Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T011
Published online: 22 April 2026
Between promise and reality – what determines the biodegradability of polylactic acid?
Adrian Stelmachowicz* and Jacek Mazur
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: adrian.stelmachowicz@up.edu.pl
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, widely recognised as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Its mechanical properties, non-toxicity, and compostability have led to broad applications in 3D printing, packaging, medicine, and textiles. However, the biodegradability of PLA is highly dependent on environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and microbial activity. Under industrial composting conditions, where temperatures and humidity levels are elevated, PLA undergoes complete biodegradation within weeks through hydrolysis and microbial enzymatic activity. In contrast, in natural environments such as soil or marine water, the degradation process can extend over several years due to suboptimal conditions for microbial growth and enzymatic action. Key factors influencing PLA biodegradation include temperature, moisture, pH, and polymer structure, with higher crystallinity and molecular weight slowing down the process. While PLA offers significant environmental advantages, challenges remain, including the limited availability of industrial composting facilities, the risk of microplastic formation during incomplete degradation, and higher production costs compared to traditional plastics. Additionally, PLA’s biodegradation rate is slower than that of other biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which degrade more efficiently in marine environments but are more expensive to produce. Addressing these challenges requires further research into polymer modifications, improved waste management infrastructure, and public education on proper disposal methods. Despite these limitations, PLA represents a promising step towards sustainable materials management, provided that its lifecycle and end-of-life processing are carefully managed.
Keywords: biodegradability; polylactic acid; sustainable materials; waste management; 3D printing
How to cite
Stelmachowicz A., Mazur J., 2026. Between promise and reality – what determines the biodegradability of polylactic acid? In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T011