--- title: How to Care For and Store PLA Packaging For Food description: PLA (polylactic acid) is a polymer made from biomass like corn. PLA is meant to break down and biodegrade while traditional plastics are last forever. image: https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hubfs/straws-injuice.jpg --- [![GSP_MASTER_CROPPED](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSP_MASTER_CROPPED.png?width=250&height=125&name=GSP_MASTER_CROPPED.png "GSP_MASTER_CROPPED")](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/) - [Shop Now](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com) - [Try Free Samples](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/samples/) - [Contact Us](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/contact/) ![Good Start Blog](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image/backgrounds/GSP-blog-hero5.jpg?width=4132&height=918&name=GSP-blog-hero5.jpg "Good Start Blog") # [How to Care For and Store PLA Packaging For Food](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/how-to-care-for-your-pla-packaging) Jun 5, 2019 3:20:02 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Congrats! You've made the switch from single-use plastics to plant-based compostables. To make sure your packaging lasts for you and your customers, we've put together this easy care guide. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a polymer made from biomass such as corn or sugarcane. PLA is meant to break down and biodegrade while traditional plastics are meant to last forever. So, while your PLA packaging looks and feels like the typical plastic products, they need to be cared for differently because of the nature of the material. ![PLA Clear Cups ](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Summer18/SummerCups.png?width=600&name=SummerCups.png) ### Keep them cool Temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit can warp your PLA products.  - Keep out of direct sunlight - Store in air-conditioned storage space. Avoid hot kitchens or food truck storage - Move the boxes to a cool location as soon as they are delivered Remember, PLA is designed to breakdown. Its important to avoid placing them in the type of conditions that promote disintegration. ### Consider Alternatives If you don't have a good location to store these items safely, we provide alternatives for many of our PLA containers. These alternative are still compostable, plant-based, and eco-friendly, but may work better if your storage is not temperature-controlled. - Instead of [PLA deli containers](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/deli-containers/) or [salad bowls](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/clear-salad-bowls/), use [fiber bowls](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/tableware/bowls) or [paper bowls](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/soup-containers) - Instead of PLA straws, use [paper straws](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/compostable-straws/) - Instead of PLA clamshells, use [fiber clamshells](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/clamshell-containers) - Instead of [PLA cold cups](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/biodegradable-plastic-cups), use [paper hot cups](https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/compostable-cups) ![Custom Printed Paper Bowls](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AlohaIcePaperBowls-1.jpg?width=500&name=AlohaIcePaperBowls-1.jpg) ![Good Start Packaging](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=Untitled-1.png) #### Written by [Good Start Packaging](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/author/good-start-packaging) Previous Post [![Recycled Bottes-1.jpg](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/hubfs/Recycled%20Bottes-1.jpg)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/what-do-those-recycling-symbols-on-plastic-containers-really-mean) [What Do The Recycling Symbols & Numbers on Plastic Containers Mean?](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/what-do-those-recycling-symbols-on-plastic-containers-really-mean) ### Post a Comment ### Subscribe to Good Start - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Plastics (3)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/plastics) - [Environmentally Friendly Alternatives (2)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/environmentally-friendly-alternatives) - [Bamboo (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/bamboo) - [Food Service (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-service) - [Juice & Beverages (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/juice-beverages) - [Packaging (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/packaging) - [Recycling (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/recycling) - [Restaurants (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/restaurants) ### Posts by Topic - [Plastics (3)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/plastics) - [Environmentally Friendly Alternatives (2)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/environmentally-friendly-alternatives) - [Bamboo (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/bamboo) - [Food Service (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/food-service) - [Juice & Beverages (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/juice-beverages) - [Packaging (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/packaging) - [Recycling (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/recycling) - [Restaurants (1)](https://inspire.goodstartpackaging.com/blog/topic/restaurants) see all ### Get Inspired Sign-up to receive our email newsletter packed with usable ideas from businesses like yours. 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