At Airsun Environment Science & Technology Co., Ltd., we are committed to advancing sustainability in the aviation industry. Through a strategic collaboration with CHMS Technology, we focus on the development and production of PLA (Polylactic Acid) raw materials and PLA-based products. PLA, a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane, is a core element in our pursuit of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic.
Our primary applications for PLA include disposable cutlery used in aircraft cabins and PLA-coated packaging bags, providing sustainable solutions for reducing plastic waste in the aviation sector.
To ensure the reliability and environmental safety of our PLA products, we conducted an extensive testing process. Specifically, the PLA knives used in disposable cutlery for aircraft cabins underwent a 75-day degradation test at TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized testing laboratory. The purpose of this test was to evaluate the biodegradability of the PLA knives under real-world conditions, specifically in microbial environments found in soil.
In the lab, the PLA knives were pulverized to accelerate the degradation process, simulating a more rapid breakdown in natural settings. The results were promising and further validated the suitability of PLA for use in aviation products.
The results from TÜV SÜD’s testing, based on established standards such as EN 13432:2000 and ASTM D6400-12, demonstrated a significant degree of biodegradation. After 75 days in a microbial-rich soil environment, the PLA knives showed:
A 99% degradation ratio in the presence of microorganisms.
An 81.5% overall degradation ratio across the entire material.