What Is PLA Plastic? A Parent's Guide to Eco-Friendly 3D Printed Toys
When you hear "3D printed toy", your first question is probably: is it safe for my child? It's a fair question. Here's everything you need to know about PLA plastic — the material we use for every toy we make.
What Is PLA?
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. Unlike traditional plastics made from petroleum, PLA is made from renewable plant resources — typically cornstarch or sugarcane. It's one of the most widely used materials in 3D printing and is classified as a bioplastic.
In simple terms: it's plastic made from plants, not oil.
Is PLA Safe for Children?
Yes. PLA is:
- Non-toxic — PLA is FDA-approved for food contact and contains no BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals
- Odourless — unlike some plastics, PLA has no chemical smell
- Skin-safe — it won't cause irritation or allergic reactions
- Inert — it doesn't leach chemicals into water or food
PLA is widely used in medical applications including surgical sutures and implants, which gives you an idea of how body-safe it is.
Is PLA Eco-Friendly?
Compared to traditional plastics, absolutely:
- Plant-based — made from renewable crops, not fossil fuels
- Biodegradable — breaks down in industrial composting facilities (60–90 days under the right conditions)
- Lower carbon footprint — producing PLA generates roughly 68% fewer greenhouse gases than conventional plastic
- Recyclable — can be recycled where facilities exist (resin code 7)
A note on honesty: PLA doesn't biodegrade quickly in a home compost bin or landfill. It needs industrial composting temperatures (58°C+). But even without composting, its plant-based origin and lower production emissions make it a significantly better choice than petroleum-based toys.
How Does PLA Compare to Other Toy Materials?
| Material | Source | Toxic? | Biodegradable? | Durable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Cornstarch/sugarcane | No | Yes (industrial) | Yes |
| ABS (Lego-style) | Petroleum | Can off-gas | No | Yes |
| PVC (soft toys) | Petroleum | Contains phthalates | No | Moderate |
| Silicone | Sand (silica) | No | No | Yes |
| Wood | Trees | No (if untreated) | Yes | Varies |
Caring for PLA Toys
PLA is tough but it does have one weakness: heat. Keep these tips in mind:
- Hand wash only — warm soapy water is perfect. Do not put in the dishwasher.
- Keep out of hot cars — PLA softens at around 60°C, so don't leave toys on a sunny dashboard
- No microwave — obvious, but worth mentioning
- Store normally — room temperature is fine. PLA won't degrade on a shelf.
With normal use, PLA toys last for years. We've had trays in daily nursery rotation for months with no signs of wear.
What About the 3D Printing Lines?
If you look closely at a 3D printed item, you'll see fine horizontal lines — these are the individual layers that build up during printing. Some people ask whether these are a hygiene concern.
The answer: not with proper care. A wash with warm soapy water after use keeps everything clean. The layer lines are smooth enough that food and materials don't get trapped, and PLA doesn't harbour bacteria any more than other hard plastics.
Many parents actually love the texture — it gives the toys a unique, handmade feel that you don't get from mass-produced injection-moulded plastic.
Why We Chose PLA
When we started PlayGreener, we tested several materials. We chose PLA because:
- It's the safest option for children's toys
- It aligns with our values — we wanted to make something better for the planet
- It prints beautifully in vibrant colours without needing paint or coatings
- It's strong enough for daily use in a nursery or home setting
Every toy we sell is printed right here in the UK, which means zero overseas shipping emissions and complete quality control from start to finish.