Polylactic acid (PLA) in a crystallized state has mechanical properties at high temperatures superior to PLA in an amorphous state. However, a long annealing time is required to fully crystallize PLA. In this study, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)-reinforced partially crystallized PLA composites were produced, with the goal of reducing the time required to fabricate PLA parts. A series of PLA/MFC composites at a fiber content of 10 wt% from degree of crystallinity (Xc) 0 to 43% was obtained by annealing at 80°C. Although the annealing time required to obtain a composite (Xc: 17%) was only around one-seventh of the 20 min needed to fully crystallize neat PLA (Xc: 41%), both materials had comparable rigidity above the glass transition temperature (Tg) and creep deformation at around Tg. These results showed that partially crystallized PLA/MFC composite can replace fully crystallized neat PLA. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.