Material Life Cycle

Manufacturing

PLA: Plant starches are converted into dextrose, then converted into lactic acid. Then lactic acid molecules  are combined into ring-shaped lactides. Which are polymerized into long-chain molecules of PLA.

Liquid Silicone Rubber: Siloxane groups form polydimethylsiloxane chains. These chains are reinforced with fumed silica, and optional pigments are added. One half of the material receives the catalyst, and the other receives the crosslinker. Takes 8 hours to cure once mixed.

Polyester: Petroleum is broken down into useful ingredients. PET is then formed through a process of polymerization resulting in a liquid. Which is dried into plastic pellets. The polyester fibers are then made through melt spinning. Where fibers are created and sent to weaving looms.

Recycling 

PLA: Biodegrades into non-toxic materials with a controlled temperature, humidity and microorganisms.

Liquid Silicone Rubber: Can be reshaped and melted, but must be incinerated in order to dispose of.

Polyester: Non-recyclable. Takes hundreds of years to decompose.