Why does the paper industry need polylactic acid fiber
source:
m.pypaly.cn | Release time:2025-05-20
In the field of papermaking, the application of polylactic acid fiber (PLA fiber) is mainly based on its environmental characteristics, physical properties, and functional advantages, which can solve some of the pain points faced by traditional papermaking materials. The specific reasons are as follows:
1、 Environmental Protection Needs: Addressing the Issue of 'White Pollution'
1. Biodegradability
Polylactic acid fiber is made from renewable plants such as corn, and its production process is low-carbon and environmentally friendly; After disposal, it can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in natural environments such as soil and seawater, with no chemical residues, avoiding long-term pollution problems caused by traditional plastic fibers such as polypropylene and polyethylene.
Suitable for disposable packaging materials (such as food packaging bags, takeaway food box paper), reducing the harm of plastic waste to the ecology.
Can replace non degradable reinforcing fibers in traditional paper products, such as reinforcing materials used in industrial paper (such as sandpaper base cloth, filter paper), to avoid pollution caused by fiber residue during paper recycling.
2. Renewable resource attributes
The raw materials come from crops (such as corn starch), which belongs to the category of circular economy and reduces dependence on petroleum based raw materials (such as polyester fiber), in line with the trend of "green manufacturing" in the paper industry.
2、 Physical performance: Enhance the functional characteristics of paper
1. High strength and weather resistance
The strength of polylactic acid fiber is close to that of polyester, and it has good light and heat resistance (55% strength retention after 500 hours of outdoor exposure). It can be used for high-strength packaging paper (such as heavy-duty cargo cartons and logistics paper), improving the paper's tear resistance and durability, and reducing the rate of damage during transportation.
Case: Adding PLA short fibers to pulp can improve the tensile strength and folding resistance of paper, making it suitable for industrial grade paper.
2. Antibacterial and safety
PLA fiber has natural antibacterial properties, which can prevent the growth of bacteria and mites, and is non-toxic and skin friendly (with a pH value close to that of the human body).
Suitable for toilet paper (such as napkins and baby paper), reducing the risk of cross infection and meeting the hygiene needs of paper products.
When used in food packaging paper, it can avoid the migration of chemical additives and ensure food safety.
3、 Function expansion: meet the needs of special scenarios
1. Degradable composite materials
After compounding with pulp, PLA fibers can be made into biodegradable and environmentally friendly paper products, such as:
Degradable express packaging paper: replacing traditional composite packaging materials containing plastic film, addressing the "green" transformation needs of the express industry.
Agricultural seedling paper: a covering material used for seed cultivation, which degrades into soil fertilizer with the paper after sowing and does not require manual recycling.
2. High value-added paper products
Medical gauze and bandage paper: Utilizing the biocompatibility and degradability of PLA fiber, disposable medical paper products are made that do not require suture removal after surgery and can naturally decompose, reducing patient pain.
Art paper: PLA fiber has good glossiness and drape, and can be used to make decorative paper, calligraphy and painting paper, enhancing paper texture and added value.
4、 Industry Trends: Policy and Market Driven
1. Policy promotion
Many countries around the world have issued "plastic restriction orders" and "plastic ban orders" to encourage the application of biodegradable materials. For example, the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires all packaging to be recyclable or biodegradable by 2030, and the paper industry must use environmentally friendly materials such as PLA to meet compliance requirements.
2. Consumption upgrade
The increasing demand for environmentally friendly products from consumers has driven paper companies to develop concept products such as "biodegradable packaging" and "carbon neutral paper products". PLA fiber has become one of the key technologies for differentiated competition.