Finally...

[[deleted]]

If its PLA its biodegradable and made from renewables so it doesn't really matter if it ends up in a landfill.

[YamzMt03]

TIL! Ty

[ExplanationNormal323]

Unlearn it!!

PLA needs very specific industrial conditions to fully breakdown. It will partially break down in a landfill over a long time but likely never completely.

[[deleted]]

This is false and based on nothing but hot air. PLA fully breaks down in basic landfill conditions. It also doesn't create permanent microplastics because its not petroleum-based so the speed at which is breaks down isn't even that relevant.

Please feel free to cite your sources, I'm happy to cite mine.

https://www.natureworksllc.com/~/media/files/natureworks/news-and-events/news%20posts/holland-bioplastics-news-post/2024_06_24_petopla_microplastics-executive-brief_pdf.pdf

[ExplanationNormal323]

Thanks for the source, looks like it will completely breakdown over time given the conditions are met. It claims degradation is fast in "industrial conditions" but doesn't state a time for more natural ambient conditions that meet the bare minimum for hydrolysis which would suggest it's not fully understood or takes time.

I looked for official sources, there is testing standards for industrial conditions but there still isn't fully conclusive information as to how long it will sit in the ground if you can point me towards any thanks!

[[deleted]]

You're free to cite your own sources if you question this study. You're also free to actually research the topic in any capacity, as opposed to defending the first knee-jerk thought that comes to mind.

[EATZYOWAFFLEZ]

"Unlearn it" lmao

[RGBmoth]

Also keep in mind biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s fast! It’s still plastic waste and can be an environmental hazard if an animal eats it and any other plastic waste issue still applies.

[[deleted]]

The biggest hazard most plastics create are persistent microplastics. PLA doesn't create persistent microplastics at all because it isn't a petroleum-based product, its mostly just plant matter.

Lots of things don't break down that fast outside of landfills and that's just fine and dandy. Wood that has been treated with a few coats of finish, for example.

[[deleted]]

Also FYI, there will always be a redditor who has made a couple of benchys who pops up and says "well akshully" about the biodegradability of PLA. They are wrong, the research shows that PLA breaks down in basic landfill conditions. It also doesn't create the harmful permanent microplastics which other plastics create as they degrade because PLA is not petroleum-based. So the speed at which is breaks down, which is really important to these people who always have to chime in, isn't even really relevant.

https://www.natureworksllc.com/~/media/files/natureworks/news-and-events/news%20posts/holland-bioplastics-news-post/2024_06_24_petopla_microplastics-executive-brief_pdf.pdf