This chart shows Polylactic Acid price assessments in USA Dollar per metric ton (USD/mt) in 3 locations, as follows:
- Polylactic Acid, US (United States): Polylactic Acid, export transaction price, fob, United States
- Polylactic Acid, EUR (Europe): Polylactic Acid, import transaction price, cfr, Netherlands (netforward from fob United States)
- Polylactic Acid, CN (China): Polylactic Acid, import transaction price, cif, China
The chart above is a sample of Intratec Primary Commodity Prices. Subscribe and access now current prices of 225 commodities, including Polylactic Acid.
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Polylactic Acid prices are provided as an annual subscription where subscribers have access to reliable pricing data of 225 commodities worldwide.
Intratec's methodology employs a structured big data strategy that utilizes advanced technologies to extract publicly available data from primary sources such as governmental trade records, statistics bureaus, and international agencies.
This data is then processed through mathematical models to generate reliable assessments, published at the very beginning of each month. To better understand the data provided check Intratec Primary Commodity Prices Methodology.
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Polylactic Acid Price Outlook
Polylactic Acid Price Outlook. The price of Polylactic Acid (United States) increased during May 2020 to 2,430 USD per metric ton, which represents a considerable rise of 9% compared to the previous month’s value. On a year-over-year basis, the prices of Polylactic Acid (United States) decreased modestly by 2%. Meanwhile, the average price of Polylactic Acid (China) amounted to 2,250 USD per metric ton, from 2,000 USD per metric ton one year earlier. On a month-over-month basis, the price of Polylactic Acid (China) is 5% lower than the price one month before.
The price of Polylactic Acid (Europe) rose considerably throughout May 2020, reaching 2,440 USD per metric ton. The price is 8% higher than the average price in the previous month and 2% lower than the average price one year before.
About Polylactic Acid
About Polylactic Acid. Polylactic Acid (a.k.a. PLA, Polylactide) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. It is different than most thermoplastic in that it is a bioplastic, which means it is derived from a number of renewed biomass like starch and sugar cane via bacterial lactic fermentation. It is semi crystalline or amorphous, rigid, resilient and ultraviolet light resistant material, with similar characteristics to common petrochemical industry plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. Polylactic acid is used in plastic films, bottles and biodegradable medical devices. It figures among the most consumed bioplastics worldwide. Also, it is widely used as a material in 3D printing and bioprinting.
This biodegradable polyester can be synthesized via two major routes. The main production route of high molecular weight PLA is based on an initial polycondensation of lactic acid, followed by a depolymerization at reduced pressure and a ring-opening polymerization step. The other route is based on a direct polymerization of lactic acid by polycondensation. Most companies employ the indirect route, since the production of high molecular weight polymers is difficult via direct polymerization. High molecular weight Polylactic Acid is a colorless, glossy, rigid thermoplastic material with properties similar to polystyrene. Optically pure polymers such as poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) exhibit more suitable physical properties for commercial use.
The stereochemical structure of Polylactic Acid can easily be modified by the polymerization of a controlled mixture of L- or D-isomers, in such a way that the properties of PLA can be easily tunned to meet a broad range of applications. In fact, a wide range of products with different properties can be obtained from PLA with different D/L ratios.
Polylactic Acid Handling. PLA rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and it’s also temperature sensitive (storage temperatures should be controlled to below 50 ºC). In order to preserve PLA properties and characteristics, exposure to ambient (undried) air should be minimized. PLA is usually delivered in moisture-resistant containers, including foil-lined boxes, which can prevent moisture regain during shipping and storage.
Polylactic Acid Production. Two main routes have been developed to convert lactic acid to PLA. In the indirect route lactic acid is first converted to lactide and then polymerized to PLA. The second route is the direct polymerization of lactic acid by polycondensation. Several pathways arouse from the integration with lactid acid production. Raw materials and the respective production processes employed in the manufacturing of Polylactic Acid are listed below.
- Lactic Acid (melt-phase polymerization process),
- Sugar Source (for Latic Acid production via fermentation, followed by polymerization)
Polylactic Acid Uses. The uses and applications of Polylactic Acid may vary according to its specification. The main forms of Polylactic Acid are film grade (for food packing); and high-performance grades (PS, PP and ABS replacement).
Such blends may result from the adition of additives such as nucleating agents or stabilizers, or even blending formulations between PDLA and PLLA.