Take Precautions During The Dog Days of Summer

This time of year we all need to be sure we’re drinking plenty of fluids, wearing sun protection, avoiding excessive exertion in high temperatures and, of course, handling and storing our PLA serviceware properly.

PLA is plastic made from starchy plants like corn or sugarcane and is meant to break down at a commercial composting facility. While PLA products like hot cup lids and some cutlery have been designed to tolerate heat through a process called crystallization, most PLA products are sensitive to high temperatures.

To ensure our packaging made from PLA arrives, survives, and performs as expected we’ve put together this handling guide. The sheet describes PLA material and how to best store and use it.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

• Move the boxes to a cool, covered location as soon as they are delivered
• Store products away from windows, doors and skylights

Avoid High Temperatures

• Store under 105ºF/40ºC
• Store away from appliances and equipment that generate a lot of heat
• Store in air conditioned spaces
• Specify routes, shipment times and delivery dates to transport during the coolest part of the day
• Choose protective blankets or refrigerated trucks during shipping

Store In A Cool, Dry Location

• Avoid storage under metal roofs with limited air flow
• Store in cooler parts of your warehouse or truck
• Store on lower racks of trucks and trailers
• Store above 14°F/-10°C

Handle With Care

• Don’t leave shipments loaded for extended periods of time
• Choose the right truck or shipping accessory such as insulated shipping blankets
• Load and ship during cooler times of the day

Download the PLA Handling Guide from our Brandfolder

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