Choosing biodegradable PLA (Polylactic Acid) film for flexible packaging involves evaluating several key factors that ensure the material meets both performance requirements and sustainability goals. PLA films are derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane, and are compostable, making them a popular alternative to petroleum-based plastics. However, not all PLA films are created equal, and choosing the right one for your packaging needs requires considering various aspects, from material properties to environmental impact. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right biodegradable PLA film for flexible packaging:
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Before selecting a PLA film, it’s important to understand the specific requirements of your packaging application. Ask yourself the following questions:
What type of product will be packaged? Is it food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or other goods?
What is the shelf life of the product? PLA film has different barrier properties, so its ability to protect the contents from oxygen, moisture, and light is critical for preserving product freshness.
What mechanical properties are needed? Consider factors like strength, flexibility, puncture resistance, and tear resistance. PLA films can vary in these properties depending on their formulation and processing.
Does the film need to be transparent or opaque? PLA films can be made clear or with various degrees of opacity, depending on the packaging’s aesthetic and protective requirements.
Understanding these factors will help narrow down your choices and ensure you select PLA film that meets the functional needs of your packaging.
100% Bioderadable PLA Film For Flexible Package
PLA is biodegradable, but the extent and conditions under which it decomposes can vary. When selecting PLA film for flexible packaging, ensure the material complies with recognized biodegradability and compostability standards, such as:
EN : This European standard defines the requirements for compostable plastics. A PLA film that meets this standard will break down in an industrial composting facility within a specified time frame.
ASTM D: This standard, used in the U.S., outlines the compostability requirements for plastics. PLA films that meet this standard are biodegradable in commercial composting systems.
ISO : Another standard that defines the criteria for compostability of biodegradable plastics, which is widely recognized in many countries.
Ensure that the PLA film is certified as compostable in industrial settings, as home composting conditions may not always be sufficient to break down PLA materials.
The thickness of the PLA film plays a significant role in its performance. Thicker films provide better protection and durability but may reduce flexibility, while thinner films are more flexible but offer less protection.
Thin films (less than 30 microns): Ideal for lightweight products like snacks, apparel, or single-serve items.
Thicker films (over 30 microns): Better suited for heavier products or those that need more barrier protection.
Work with your supplier to determine the optimal thickness based on the packaging requirements and the nature of the product.
100% Bioderadable PLA Film For Flexible Package
PLA films have inherent limitations when it comes to barrier properties. They are more permeable to moisture, oxygen, and grease than conventional plastic films, which can affect the shelf life and freshness of products. Consider the following barrier requirements:
Oxygen barrier: PLA has moderate oxygen barrier properties, but for sensitive products like food, you may need an additional coating or multilayer construction to improve oxygen resistance.
Moisture barrier: PLA is naturally less effective in providing a moisture barrier compared to materials like polyethylene. If your product is sensitive to moisture, you may need a PLA film with a moisture barrier coating or a combination of PLA with another biodegradable material.
Grease resistance: PLA films can absorb oil and grease, so it may not be suitable for greasy or oily products unless treated or laminated with additional materials.
Some PLA films are combined with other biodegradable polymers (such as PHA or PBS) to enhance barrier properties, so consider these options if your packaging needs better moisture or oxygen resistance.
For branding and marketing purposes, the printability of the PLA film is an important consideration. Some PLA films may be more receptive to certain printing techniques, including flexographic, rotogravure, or digital printing. If custom branding is important for your packaging:
Ensure the PLA film is compatible with your preferred printing process.
Look for PLA films that have a coating or treatment that enhances ink adhesion and color vibrancy.
Choose PLA films that provide a matte or glossy finish depending on your aesthetic preference.
If your packaging needs to be heat-sealed (such as bag sealing or pouch packaging), ensure that the PLA film has good heat-sealability. Some PLA films are engineered with heat-sealable layers or coatings that make them suitable for heat sealing, which is a critical property for creating secure and tamper-proof packages.
Heat-sealable PLA films: These films are specifically designed to bond with heat in packaging applications. Be sure to test the sealing performance with your equipment.
Multilayer films: For more complex applications, you may need a multilayer PLA film that includes a heat-sealable layer on the inside to ensure a secure seal.
If the product you are packaging requires visibility or aesthetic appeal, you may need transparent PLA film. PLA can be manufactured to be clear or with varying levels of opacity.
Clear PLA film: Offers high transparency, making it suitable for packaging products that need to be seen by the consumer (e.g., snacks, candies, cosmetics).
Opaque PLA film: Ideal for products that need light protection or privacy, such as medical products or specific food items.
Make sure the film’s transparency meets your visual and functional packaging needs.
While PLA films are biodegradable and compostable, it’s important to consider the full lifecycle and sustainability of the packaging:
Source of PLA: PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane. Check if the PLA used is sourced from responsibly managed agricultural practices (e.g., non-GMO, certified organic, or sustainably farmed).
Life cycle impact: PLA is compostable in industrial composting systems, but it may not degrade properly in landfill conditions. Consider promoting proper disposal practices (e.g., composting) to your customers.
Look for PLA films that offer transparency regarding the environmental impact of their production, from sourcing to end-of-life disposal.
Before committing to a large production run, conduct thorough testing to ensure the PLA film meets your packaging needs. This may include:
Performance testing: Check for tensile strength, tear resistance, and puncture resistance to ensure durability during transportation and handling.
Barrier performance testing: Conduct tests to measure oxygen, moisture, and grease barriers to assess the suitability of the PLA film for your product.
Compatibility with product: Ensure the film works with your product’s physical properties, including food compatibility (if applicable), and does not affect taste, odor, or quality.
Choosing the right biodegradable PLA film for flexible packaging requires careful consideration of several factors, including material properties, barrier capabilities, printability, and environmental impact. By understanding your product's needs and evaluating the PLA film's features, you can make an informed decision that balances both performance and sustainability goals. Be sure to consult with your PLA film supplier to find the best solution for your specific application, and always perform thorough testing to confirm the material meets your expectations.
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Compare Back to selectionThere are plenty of great reasons to pick up a 3D printer, but it's important to find a filament that works for you. Choosing the wrong filament will lead to clogs, a stringy printing process and ultimately having to start all over again. Filament is the material used for FDM 3D printing, and there's certainly no shortage of options. Choosing the right one means thinking about things like heat and chemical resistance if you want to be sure of achieving good print quality. So, which should you choose? CNET's experts have done the research so you can ensure you're using the best filament for the job.
Almost everyone who uses a 3D printer uses PLA for most of their prints. You might use other materials for certain things, but day-to-day printing is likely done with PLA. The best PLA for most use cases is Build Series PLA from MatterHackers. I've used over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of it by now, and it's still my favorite. It sands very well and prints easily on just about any FDM printer.
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I've put together this primer on different types of filament, including the best PLA filament, as well as choices of the best filaments from my favorite brands. This will be updated regularly and has some great choices to help you start. I use around 8 kilograms (17.5 pounds) of filament each week -- and have for the last four years -- so I know I'm offering you the best options around.
It's important to choose both the right type of material and the right brand of that type, be it PLA, ABS or something more exotic. Here are the best of each of the five main filament types.
Read more: Best 3D Printers
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is the most common 3D printing filament, and it's the easiest to use. Unlike most plastics, it's made from corn starches so it's nontoxic and, in theory, compostable, though it takes an industrial composter to do it. PLA uses a fairly low heat -- between 190 and 215 degrees Celsius (374 and 419 degrees Fahrenheit) -- to melt the plastic for extrusion, so it is the safest of the filaments. Almost every FDM 3D printer in the world can print PLA.
PLA pros
PLA cons
Build PLA from MatterHackers is great for projects that require finishing (sanding, painting and so on). I have about 12 rolls of it in my workshop and use it for large projects, including my Mandalorian armor or cosplay swords. The dimensional accuracy -- how consistent the diameter is along the length of the roll -- is good, though nothing mind-blowing. It's well within the sweet zone.
Post-processing is where Build Series PLA shines. It is simple to sand and holds paint well, as long as you use a good primer and filler first. Like all PLA, it holds together well using superglue and even takes putty and Bondo without complaint.
The color of this PLA is hard to describe, but it is beautiful. It has a purple-blue-green hue and looks like metal that's been heated up. Right now, it's probably my favorite-looking filament.
It's also easy to print with, and because of the shifting colors, it hides layer lines well. If you're looking for a dark filament that you aren't painting over, I'd pick up a few rolls of this today.
... Show more Get it nowThe bigger your 3D printer gets, the more you need one continuous roll of filament to make parts. Sure, you can trust the filament runout sensor on your machine and hope that multiple rolls of filament look the same color, but often the machines fail, or the color changes. Overture is helping to solve that issue with large rolls of filament. The company has several of its most popular colors available in 2 and 3 kilogram rolls so you can stock up, ready for your huge, ambitious projects.
... Show more Get it nowI really enjoy the color of this PLA from Inland. It prints very well and the shimmer from the gold/red highlights hides any layer lines after it has printed. Beautiful colored filament always makes me happy, and this is one of my favorites.
... Show more Get it nowWith the advent of ultra-fast 3D printers, companies including Elegoo have started to create materials that work better at high speeds. Rapid PLA Plus works extremely well at high speeds due to its high fluidity when melted. It printed very well on several of my fastest machines and sands very well if you are looking to finish your prints with paint.
... Show more Get it nowAtaraxia Art already makes excellent PLA and flexible PLA, but its new range of tri-color filament is some of its best yet. Tri-color uses three colored filaments along its width to create a beautiful shimmering effect as you move the model, so it's perfect for projects you aren't going to be painting.
This PLA comes in four different color combinations and is one of my favorite filaments to use.
... Show more Get it nowFor projects you can show off without paint, PolyTerra might be for you. The colors are vivid, and because they are matte, you don't lose details in the reflections like with shiny filament.
PolyTerra also comes in recycled cardboard reels, and the creator, Polymaker, will plant a tree in the area where the roll was bought to help offset the cardboard used. This filament is still plastic, but it helps my conscience to use this one.
... Show moreIn an article about this flexible PLA, I explained how, although this isn't technically PLA, it does print much easier than TPU, a more common flexible filament. I used it to print an amazing Mandalorian Blacksmith helmet for my 4-year-old. She can't break it because it's so bouncy.
This isn't for newbies, though. It took a lot of trial and error to get the setting for my 3D printer right, and because it is so soft, the accuracy can be pretty wonky. But for something that's different from normal PLA, it's worth checking out.
... Show more Get it nowI've been meaning to buy some of this beautiful filament for some time now, and I'm really happy I did. The color is almost exactly the same as mint chocolate chip ice cream, and the tiny flecks of marble color enhance the look even more. It prints great, with a nice glossy finish, and I found printing it at a higher temperature brings out that gloss really well.
Aside from the print quality, I love the way it makes me feel. The color just makes me happy and reminds me of days at the beach with my kids. It's gorgeous.
... Show more Get it nowRainbow filament tends to transition between colors very slowly. This means you often get only one or two colors per model. Creality's latest rainbow filament has a much shorter transition, so you get a much nicer rainbow effect across your models. It looks great on this amazing dragon from Fotis Mint.
... Show more Get it nowABS was one of the more common 3D printing filaments a few years back, and it still has some excellent uses. The biggest downside is toxicity. You don't want to breathe in ABS as it melts, so you'll need a well-ventilated area. That aside, it's sturdier and more heat-resistant than PLA. Most printers can print ABS, but you'll need a heated bed that can reach 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) for best results, and protecting your printing job in an enclosed printer is a good idea.
Inland makes good filament across the board, and its ABS is no different. I've never had issues with the dimensions, and the final product has consistent layer lines. Sanding Inland ABS is a joy as the material can be wet-sanded to a smooth finish.
... Show more Get it nowFillamentum is one of my favorite ABS makers. The colors are always so vibrant, and while it costs a little more than the competition, it keeps that vibrancy even after the model is finished printing. If you're looking for ABS that you don't need to paint, Fillamentum is a great place to start.
... Show more Get it nowPETG is chemically similar to the plastic that water and soft drink bottles are made of, and it's a great alternative to ABS. It has the heat-resistant properties of ABS without the toxic fumes and can be sanded much like PLA. Most FDM printers that can print PLA can print PETG, though it takes a little more effort to get right.
Overture PETG is a favorite because it comes in an economical two-pack, making it ideal for multiple or larger jobs. I've used a lot of Overture products, including PETG and PLA, and they always print well. I once printed an 11-foot-long Masamune sword using Overture and it came out looking awesome.
... Show more Get it nowThe Pro series filament from MatterHackers is a much nicer product than a lot of standard PETG. Yes, it costs a little more, but it's designed to help reduce some of the issues that filament suffers from. It reduces shrinkage, so the part you make is as close to the part you designed as possible. This is a great material for those who make 3D-printed models for a living rather than a hobby.
... Show more Get it nowThis US-made PETG has an excellent glassy look that is hard to achieve in melted plastic. The aqua color is subtle and gives the appearance of a stained glass window when printed at the high end of its temperature scale.
Printing with it was easy, though the roll is a little big for printers like the Bambu Lab X1, which has an enclosed filament system.
... Show more Get it nowTPU is a flexible material that can make cool rubbery models. Most people use it to 3D print cases, but more serious modelers often use it to create connectors or flexible hinges to other materials. It can be a difficult material to work with and is best used on a direct-drive 3D printer such as the Prusa Mk4, and it's worth noting that TPU does not work with the AMS system from Bambu Lab.
MatterHackers Build Series Materials perfectly balance usability and cost. Yes, I've had failures with the Build Series, but once you get it dialed into your printer, you can make dozens of fun, springy models.
I like to use it to make fun toys for my kid's preschool -- they can be thrown around without breaking into small, sharp pieces.
There is so much to love about this TPU from Inland. It's colorful, and the rainbow transitions look beautiful. It's flexible and can be used as a case. And it's almost translucent, so it has a glassy look. It's great for projects that need to stand out.
... Show more Get it nowGlow-in-the-dark filament normally comes in a standard "radioactive" green, but this beautiful roll transitions through multiple colors. It's simply gorgeous.
It's also worthwhile to buy some replacement brass nozzles for your printer. Glow-in-the-dark filament can chew them up pretty quickly because the glowing material is more abrasive than standard colors.
... Show more Get it nowThis filament isn't the cheapest, but it is fascinating. This PLA has dense iron powder mixed into it so it is magnetic, and it can rust if you spray it with salt and vinegar. Being able to easily print any model as normal and then rust it allows you to create some brilliant effects.
... Show more Get it nowIf you're buying a printer for the first time, the best filament is PLA. It is the easiest to print with, the safest in terms of fumes and the most readily available. Think about building up a store of PLA when you first start. A 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) roll feels like a lot, but once you get the itch, materials get eaten up quickly.
Show moreYes. There are two main thicknesses of filament, and if you get them mixed up, your machine won't print.
1.75mm filament is the most common. It's been adopted by most of the 3D manufacturers in the world, and if you have an entry-level printer, it's likely to run on 1.75mm filament.
Some 3D printers still use the thicker 3mm style, though, so make sure you know which one yours uses before you spend a lot of money on the wrong material.
Show moreWhen 3D printing with any filament, it's important to remember that you're essentially burning plastic. Inhaling that kind of thing is never going to be good, but not all filaments are equally bad.
Of the four main filament types, ABS is easily the most toxic. You shouldn't think about printing it unless you have a well-ventilated space away from your day-to-day living spaces. I have a workshop with a full ventilation system and the fumes can still be pretty bad.
Both PLA and PETG are considered nontoxic, though you still want to keep your area ventilated as you use them. Both filaments are safe to print inside your home, and while the fumes can smell pretty bad, they're not carcinogenic. While other forms of TPU can be toxic, the filament you use for 3D printing is considered nontoxic and nonreactive so you should be fine printing that as well.
Show moreNormally, yes. If your printer isn't calibrated well, it could burn the filament, which would discolor it. But normally, the color accuracy is pretty close.
A special note on clear plastics: You will not be able to get a completely translucent print with filament. The nature of the printing process makes any clear plastic misty, and infill makes it blurry as well. If you're looking to print glass-like models, you'll need a resin printer.
Show moreTesting focuses on a few details: Dimensional accuracy, winding precision, and printing quality. Winding precision is a visual test where I check to make sure the filament works well on the spool, without any crossovers that can cause snags while printing.
Print quality is done using a CNET calibration test that I use to test all of the 3D printers I review. When checking for filament quality, I'm looking for noticeable roughness and missing filament where moisture or other contaminants have interrupted the process of melting and cooling.
Dimensional accuracy is perhaps the most important test as it measures the consistency of filament. As you move along, the filament changes in diameter and will cause the 3D printer to over- or under-extrude filament. This creates noticeable scarring in your model, or worse, complete failure. You want the material to have the same diameter the whole way through.
To measure the accuracy, I take a 5-meter (16.4-foot) piece of filament from the beginning, middle and end of the roll and measure the diameter at four equally spaced points. I then add up all of those measurements and divide the total by 12 -- the total number of measurements taken -- to give me an average across the roll. Most modern printers use 1.75mm filament, so you want the filament to be as close to that as possible.
Great filament has a variance of plus or minus 0.02mm, good filament is plus or minus 0.03mm and rough filament is anything plus or minus 0.05mm. All of the filaments we have recommended here are at least 0.03mm on average.
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