What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Degradable Corn Starch Lunch Box

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What is Cornstarch Packaging - Pros & Cons

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What is Cornstarch Packaging – Pros & Cons

Posted July 4,

Last Updated on February 25, by Steve Harsh

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Eco-friendly products in packaging are the new trend that is here to stay and become more critical. According to statistics, there is a vast number of people in the modern world who love eco-friendly materials. For instance:

  • The search for sustainable products has increased by 130 percent between the year to Google.
  • Alone in the US, this rate increased by 117 %.
  • The 75 percent of overall product categories saw better sales results with sustainable products.

These facts show how eco-friendly packaging can improve the overall results of your product sales. This blog will inform you about the pros and cons, the future of the technology, and similar packaging materials.

What Is Cornstarch Packaging?

Cornstarch is an excellent material for multiple packaging needs and can replace plastic. It comes from corn; it comes from plant sugar and starch. Still, it offers perfect, cost-effective solutions from materials that do not cost much. It is among the eco-friendly solutions that are relatively easy to produce.

Its production comes from agricultural waste, so you can save money to produce it. Still, it offers you complete safety for food products. At the same time, it would easily break into the natural environment. This way, it is biodegradable and breaks down within a few months.

Pros of Cornstarch

Cornstarch is famous for a reason, and there is a complete list of pros it offers, like:

  • It is a safe material for food packaging
  • Cornstarch has excellent biodegradable and compostable properties
  • You can try it to create fantastic print jobs
  • Using it helps you get a better aroma barrier
  • It is reliable when you need UV resistance for your packaging and products.
  • At the same time, you can get waterproof solutions when you use this material.
  • You can recycle it.
  • Getting the material that helps you create it is easy; the fact makes it perfect with sustainable production resources.
  • Also, it offers you low flammability.
  • You can even use cornstarch as a fertilizer once it is no longer useable as a packaging product. Still, it does not carry many toxins that could damage the environment.
  • Using it offers you resistance against food oils and other fats.

Its Benefits For Food Packaging

There are many benefits to food packaging needs using this material. It can help the stability of soups and sauces as an additive. At the same time, it offers texture and uniformity of these food products. Moreover, it provides a better shelf life, which you can use for storing carbohydrates.

The thing is, it offers you insolubility inside water. You can get 100 percent safety when you package food products in this material. At the same time, it resists oils and food fats, and you do not even have to use coatings or chemicals.

One of the most unique reasons to use this material is you can transform it into fertilizers for fields. At the same time, it would work for creating products. It works for paper packaging needs.

Cons of The Cornstarch

Just like the good things we found about cornstarch, we have some disadvantages you can face. For instance:

  • It would not be possible to decompose this material in a natural condition.
  • Putting this material in the recycling stream can cause contamination. And, due to less awareness, it does end up there.
  • Also, it would cause issues for composted materials due to their acidic properties.
  • This material comes from genetically modified corn.
  • The wastage of this material can be a problem because it is a typical food globally.
  • At the same time, many facilities support its composting.
  • Moreover, the infrastructure required for the material’s processes is not very high in number.
  • There are few facilities for this material, so it mostly ends up in landfills.
  • At the same time, it would cause methane gas production, a by-product not welcomed due to environmental issues.

Trends With Cornstarch

There is a host of trends coming when we talk about cornstarch. We will cover some of them in this blog.

A Method To Increase Quantity

There are ways around when it comes to this material. So, using ethanol to increase cornstarch can help you out. Also, get rid of any carbon emissions in the environment.

Improvement In Quality

Methods that can help improve the quality of this material are being found. This way, the use of it works in the paper and textile industry. Also, it can work for corrugating purposes.

Improved Cornstarch

Now, some experiments can help the future of this material in the packaging world. The results gave nano biocomposites containing bacterial cellulose. One of these experiments that can improve food packaging helped create materials that can:

  • Offer optical properties
  • It offers you tensile properties
  • You can get better barrier properties that can enhance food packaging results.

These benefits can help get more out of this trend, which has also helped many other packaging fields.

Plant Oils And Cornstarch

Using plant oils with cornstarch can help improve the strength of your boxes. They also showed that you can use them as active films and get more moisture barrier.

Cornstarch Packaging For Apparel And Fashion

Using this material for packaging that can support fashion and apparel products is becoming famous. Unfortunately, this industry is among the ones that emit a large amount of carbon. It produces around 8 to 10 percent of total carbon emissions.

Using nylon, acrylic, and polyester causes a rise in plastic waste that ends up in oceans around the world. This is where cornstarch helps improve the pollution conditions around the globe. You can use this material for both ecommerce and other packaging types.

These materials work for clothing and are common in different ecommerce stores. Even the use of resealable product bags for the industry is becoming common. Their quality will be pretty good as you can make them strong, and they can carry great printing work.

Some Other Similar Materials

Here is a list of eco-friendly solutions you can get from sustainable methods.

  • Biodegradable packaging peanuts
  • Recycled cardboard
  • Glassine
  • Green cell foam
  • Potato starch
  • Grape Skin
  • Sheep wool
  • Chicken feathers
  • Palm
  • Coconut
  • Milk
  • Sheep wool
  • Cellulose
  • Shrimp cells
  • Kraft paper
  • Sugar and carbon dioxide
  • Mushroom material
  • Eucalyptus
  • Seaweed
  • Biodegradable plastics
  • Corrugated bubble wrap
  • Air pillows
  • Organic ecological textiles
  • Edible films materials

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FAQs

Is cornstarch packaging good for food packaging?

It is a common type of food packaging that allows you to use compostable and biodegradable materials for your products. At the same time, it is a renewable material that promotes sustainability regarding packaging materials. Also, it is considered safe for food materials and is approved by the FDA.

Is cornstarch packaging waterproof?

Add waxes or polymers if you want to make your cornstarch packaging waterproof. Such coatings can help make your packaging more resistant to splashes and issues like exposure to moisture. At the same time, there are specific formulations of cornstarch that you can make for better water resistance through particular processing techniques.

How is corn starch packaging made?

Cornstarch Packaging Boxes - Green Compostables

Plastic packaging is one of the biggest conveniences in the modern world. So much so that people, unfortunately, are unaware of the effect it has on our planet’s environment.

The plastic waste ending up in our landfills and oceans takes years to degrade. And even when it does, it will persist as microplastics, further threatening the health of Earth’s ecosystems.

In light of this problem, biodegradable alternatives made from plant-derived materials were invented. One such material is cornstarch.

What are cornstarch packaging boxes?

Cornstarch packaging boxes are biodegradable boxes made from cornstarch.

These boxes come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit all manner of practical applications. These include clamshell containers, multi-compartment bento boxes, drink cartons, and soup containers.

What is cornstarch packaging made of?

Cornstarch packaging is made out of cornstarch (or corn flour as it is known in the UK).

Cornstarch is a flour-like substance made using starch extracted from corn grain, specifically from the corn kernel’s endosperm. It is almost 100% starch without fiber, protein, fat, or other components.

It appears as a very fine, chalky white powder and’ squeaks’ when you rub it between your fingers.

Traditionally, cornstarch is a thickening agent in sauces and custards and a crucial component in gluten-free baking.

For more information, please visit Degradable Corn Starch Lunch Box.

Recently, cornstarch has become vital in the manufacturing of sustainable, biodegradable plastic and styrofoam substitutes.

What are cornstarch packaging boxes used for?

Cornstarch packaging boxes are used for a variety of purposes, including those listed below:

  • Food packaging: Cornstarch is 100% food-safe, making it a good choice for packaging food.
    Read: Cornstarch food packaging
  • Food storage: Due to its natural oil- and fat-resistance, cornstarch packaging can be used to stuff nuts and other oily foodstuffs.
  • Dining events: Cornstarch takeaway food containers provide a more sustainable option for dining or catering events.
  • Takeaway or food delivery: Cornstarch packaging is well-suited for takeaway or food delivery due to its non-toxicity and high oil and aroma resistance. Some packaging is even microwave-safe.
  • Shipping: Adding plant oils to the cornstarch matrix will improve the strength of the resulting packaging. This, combined with its UV resistance and low flammability, makes it excellent for shipping and delivery.

Advantages and disadvantages of cornstarch packaging boxes

While much more eco-friendly than plastic, cornstarch has its own set of pros and cons.

Advantages of cornstarch

Cornstarch packaging offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and styrofoam due to the following advantages:

  • Renewable: Corn is a staple crop, making it both abundant and readily available.
  • Biodegradable: Cornstarch will naturally break down and decompose into base elements that will not harm the environment like other plant-based materials.
  • Compostable: Cornstarch packaging can be converted into eco-friendly fertilizer at industrial composting facilities as it falls within the criteria of compostable plastics.
    Read: Biodegradable vs compostable products
  • Recyclable: Cornstarch packaging can be recycled at dedicated facilities. The materials derived from it can be used to make other eco-friendly products such as plates or cups.
  • Non-toxic: Does not contain harmful chemicals like dioxin or polyvinyl chloride.
  • Reduced wastage and pollution: Cornstarch is biodegradable and compostable, so it will not take up space in landfills or release harmful substances into the environment.
  • Low carbon emissions: Cornstarch production emits less greenhouse gas than conventional plastic production.
  • Resistant to oils and fats: Suitable for containing oily foods.
  • Resistant to UV: Reliable for products that need to be protected from UV radiation.
  • Low flammability: There is less risk of fire when using cornstarch packaging.
  • High aroma barrier: Prevents food from losing its aromas or being contaminated with unsavory smells.
  • Printer-friendly: Businesses can brand cornstarch packaging without causing harm to the environment while also offering a high-quality customer experience.
  • Increased marketability and brand recognition: Sustainably-minded consumers are drawn towards companies adopting environmentally friendly practices.

Disadvantages of cornstarch

It is, however, vital that you understand the current limitations and disadvantages of switching to cornstarch packaging:

  • Cannot be composted at home: Cornstarch packaging can only be decomposed in a commercial composting facility’s hot and humid environment. Thus, it cannot be composted in a home compost pile or bin.
  • Recycling contamination: Improper disposal can lead to contamination within the recycling stream.
  • Customer behavior: Most people are unfamiliar with cornstarch packaging and don’t compost or dispose of the material properly. This could lead to cornstarch packaging ending up in landfills or contaminating other recycling streams.
  • Methane gas emissions: If left to decompose in landfills, cornstarch packaging releases methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
  • Acidic: Composting large amounts of cornstarch can make the soil acidic.
  • Limited infrastructure: Because cornstarch as a packaging material is relatively new, there are currently only a few infrastructures to support its manufacture, composting, or recycling.
  • May affect food production: Being derived from a staple crop, excessive use of cornstarch packaging may disrupt the global food supply chain.
  • High production costs: Cornstarch packaging is expensive, making it impractical for some businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups.

Where can we buy cornstarch packaging boxes?

Major online suppliers like Alibaba offer cornstarch packaging boxes of different sizes and varieties in bulk quantities.

FAQ

Are cornstarch packaging boxes recyclable?

Yes. Cornstarch packaging can be recycled, but to prevent contamination of the recycling stream, it must be delivered to a specialized recycling facility.

Are cornstarch packaging boxes biodegradable?

Yes, cornstarch packaging is biodegradable. One of cornstarch’s chief advantages over plastic is that it can be decomposed by the natural action of microorganisms in the soil. This ensures that its base substances are returned to the environment, thus leaving behind little to no waste.

Are cornstarch packaging boxes compostable?

Yes. Cornstarch packaging can be composted, but only under specific conditions. These conditions cannot be recreated at your home. Thus, delivering cornstarch packaging trash to dedicated composting facilities is better.

Cornstarch plastic decomposes within two months in a high-humidity composting environment at 60°C or 140°F.

Are cornstarch packaging boxes waterproof?

While not completely waterproof, cornstarch packaging does offer a degree of water resistance, protecting its contents from light moisture.

However, if exposed to heavy moisture, the packaging will become soggy and non-reusable.

Wax or polymer coatings can improve the water resistance of cornstarch packaging without contaminating it with toxic chemicals.

There are also specific formulations of cornstarch that can provide greater water resistance via particular processing techniques.

Are cornstarch packaging boxes flammable?

Cornstarch packaging has low flammability and high heat resistance. Some cornstarch takeaway packaging is even microwave-safe.

Regardless, placing your cornstarch packaging in a place with a high fire hazard risk is still not recommended.

Can cornstarch packaging boxes be used to store food?

Yes. Cornstarch by itself contains no harmful chemicals and is 100% food-safe. Additionally, it has a strong aroma barrier. It is highly resistant to oils, fats, and heat without the need for extra coatings or additives.

There is a great variety of cornstarch food packaging boxes available on the market, including clamshell containers, multi-compartment bento boxes, and soup containers.

Is cornstarch packaging better than plastic?

Compared to single-use plastic, cornstarch can be made into a similar material with equal strength, durability, and versatility. Unlike conventional plastics, cornstarch plastic is biodegradable and compostable, and its production has a lower carbon footprint.

These qualities make cornstarch plastic a more environmentally friendly option for consumers and businesses.

Is cornstarch packaging better than cardboard?

Yes. Compared to cardboard, cornstarch packaging has a more energy-efficient production that uses up fewer resources while also emitting lower levels of carbon dioxide.

Additionally, cornstarch requires chemical additives, making it safer for food. And it is more lightweight than cardboard, reducing transportation costs.

Finally, corn grows faster than trees, making it far more sustainable as a resource.

Is cornstarch packaging cheap?

Currently, cornstarch packaging is more expensive than plastic. While improvement in the production process has dramatically lowered the costs of cornstarch packaging, it is still more costly than plastic.

That said, cornstarch is sourced from an abundant and renewable resource, so that it will be a far more cost-effective investment than petroleum-based plastics.

How long does cornstarch packaging last?

Cornstarch packaging has a long shelf life, provided that the conditions are conducive to a long life.

It takes very specific temperatures and humidity in order for cornstarch packaging to start breaking down.

Cornstarch packaging in the future

Cornstarch packaging is already seeing widespread usage in food packaging. And it has even greater potential to replace cardboard in shipping and delivery completely.

Its production is still quite expensive, however. This, combined with potentially causing problems in the global food supply chain, prevents cornstarch from being totally sustainable. As such, more investments and developments are required to overcome these issues and make cornstarch more viable in the future.

By making the switch to cornstarch packaging boxes, you’ll not only advertise your commitment to sustainability but also raise awareness of this environmentally friendly product amongst the public.

As we move towards a plastic-free future, making the jump to biodegradable packaging will ensure you and your brand’s continued success.

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