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This section provides an overview for polylactic acid fibers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 polylactic acid fiber manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked polylactic acid fiber companies as of December, 2024: 1.Guangzhou Rontex Nonwoven Technology Co. , Ltd, 2.Textile Products, 3.International Fibres Group.
Table of Contents
Polylactic acid (PLA) fiber is a special type of fiber made from polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable plastic.
One of the key features of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber is its low CO2 emissions during combustion. While burning polyester (PET) produces approximately 2,300 kg of CO2 per ton, polylactic acid emits only about 1,800 kg.
Similar to its raw material, polylactic acid (PLA) fiber is biodegradable and can be decomposed by microorganisms under specific conditions. Compared to traditional fibers like polyester and polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA) fiber has a smaller environmental impact.
Polylactic acid fibers degrade relatively slowly compared to other biodegradable plastics. They retain their shape in soil and water for about three years, making them suitable for agricultural and horticultural materials used over extended periods in natural environments.
Additionally, polylactic acid fibers possess luster, and antibacterial properties, and are fire-retardant, making them excellent for fabric production. They are commonly used in clothing items such as garments and body towels.
Furthermore, polylactic acid fibers find applications in various products including whiteboard cleaners and culture media for hydroponic cultivation.
Polylactic acid fibers exhibit higher stability under normal conditions compared to other biodegradable plastics due to their unique degradation mechanism.
Unlike single-step degradation in other biodegradable plastics, the degradation of polylactic acid fiber occurs in two steps. The initial hydrolysis step reduces the average molecular weight of polylactic acid to about 10,000 to 20,000. Subsequently, microorganisms become active, leading to complete degradation.
Environmental stimuli such as high temperature, high humidity, and alkaline conditions trigger the first step of polylactic acid fiber degradation. Consequently, polylactic acid fibers exhibit high stability in soil and water, requiring specific stimuli to initiate decomposition.
However, in environments conducive to decomposition, such as compost, polylactic acid fibers can degrade rapidly (within 2 to 8 days). This balance of stability and decomposability makes them suitable for outdoor use followed by immediate disposal when no longer needed.
Poly(lactic acid) staple fiber consists of bundles of short fibers suitable for clothing applications due to their flexibility and texture. They are commonly used in lightweight garments, innerwear, T-shirts, and sportswear, offering comfort and breathability similar to natural fibers.
Polylactic acid fiber film is a thin, transparent material often used in food packaging due to its excellent heat resistance. It helps preserve food freshness and quality while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable after disposal.
Nonwoven polylactic acid fiber is a felt-like material used in nonwoven fabrics, filters, and medical applications. Its biodegradability and abrasion resistance make it ideal for waste disposal and medical applications such as surgical bandages and sterile packaging.
Compound polylactic acid fibers are blends of PLA with other materials to enhance specific properties. For example, blending PLA with polyester can improve fiber strength and durability, making them suitable for applications in the automotive industry and sporting goods.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Guangzhou Rontex Nonwoven Technology Co. Ltd., established in 2000 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of polyester staple fiber and polypropylene staple fiber products. The company's product line includes recycled polyester staple fibers, polypropylene homopolymer resins, and hollow conjugated silicone polyester fibers. Its products are used for the production of garments, furniture, and textiles. It exports approximately 70% of its production to global clients in over 50 countries, is an approved IKEA supplier, and also offers shipping services to wholesale clients.
Xiamen LFT Composite Plastic Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics formed in 2016 and headquartered in Fujian, China. The company offers long glass fiber and long carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, including polypropylene, polyamide, PBT, PPS, and TPU. These composite pellets are used by processors to produce finished products through injection molding, profile extrusion, or compression molding techniques. The company is certified to meet ISO 9001 and SGS quality standards and operates from a 12,000-square-meter factory. It serves the electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, and construction industries across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Briture Co. Ltd., established in 2011 and based in Anhui, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of chemical materials in the printing ink and paint industries. The company specializes in solid acrylic resins, including custom methacrylic solid acrylic resin powder for ABS plastic coating. It also offers water-based acrylic resins, transparent styrene emulsions, and various raw materials for multiple industries. It has a strong partnership with Alibaba. The company operates globally, serving markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Shanghai Tong-Jie-liang Biomaterials Co. LTD, founded in 2005 and based in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer of biodegradable materials. The company’s main products include polylactic acid particles, fibers, and nonwoven fabrics. It also provides technical services to the polylactic acid industry. Its products cater to diverse sectors, including bedding, personal care, and 3D printing materials. Its products meet EU EN13432 and SGS food contact safety inspections. The company won the Shanghai Industry Fair Innovation Award in 2005.
Changshu Azue Co. Ltd., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Jiangsu Province, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of PSF polyester staples and chemical-based fiber materials. The company's main products are white and black virgin polyester staple fibers with applications in spinning and needle punching for the production of non-woven fabrics. Its secondary products include low-melt fibers and hollow conjugated fibers used in the production of quilts, pillows, and sofa cushions. It also produces recycled polyester staple fiber and PET polyester staple fibers spun from 100% recycled PET bottle flakes.
Sulzer Ltd. is a fluid engineering and chemical processing solutions manufacturer originally founded in 1775. The company has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland since 1834, maintaining a network of 180 manufacturing facilities and service centers around the world. The company has an expansive product portfolio including distillation and absorption columns, agitators, reactors, crystallizers, and polymerization systems. These supply clients in the metals, plastics, chemicals, power, and pharmaceutical industries. Sulzer Ltd. also offers a range of services, such as testing and diagnostics, prototyping, retrofitting, and upgrades, including technical training with long-term support for their customers.
Fujian Greenjoy Biomaterial Co. Ltd., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Fujian, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of 100% biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) compounds and plant-based products. The company's products include coffee capsules, cups, and tableware made from sugar cane. It also offers a range of products, such as waste bags made from PLA and combined PLA and PBAT. Its hero products include transparent extrusion-grade PLA resin, PLA resin 3D printing filaments, and transparent PLA containers. It welcomes wholesale and OEM clients with services that include on-demand supply and customized product design and production.
UNITIKA LTD., founded in 1889 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in polymers, advanced materials, fibers, and textiles. The company operates several divisions, including those specialized on nylon and polyester films, engineering plastics, spunbond and spunlace fabrics, as well as activated carbon fibers, and glass fibers. It serves various industries, providing materials for a range of applications, from automotive and civil engineering to medical and daily use products.
International Fibres Group, established in 1935 in Danderyd, Sweden, is a manufacturer and distributor of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide fiber. The company's product range includes PP and recycled PP, PA and recycled PA, and polylactic acid (PLA). It also produces colored polypropylene staple fiber. Its products cater to diverse industries such as apparel, automotive, and healthcare. The company provides solutions through its IFG Perform, IFG Advance, IFG Recycled, and IFG Bio brands. It has a research and development plant in Austria and has a rich heritage and positions in European, US, and UK markets.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guangzhou Rontex Nonwoven Technology Co. , Ltd |
15.8%
|
| 2 | Textile Products |
15.8%
|
| 3 | International Fibres Group |
15.8%
|
| 4 | Shanghai Tong-jie-liang Biomaterials Co.,LTD |
8.8%
|
| 5 | Fujian Greenjoy Biomaterial Co., Ltd |
8.8%
|
| 6 | Sulzer Ltd |
8.8%
|
| 7 | Xiamen LFT Composite Plastic Co.,Ltd |
7.0%
|
| 8 | Briture Co., Ltd |
7.0%
|
| 9 | UNITIKA LTD. |
7.0%
|
| 10 | CHANGSHU AZURE IMP&EXP CO.LTD |
3.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the polylactic acid fiber page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
China
|
6 | 85.7% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 14.3% |
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