17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Sustainability and Applicability of Polylactic Acid (PLA) as a Substitute to Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) for Filament Yarns

Authors :

Seyedmansour BIDOKI¹ Hasan Tepe² Ali Demir³

1- Yazd University 2- Tepar Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. 3- Istanbul Technical University

Keywords :

Poly Lactic Acid،; Polyethylene terephthalate،Sustainability

Abstract :

This paper explores the sustainability and applicability of polylactic acid (PLA) as an acceptable alternative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for filament yarns in the textile industry. With the increasing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based fibres like PET, PLA emerges as one of the most promising biobased and biodegradable option, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. The paper examines the physical and chemical properties of PLA, including its thermal behaviour, dyeing characteristics, and processing conditions, highlighting both its advantages and limitations compared to PET. Furthermore, it discusses the current state of PLA production technology and the necessary advancements in polymerization and processing techniques to enhance its performance and scalability. The potential benefits of adopting PLA filament yarns in textile applications include reduced carbon footprints, improved biodegradability, and a lower reliance on fossil fuels, making it a significant candidate for sustainable textile production. Ultimately, the paper concludes that while PLA has the potential to replace PET under specific conditions, further developments in production efficiency and product performance especially in thermal behaviour are essential for widespread adoption in the textile market.