Abstract: The invention is directed to materials comprising polylactic acid (PLA). In accordance with the invention, PLA material is stretched in at least the machine direction at a total stretch ratio of 1:4 or more. These materials have excellent biodegradability and find use in horticulture, in particular for tying up plants or parts thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to coextruded tapes, films, yarns and the likes of polylactic acid (PLA) and methods of preparation thereof. The present invention is directed to an extruded tape, film or yarn comprising a first phase, in particular a first layer, based on PLA and a second phase, in particular a second layer, also based on PLA, but having different sealing properties, wherein the peak melt temperature or seal initiation temperature of the second layer is lower than the peak melt temperature and/or the melt seal initiation temperature of the first layer, or wherein the Vicat softening point of the second layer is lower than the Vicat softening point of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to materials comprising polylactic acid (PLA). In accordance with the invention, PLA material is stretched in at least the machine direction at a total stretch ratio of 1:4 or more. These materials have excellent biodegradability and find use in horticulture, in particular for tying up plants or parts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for isothermally thermoforming a thermoplastic composite, which composite comprises a matrix and a reinforcement, both issued of a semi-crystalline polymer of the same class, comprising the steps of: i) placing a stack of said thermoplastic composite, having a temperature below the sealing or melting point of said matrix, in a mould;, which mould has a temperature between the sealing or melting point of said matrix and the melting point of said reinforcement; ii) closing said mould; and iii) opening the mould after a dwell time; wherein the temperature of said mould is between the sealing point of said matrix and the melting point of said reinforcement, at least for a period of time after step ii).