Making The Switch To Biodegradable "Plastic Alternative" Packaging

July 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Making The Switch To Go "Green"

Simply Me Naturally LLC, an all-natural/organic skincare company, recently took a big leap in their practice of environmental awareness. They have replaced all glass/plastic product containers with a "plastic-like" packaging known as polylactic acid (PLA) containers. PLA products , made by NatureWorks, have a huge advantage over their conventional plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), counterparts in that they are 100% biodegradable and non-petroleum based. They’re produced using a renewable resource, which reduces the near 200,000 barrels or petroleum used daily in standard plastic production, while also taking a strain off the nation's landfills composed of about 25% plastic waste.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

The secret behind PLA packaging, and the Eco-friendly alternative it offers, is actually a very simple one - Corn. Lactic acid is a common component of many food products. Its derived from sources like wheat, potatoes, and beets. NatureWorks, however, uses corn as its source of lactic acid. The acid is converted into lactide, and then linked together into long chains or polymers: Polylactic Acid (PLA). The resin is then formed into the same sturdy and durable products created from PET, without the use of oil and harsh effects on the environment.

While Simply Me Naturally LLC is not the first company to use Eco-friendly packaging, they still feel it sets them apart from much of the competition. "You can produce every 'all-natural' product imaginable, yet if you package all of these products in plastic or glass containers, your still contributing to environmentally harmful practices", said Danette Newton - Owner. "If a consumer is looking for a safe all-natural alternative product, chances are they at-least have a mild concern for the environment. We want to meet those expectations of our consumers, as well as satisfy our own environmental conscience". Simply Me Naturally, like Wal-Mart, Delhaize Group, Newman's Own Corp., and other PLA using companies, knows petroleum resources will not always be an option for packaging products. As the world's oil supply dwindles, PLA packaging offers a renewable resource based plastic alternative that's beneficial for the environment.

More Information
NatureWorks LLC - http://www.natureworksllc.com
Simply Me Naturally LLC - http://simplymenaturally.com