Biodegradable properties and packaging features of PLA makes it outstanding and successful among all other bioplastics. The popularity of the product is going higher day by day and estimated to reach up to a megaton per annum by 2020. The popularity of this bio-based plastic is going higher day by day. ETH Zurich, the leading international university for technology has discovered a new method for production of PLA monomers named as lactic acid. The recently developed process is cost effective, far productive and eco friendly in comparison to sugar fermentation. The most beneficial point to know here is that this process involves utilization of glycerol, a waste feedstock. In this process, conversion of glycerol into dihydroxyacetone takes place with the help of an enzyme. The processing of this intermediate into lactic acid is carried out through a heterogeneous catalyst.

Read more about this new process more here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141216ETH-PLA-glycerol.php

Merten Morales, a research scholar in the safety and Environment technology group states that nobody knew that how to utilize the immensely waste amount of glycerol. Generally, glycerol needs to go through waste water treatment; many companies dispose glycerol in water bodies. This can be harmful for animals and environment, that’s why, proper disposal of glycerol is important.