polylactic acid (pla) is a promising biodegradable biopolymer that has been extensively studied in recent years. it is a thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources, making it bio-based, compostable, and eco-friendly. the monomer, lactic acid, is produced through fermentation of plant materials such as starch and sugar. due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, pla has been approved by the us food and drug administration (fda) as a biomedical material. pla exhibits excellent mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties, making it suitable for various applications. however, it has limitations such as low impact toughness, hydrophobicity, and slow degradation at ambient temperatures. these can be improved through methods like copolymerization, blending with other biodegradable polymers, or adding additives. this review discusses the synthesis, properties, environmental degradation, processing techniques, and applications of pla. it also covers its use in sectors such as packaging, biomedical, agricultural, automotive, and textile. the review highlights the importance of pla as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based polymers. the global plastic production is over 390 million tons annually, with bioplastics accounting for less than 1% of this. projections suggest that bioplastics production capacity will increase significantly, reaching around 6.3 million tons by 2027. bioplastics, which are either bio-based or biodegradable, offer advantages such as lower carbon emissions, improved functionalities, and better waste management possibilities, helping to reduce reliance on finite fossil resources.polylactic acid (pla) is a promising biodegradable biopolymer that has been extensively studied in recent years. it is a thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources, making it bio-based, compostable, and eco-friendly. the monomer, lactic acid, is produced through fermentation of plant materials such as starch and sugar. due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, pla has been approved by the us food and drug administration (fda) as a biomedical material. pla exhibits excellent mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties, making it suitable for various applications. however, it has limitations such as low impact toughness, hydrophobicity, and slow degradation at ambient temperatures. these can be improved through methods like copolymerization, blending with other biodegradable polymers, or adding additives. this review discusses the synthesis, properties, environmental degradation, processing techniques, and applications of pla. it also covers its use in sectors such as packaging, biomedical, agricultural, automotive, and textile. the review highlights the importance of pla as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based polymers. the global plastic production is over 390 million tons annually, with bioplastics accounting for less than 1% of this. projections suggest that bioplastics production capacity will increase significantly, reaching around 6.3 million tons by 2027. bioplastics, which are either bio-based or biodegradable, offer advantages such as lower carbon emissions, improved functionalities, and better waste management possibilities, helping to reduce reliance on finite fossil resources.