Poly(lactic acid), also known as polylactide. It is usually produced from lactic acid obtained synthetically or by fermentation (this method uses raw materials consisting predominantly of hexoses or compounds which can be easily split into hexoses, e.g., sugars, molasses, sugar beet juice, sulphite liquors, whey or starches). The lactic acid is converted to a cyclic lactide dimer, the ring structure of which is opened during the final polymerisation step. Its applications include textile fibres, packaging materials and materials for medical use.