulation bag, PLA insulation felt with film is 100% biodegradable and primarily used to keep food products at the required temperature during transit. The flexibility of the film offers great room for adjustment to fit with most carton sizes and is placed to line the entire inside of a package.

3. PLA insulation zip pouch

The PLA insulation zip pouch benefits from a quick and easy to use zip-lock closure, reducing the overall packing process by 20-30 seconds. This helps to increase efficiency for businesses, ultimately saving in operation costs for a scalable solution.

PLA can be a great way for businesses to adopt an eco-friendly approach to packaging. Especially for the pharmaceutical and food industries. For more information on PLA products and how they can benefit your business, contact Swiftpak today.

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