How Does PLA Film Enable Industrial Compostability for Molded Fiber Trays?
PLA (polylactic acid) film is plant-based and misty translucent, laminated at ~150 °C and industrially compostable (EN 13432) — the compostable lamination choice for chilled and ambient fiber trays.
Key Characteristics of PLA Film
Industrially compostable
EN 13432 certified — the laminated pack can enter industrial composting with the fiber.
Misty translucent
Misty translucent look for chilled and ambient display scenarios.
Barrier caveat
Water / Oil / Alcohol barriers are all weak — the tray itself must provide the barrier or use a thicker film.
Multiple sealing options
Pair with PET+PE composite film or BOPLA (PLA biaxially oriented film).
Typical PLA Film Parameters
Data from the DNW film information sheet (2026); resistance values vary by supplier and test conditions — verify by testing.
| Film type | PLA (polylactic acid) film — plant-based |
|---|---|
| Thickness range | 0.028 – 0.15 mm |
| Width | 810 – 1080 mm |
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ |
| Lamination temperature | ~150 °C |
| Post-lamination resistance (oven) | 100 – 120 °C |
| Barrier performance | Water / Oil / Alcohol — weak (tray must provide barrier, or use a thicker film) |
| Sealing film | PET + PE composite film / BOPLA (PLA biaxially oriented film) |
| Appearance | Misty translucent |
| Degradable / Compostable | Degradable · Industrially compostable (EN 13432) |
| MOQ | Transparent 1000 kg · Colored 3000 kg · Printed 1000 kg |
| Typical applications | Chilled / ambient fiber trays · Compostable single-use food packaging |
PLA Lamination FAQ
Is PLA lamination water- and oil-proof?
Weak (all three barriers are marked "Poor" in the information sheet). The tray itself must provide the barrier, or use a thicker film — for high-barrier needs, choose CPET.
Can PLA go in home composting?
Generally no. PLA requires the temperature and humidity of industrial composting — for home composting consider modified blends or fiber-only designs.
What sealing film pairs with PLA?
PET + PE composite film or BOPLA (PLA biaxially oriented film); choose easy-peel for full-peel opening.
Need an Assessment for Your Application?
Share your tray geometry, application and performance requirements — a DNW engineer will help evaluate film structure and process parameters.
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