Polylactic Acid (PLA) is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. By contrast, other plastics are derived from the distillation and polymerization of nonrenewable petroleum reserves. Therefore plastics that are derived from organic substances (e.g. PLA) are termed and distinguished as "bioplastics".

PLAs is biodegradable while retaining qualities and  characteristics similar to commonly used plastics. There are a many applications for PLAs, including but not limited to plastic films, bottles, and even medical device components (e.g. screws, pins, rods)