Subject: Performance of PLA vs. PET and PS
This memo is in regards to a study comparing the properties of commonly used petroleum based polymers (PS and PET) with a biodegradable alternative (PLA). The study found that PLA has several properties in common with these petroleum based plastics. It also proposes further studies on PLA polymers to better determine their performance and compatibility in the world of food packaging.
Why do we Need to Change?
The U.S. has been steadily increasing its production of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2003, packaging represented 31.7% of America’s 236 million tons of MSW [1]. Approximately 6.35 million tons of plastic goods were taking up landfill space in 2003 [1]. These numbers all seem to be on the rise. Biodegradable polymers are an attempt to decrease America’s dependence on landfills for disposing of their packaging waste. A drastic reduction in the amount of packaging waste in landfills would be a good step toward the......
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Approximate Word Count: 691
Approximate Pages: 3 (260 words per double-spaced page) |