Polylactic Acid (PLA) is often marketed as a compostable alternative to traditional plastics, but the reality in the UK waste industry is a bit more complicated. PLA is certified compostable to EN13432, however............
Is PLA Compostable?
Technically, yes - under industrial composting conditions. PLA requires high temperatures (above 55°C), moisture, and microbial activity to break down effectively. However:
• It won't degrade in home compost bins.
• It won't break down in landfill.
• It won't decompose if littered in the environment like organic waste.
Does the UK Waste Industry Accept PLA?
Mostly no, and here's why:
• Limited Industrial Composting Facilities
While a handful of composting sites in the UK can process PLA, the majority don't because it takes longer to break down than food and garden waste. Many facilities reject it outright.
• Contamination Issues
PLA looks like conventional plastic, so it often gets mixed with recyclables, contaminating plastic recycling streams.
• Lack of Clear Collection Infrastructure
There isn’t a widespread, standardised system for collecting and processing PLA separately.
Where Does PLA Actually End Up?
• Best Case: If disposed of in a specialist industrial composting facility (IVC) e.g., via some food waste bins in certain areas, it can break down.
• Worst Case: If put in general waste, it goes to landfill or incineration, which defeats the whole point of using PLA as an "eco-friendly" option.
The Verdict?
PLA isn't truly compostable in a way that aligns with the UK's current waste infrastructure. Until collection and processing systems improve, it’s often just another form of waste that doesn’t live up to its green reputation. If you're looking for genuinely sustainable alternatives, reusable solutions or materials like paper-based compostable packaging (which breaks down much more easily) might be better. More like this (PLA) - link - more like this (random) - link
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