Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

HS v2017 Code: 390770

About poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

HS code 390770 covers poly(lactic acid), a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from lactic acid. This material has gained significant importance in recent years due to its versatility and environmental benefits, making it a key player in the global plastics and packaging industries. Poly(lactic acid) is widely used in a variety of applications, from food packaging and medical devices to 3D printing and textiles, contributing to the overall sustainability efforts across various sectors.

Production process

The production of poly(lactic acid) typically involves the fermentation of renewable resources, such as corn, sugarcane, or other agricultural feedstocks, to produce lactic acid. The lactic acid is then polymerized through a process called ring-opening polymerization, where the lactic acid monomers are linked together to form long polymer chains. This process can be carried out using various catalysts and reaction conditions to control the molecular weight and properties of the final product.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of poly(lactic acid) include the renewable feedstocks used for lactic acid fermentation, such as corn, sugarcane, or other agricultural crops. Additionally, the production process requires specialized equipment and machinery, such as fermentation tanks, polymerization reactors, and purification systems. Energy sources, such as electricity or steam, are also necessary for the various stages of production.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 390770 is poly(lactic acid) in its primary forms, such as pellets, granules, or powders. These materials can be further processed and transformed into a wide range of products, including 392010 Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of lactic acid, 392030 Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, of polymers of lactic acid, and 392690 Other articles of polymers of lactic acid. Poly(lactic acid) is also used in the production of 300510 (Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packings for retail sale, for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes), 392010 Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of lactic acid, and 392030 Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, of polymers of lactic acid.

Revisions to 390770

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 390770. The most recent 1 version of this code (390770) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 390770 ( HS v2017).

Newer versions
Older versions

Family tree for poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/39'>39: Plastics and articles thereof</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3907'>3907: Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390770'>390770: Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390710'>390710: Polyacetals; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390720'>390720: Polyethers; in primary forms, excluding polyacetals</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390730'>390730: Epoxide resins; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390740'>390740: Polycarbonates; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390750'>390750: Alkyd resins; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390761'>390761: Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of 78ml/g or higher</a>"]
B --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390769'>390769: Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g</a>"]
B --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390791'>390791: Polyesters; n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, unsaturated, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/390799'>390799: Polyesters; n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary forms</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6
class G level6
class H level6
class I level6
class J level6
class K level6
class L level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight