Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture, e.g., a molded container, film or sheet, comprising a polylactide-based composite material. The composite material may comprise a renewable resource derived polylactide-based polymer matrix, naturally derived fiber reinforcement material, nanoclay, a natural oil, fatty acid, wax, or waxy ester, and optionally an inhibitory agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally friendly polymeric composite materials and products that can be formed from the composites. The polymeric composites can include a lactide-based polymeric matrix reinforced with fibers derived from renewable resources and optionally including one or more beneficial agents such as, for instance, naturally occurring UV blockers or absorbents, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, and the like. The composite materials can be formed into a desired structure according to low energy formation processes and can be designed for controlled degradation. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can be formed to produce containers for storing and protecting environmentally sensitive materials such as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. Beneficially, the disclosed materials can be formed entirely from renewable resources.