Core Viewpoint - The upgrade of the "plastic ban" has led to a significant increase in the demand for polylactic acid (PLA) in various sectors, including packaging and disposable tableware, with China's PLA consumption expected to reach 240,000 tons in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 60% [1][12]. Industry Overview - Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer material derived from the polymerization of lactic acid, which can be obtained from renewable plant resources through fermentation [4]. - PLA has good biocompatibility and can be decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment, making it an environmentally friendly material [4]. Industry Development History - The PLA industry in China has gone through three main stages: the embryonic stage (1979-2006), the initiation stage (2007-2019), and the explosive growth stage (2020-present) [4][5]. - The government has implemented policies to restrict the use of non-degradable plastics, which has significantly boosted the demand for PLA [5][6]. Industry Chain - The PLA industry chain includes upstream raw materials (corn, sugarcane, etc.), midstream PLA production, and downstream applications in food packaging, disposable tableware, and medical devices [8]. Current Industry Status - The demand for PLA has surged due to the expanded scope of the plastic ban, with significant advancements in domestic production technology leading to lower costs and improved product quality [12]. - In the first four months of 2025, China's imports of primary PLA amounted to $48.39 million, a year-on-year increase of 42.69%, while exports reached $22.24 million, up 35.53% [14]. Key Companies' Performance - The PLA industry in China is characterized by strong leading companies, such as Anhui Fengyuan and Zhejiang Haizheng, which have established comprehensive industry chains and technological advantages [16][20]. - Anhui Fengyuan has a complete industry chain from corn planting to PLA deep processing, while Zhejiang Haizheng has achieved significant breakthroughs in the industrialization of key PLA raw materials [17][20]. Industry Development Trends 1. The global upgrade of plastic ban policies is a core driver for the PLA industry's growth, with increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues further boosting demand [22]. 2. Technological innovations and industry chain integration are accelerating, with domestic companies reducing reliance on imported technologies [23][24]. 3. The demand for high-end PLA products is growing, leading to a transformation towards high-value-added sectors, while international competition is intensifying [25].