What is PLA, & How is it Used in Airsoft BB's?

Valken biodegradeable airsoft BB’s do everything the best airsoft BB’s are supposed to do – feed consistently and fly straight to help an airsoft shooter make the shot and capture their objective. But what exactly goes into making biodegradable airsoft BB’s and why are they so much better for the environment? Learn how, by using Valken biodegradable airsoft BB’s, you can shoot straight while doing your part to protect the environment!

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from a renewable resource, such as corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is currently used in a wide array of manufacturing applications, such as disposable cups, composting bags, and even mulching material for gardens. Airsoft BB’s made from PLA are earth friendly alternative to BB’s produced from petrochemical derived materials, such as ABS. PLA has characteristics similar to other plastics as well. So it is relatively cost efficient to produce, because it can be produced from already existing manufacturing equipment originally used for other petrochemical plastics.

STRENGTH

Both ABS and PLA have similar tensile strengths. ABS is often preferred because it has a higher flexural strength and better elongation before breaking. PLA remains popular for rapid prototyping when form is more critical than function. So airsoft BB’s made from PLA will not deform like other biodegradable BB’s made with a higher content of plant based materials than polymer binders.

BIODEGRADABILITY

PLA is stable in generic atmospheric conditions. It will biodegrade within 50 days in an industrial composter or 48 months in water. PLA is also not toxic. It is often used in food handling and medical implants that biodegrade within the body over time.

ENVIRONMENT