A process for the production of poly(lactic acid) with a melting point of >150 degrees C from racemic lactide was developed. Only process steps that are usable in an industrial process were included to ensure an easy transfer to a commercial scale. A stereoselective catalyst system for lactide melt phase polymerization comprising of an Al-salen initiator, a hydroxyl cocatalyst and an acidic quenching additive was developed. Monomer recovery aspects, temperature variation and different catalyst concentrations were evaluated to allow for a high yield process which can be transferred to a technical scale.