A polylactic acid (PLA) production line, with a designed annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes, has been put into operation in the city of Bengbu, east China's Anhui Province.
"PLA is a bio-based material that derives from roots, stems and fruits of plants. It is a renewable material that can decompose into carbon dioxide and water," said Li Rongjie, president of China BBCA Group Corporation that runs the production line.
After nearly 20 years of research and development, BBCA has become China's first company to have mastered the core technologies of PLA production, including bacteria preparation, fermentation, extraction, purification and polymerization, according to Li.
Being degradable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, the material is believed to have the potential to replace petroleum plastic in the future.
So far, the material has been applied in the production of a wide range of products, such as bags, cups, bowls, farm film and even clothes.
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