What Is TPLA and CPLA? Everything You Need to Know

cPLA = Crystallized PLA. It’s processed by applying high pressure and heat to PLA, chalk, and other biodegradable and bio-based additives. This causes the material to crystallize, resulting in a harder product that’s less susceptible to heat degradation. CPLA lids are commonly used for coffee cups.

what is tpla and cPLA?

To grasp the differences between cPLA and tPLA, it's essential to understand a bit about PLA, or polylactic acid.

PLA products serve as bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, typically derived from fermentable sugars, often corn. PLA offers a much-needed eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics. For a more detailed exploration of PLA, refer to our PLA Guide.

While PLA is an Environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, its rigidity and heat resistance are not as high, given its corn-based composition rather than oil-based materials. Traditional plastics encompass a wide range of types with distinct properties tailored to various applications.

This is where cPLA and tPLA come in.

These two variations of PLA address PLA's weaknesses by enhancing its rigidity and heat resistance while retaining its environmental benefits.These two variations on PLA strengthen PLA’s weaknesses while offering the same benefits.

- cPLA = Crystallized PLA. It’s processed by applying high pressure and heat to PLA, chalk, and other biodegradable and bio-based additives. This causes the material to crystallize, resulting in a harder product that’s less susceptible to heat degradation. CPLA lids are commonly used for coffee cups.

- tPLA = Talc-injected PLA is created by combining the two materials at a ratio usually around 70% PLA and 30% talc. Talc is a natural mineral with very high thermal stability that helps PLA mold into harder more heat resistant materials. For that reason, tPLA utensils are a common eco-friendly option. Talc is not renewable but it is an abundant natural resource.

What are the environmental benefits of tPLA and cPLA packaging products?

Similar to PLA, both tPLA and cPLA require 65% less energy to produce than traditional plastics. They also completely compost in industrial composting facilities.

1. Biodegradable – Both tPLA and cPLA meet international standards for biodegradability as plant-based materials. They naturally degrade over time and decompose faster in commercial composting facilities.

2. Compostable – tPLA is 100% compostable in 3–6 months in a commercial facility, while cPLA is 100% compostable in 2–4 months in a commercial facility.

3. No toxic fumes – Unlike traditional plastics, tPLA and cPLA do not emit toxic fumes during incineration.

THE FOOD PACKAGING BENEFITS OF tPLA:

- Can withstand temperatures up to 200°F

- Reusable and dishwasher safe

- Certified compostable by BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)

THE FOOD PACKAGING BENEFITS OF cPLA:

- Can withstand temperatures up to 180°F

- 100% renewable and bio-based

Are tPLA or cPLA food packaging products right for my business?

If your business currently utilizes items such as utensils, forks, knives, soup spoons, or sporks, and you're committed to offering eco-friendly packaging solutions, then tPLA and cPLA are excellent choices for you.

We offer a wide variety of these products, along with many others, for you to sample before purchasing full cases. For more information about PLA and other environmentally friendly products, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

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