The end-of-life vision for NatureWorks® biopolymer in the long term is to maintain a journey to zero waste - keeping the polymer, regardless of form, out of the landfill and being able to recycle into the same use or higher valued use if possible. The ideal for PLA is chemical hydrolysis back into lactic acid for processing into essentially new PLA resin.
We understand that products and packaging made from PLA will be landfilled and incinerated at the end of their useful life in the near term - but through future innovation, technology and education we are looking to build a bridge to a better end of life. For more information on the end-of-life vision of NatureWorks LLC, please refer to the end-of-life section of our website.
http://www.natureworksllc.com/Flash-Items/EOL-Flash.aspx
source: http://www.natureworksllc.com/