Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Driving India's Biotech Revolution
Bio-based, compostable polymer from renewable corn. Creating jobs for freshers, developing special PLA blends, and pioneering end-of-life solutions for a truly circular bioeconomy.
What is PLA?
From Corn to Sustainable Materials
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biobased, biodegradable, and industrially compostable polymer derived from renewable plant sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, cassava, or other carbohydrate-rich biomass.
Unlike conventional plastics made from petroleum, PLA originates from plant sugars, making it one of the world's most commercially successful bioplastics. PLA is an aliphatic polyester formed through the polymerisation of lactic acid, converted from plant-derived glucose into lactic acid, then into lactide, and finally polymerised into PLA resin.
PLA belongs to the family of thermoplastics, meaning it softens with heat and hardens when cooled—making it compatible with standard plastic processing machinery. Produced at India's first corn-based biopolymer plant, integrated with renewable energy and energy storage systems.
Bio-Based
Compostable
Recyclable
More About Polylactic Acid
1
Renewable Resources
PLA bioplastics are made from renewable plant resources such as corn starch, tapioca roots, and sugarcane. The process involves fermentation and polymerization, breaking down naturally without leaving toxic residues.
2
Sustainable Manufacturing
Our manufacturing starts with agricultural feedstock, converted into sugar through enzymatic processes. This sugar is fermented to produce lactic acid, then polymerized to create high-quality PLA resin. Integrated with renewable energy and energy storage systems.
3
Superior Properties
PLA offers excellent mechanical properties: high tensile strength, good transparency, and thermal stability. Processed using conventional plastic manufacturing equipment, making it an easy drop-in replacement for traditional plastics.
✓ Renewable Energy & Storage Integration
Complete End-of-Life Solutions
Comprehensive circular economy with zero-waste end-of-life management
Our comprehensive end-of-life solutions ensure every PLA product completes the circular economy cycle. From industrial composting to mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and biogas conversion—we guarantee zero waste while creating value through renewable energy and biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
1
Renewable Resources
Corn and sugarcane from Indian farmers, supporting rural employment
2
PLA Production & Jobs
Creating 500+ skilled jobs in biotechnology and manufacturing
3
Special PLA Blends
10+ custom formulations for packaging, textiles, medical devices
4
Mechanical Recycling
Reprocessing used PLA into new products, extending material life
5
Industrial Composting
Converting PLA into nutrient-rich biofertilizers for agriculture
6
Biogas & Energy
Anaerobic digestion producing renewable energy and closing the loop
Special PLA Blends & Applications
Developing 10+ specialized formulations for diverse industries with complete end-of-life solutions
Food & Beverage
Clear cups, lids, trays, clamshells, cutlery, straws
Food safety, clarity, industrial composability
Retail & E-commerce
Mailer bags, protective packaging, shipping materials
Durable, lightweight, sustainable branding
Healthcare & Medical
Disposable trays, specimen containers, medical packaging
Sterile, safe, compliant with medical standards
Agriculture
Mulch films, plant pots, seedling trays, agricultural films
Biodegradable in soil, no plastic residue
Consumer Goods
Cosmetics packaging, toy components, 3D-printed prototypes
Versatile, customizable, eco-friendly appeal
Textile & Fibres
PLA fibres for nonwovens, apparel blends, technical textiles
Soft, moisture-wicking, naturally antimicrobial
Complete End-of-Life Solutions (BOL & EOL)
Reduces GHG emissions significantly
Reduces plastic pollution
Supports circular economy
Scalable production
Our comprehensive end-of-life management includes industrial composting, mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and biogas conversion—ensuring zero waste and maximum resource recovery.
PLA Advantages
- ✓ Renewable resource-based
- ✓ Lower carbon footprint
- ✓ Industrially compostable
- ✓ Excellent mechanical properties
- ✓ Cost-effective at scale
Traditional Plastics
- ✗ Fossil fuel dependent
- ✗ High carbon emissions
- ✗ Non-biodegradable
- ✗ Environmental pollution
- ✗ Limited end-of-life options
Technical Summary
Encode Life PLA Specifications & Properties
1.24-1.27 g/cm³
Density
150-170°C
Melting Temperature
55-60°C
Glass Transition
50-70 MPa
Tensile Strength
<0.02 wt%
Moisture Content
≥98%
Biobased Content
Typical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white to translucent pellets | - |
| Density | 1.24-1.26 | g/cm³ |
| MFI (210°C/2.16kg) | 6-18 | g/10 min |
| Vicat Softening Temp | 55-65 | °C |
| Glass Transition (Tg) | 55-60 | °C |
| Melting Point (Tm) | 150-170 | °C |
| Tensile Strength | 50-70 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 3-10 | % |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.5-3.5 | GPa |
| Biobased Content | ≥98 | % |
All specifications are typical values and may vary slightly depending on grade and application. Contact us for detailed technical data sheets and application-specific recommendations.
Manufacturing Excellence & Job Creation
Transforming agricultural feedstock into high-performance bioplastics through sustainable manufacturing
1
Feedstock Reception
Corn, sugarcane, or cassava from sustainably managed agricultural sources
2
Starch Extraction
Mechanical and enzymatic extraction of starch from agricultural feedstock
3
Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Breaking down starch into glucose using specialized enzymes
4
Fermentation
Microbial conversion of glucose to high-purity lactic acid
5
Lactic Acid Purification
Advanced purification and concentration of lactic acid
6
Lactide Formation
Catalytic dehydration and cyclization to form lactide monomers
7
Ring-Opening Polymerisation
High-temperature polymerisation of lactide to produce PLA polymer chains
8
Extrusion & Pelletizing
Molten PLA extruded, cooled, and cut into pellets. Quality control and packaging.
1
Feedstock Reception
Corn, sugarcane, or cassava from sustainably managed agricultural sources
2
Starch Extraction
Mechanical and enzymatic extraction of starch from agricultural feedstock
3
Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Breaking down starch into glucose using specialized enzymes
4
Fermentation
Microbial conversion of glucose to high-purity lactic acid
5
Lactic Acid Purification
Advanced purification and concentration of lactic acid
6
Lactide Formation
Catalytic dehydration and cyclization to form lactide monomers
7
Ring-Opening Polymerisation
High-temperature polymerisation of lactide to produce PLA polymer chains
8
Extrusion & Pelletizing
Molten PLA extruded, cooled, and cut into pellets. Quality control and packaging.
500+
Direct Jobs Created
✓
Renewable Energy & Storage Integration
80K
Tonnes Annual Capacity
10+
Special PLA Blends
Empowering India's Biotech Workforce
Our manufacturing facility creates jobs for freshers in biotechnology, chemical engineering, quality control, and operations. Through comprehensive training programs and industry-academia partnerships, we're building India's skilled biotech workforce while producing specialized PLA blends with complete end-of-life solutions.
Transforming India's Biotech Landscape
Creating jobs, fostering collaboration, and pioneering sustainable solutions
Empowering Biotech Sector
Driving India's biotechnology revolution by establishing the nation's first industrial-scale PLA plant. Creating a robust ecosystem for biotech innovation, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat while generating skilled employment opportunities.
First Industrial-Scale Plant
Direct Job Creation
Creating jobs for freshers in biotechnology, chemical engineering, quality control, and manufacturing. Our comprehensive training programs develop skilled professionals ready to lead India's bioplastics industry.
Jobs for Freshers
Industry Collaboration
Strategic partnerships with research institutions foster innovation. Joint R&D programs, internships, and knowledge transfer accelerate biotech advancement and create opportunities for young talent.
5+ Research Partnerships
End-of-Life Solutions
Comprehensive end-of-life management through industrial composting, mechanical recycling, and biogas conversion. Converting used PLA into renewable energy, biofertilizers, and valuable resources for circular economy.
100% Circular Solutions
Special PLA Blends
Developing 10+ specialized PLA formulations for diverse applications: high-heat resistant grades, flexible films, rigid packaging, medical-grade materials, and custom blends tailored to specific industry requirements.
10+ Custom Blends
Sustainable Innovation
Production integrated with renewable energy and energy storage systems, with focus on agricultural waste valorization. Supporting farmers through corn procurement, creating rural employment, and establishing sustainable supply chains across India.
Renewable Energy Integration
Our Impact on India's Biotech Sector
By partnering with Encode Life, you're supporting India's biotechnology growth, creating employment for fresh graduates, advancing industry-academia collaboration, and contributing to a circular economy with comprehensive end-of-life solutions.
500+
Direct Jobs for Freshers
5+
Research Collaborations
10+
Special PLA Blends
100%
End-of-Life Solutions
Join India's Biotech Revolution
Partner with us to create jobs, drive innovation, and build sustainable solutions for India's future.
Partner With UsLet's Connect
Have questions about PLA bioplastics or interested in partnership opportunities? We're here to help and typically respond within 24 hours.
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