Polylactic acid (PLA) is a highly promising biodegradable biopolymer that has been extensively studied over the past two decades. It is a thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable plant sources like starch and sugar, making it bio-based, compostable, and eco-friendly. The U.S. FDA has approved PLA as a biomedical material due to its biocompatible and biodegradable properties. PLA exhibits excellent mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties, making it suitable for various applications. However, it also has limitations such as low impact toughness, hydrophobicity, and a slow degradation rate at ambient temperatures. These limitations can be addressed through various modification methods, including copolymerization, compositing, or incorporating additives. This review provides an overview of the synthesis methods, properties, environmental degradation, and processing techniques of PLA. It also discusses the applications of PLA in sectors such as packaging, biomedical, agricultural, automotive, and textiles. The global production of bioplastics is expected to increase significantly, reaching around 6.3 million tons by 2027, highlighting the potential of PLA as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.Polylactic acid (PLA) is a highly promising biodegradable biopolymer that has been extensively studied over the past two decades. It is a thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable plant sources like starch and sugar, making it bio-based, compostable, and eco-friendly. The U.S. FDA has approved PLA as a biomedical material due to its biocompatible and biodegradable properties. PLA exhibits excellent mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties, making it suitable for various applications. However, it also has limitations such as low impact toughness, hydrophobicity, and a slow degradation rate at ambient temperatures. These limitations can be addressed through various modification methods, including copolymerization, compositing, or incorporating additives. This review provides an overview of the synthesis methods, properties, environmental degradation, and processing techniques of PLA. It also discusses the applications of PLA in sectors such as packaging, biomedical, agricultural, automotive, and textiles. The global production of bioplastics is expected to increase significantly, reaching around 6.3 million tons by 2027, highlighting the potential of PLA as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.