Used primarily as a monomer in the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic. PLA is widely applied in biodegradable plastics for packaging, disposable tableware, and agricultural films. It is also used in medical applications such as sutures, implants, and drug delivery systems due to its biocompatibility and controlled degradation. Additionally, D()-lactide contributes to the synthesis of copolymers that adjust the mechanical and degradation properties of the final polymer for specific industrial and biomedical needs.