Poly (lactic acid)(PLA) is a commercially available bio-based, biodegradable and compostable polymer with many new applications in the packaging industry. However, PLA has certain limitations such as poor barrier, low impact resistance, poor tear resistance and low toughness, which hinder its functionality as a packaging material. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand new avenues to improve the mechanical properties and functionality of the PLA for various industrial applications including packaging. PLA-metal organic framework (MOFs) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated with these objectives in mind. MOFs are a new class of crystalline coordinate polymers with applications in gas storage, catalysis and gas separation, and they can be used to produce PLA composites to improve its mechanical properties and functionality.