Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a type of bioplastic that has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the realm of 3D printing and various consumer products. Unlike many traditional plastics that are derived from petroleum, PLA is often made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane.

While PLA is technically biodegradable, it requires very specific industrial composting conditions to break down efficiently. In normal landfill environments, PLA behaves much like traditional plastics, persisting for long periods and contributing to the growing plastic waste crisis.

Because of its widespread use in 3D printing prototyping, a significant amount of waste PLA is generated as failed prints, support structures, and discarded models (such as in school design labs). Recycling this specific type of plastic is currently rare, presenting an opportunity to find novel reuse applications, such as integrating it into concrete mixtures as a substitute for natural aggregate.