How long will the PLA take to decompose or compost?
Certified compostable PLA by ASTM are required to degrade within 180 days in a commercial composting facility. Home composting systems may take more than 180 days to biodegrade. Based on the thickness, kind of resins, the PLA can have varying rates of decomposition. The corn cutlery, cold cups, drinking straws and the biobags can take up to 180 days in a commercial composting facility. The potato cutlery will also take 180 days or more to degrade in a commercial facility. Biodegradation will be faster if the products are broken down to small pieces or ground up.
