Starch-based biodegradable

Castronuovo D, Candido V, Margiotta S, Manera C, Miccolis V, Basile M, D Addabbo T (2005) Potential of a corn starch-based biodegradable plastic film for soil solarization. Acta Hort (ISHS) 698 201-206... 

Elvira, C., Mano, J. F., San Roman, J., Reis, R. L. (2002). Starch-based biodegradable hydrogels with potential biomedical applications as drug delivery systems. Biomaterials, 23(9), 1955-1966. 

New types of renewable feedstock such as palm oil for manufacture of starch-based biodegradable polymers. 

Starch based biodegradable polymers (including modified starch blends)... 

Other leading starch-based biodegradable polymer manufacturers are Biotec and BIOP Biopolymers. 

In terms of biodegradable polymers, PLA is finding growing use for manufacture of thermoformed articles such as single-use disposable cups and trays, particularly for outdoor events. Starch-based biodegradable polymers can also be thermoformed for production of trays and containers for packaging fresh food and convenience food. 

Excluding loose-fill packaging, which is a relatively more mature sector for starch-based biodegradable polymers, global market tonnage in 2005 is 71,700 tonnes and the compound annual growth rate for the period 2005-2010 is projected to be 20.3%. 

Starch-based biodegradable plastics are used for manufacture of various types of bags and sacks including, refuse sacks, shopping bags and compost bags. 

Some examples of new applications development for starch-based biodegradable polymers are outlined below. 

Starch-based biodegradable polymers also have a better environmental image than synthetic biopolymers as they are based on sustainable resources, which open up marketing opportunities for brand owners who wish to promote their products as being packaged in materials based on sustainable resources. 

Table 5.1 shows global consumption of starch-based biodegradable polymers by major world region for the years 2000, 2005 and 2010. 

The major world suppliers of starch-based biodegradable polymers are described below. 

Under the Mater-Bi trademark, Novamont produces different classes of starch-based biodegradable materials and blends of starch with synthetic polymers. Each class is available in several grades to meet the needs of specific applications. Classes include grades for film and sheet extrusion, injection moulding and foams. 

Loose-fill packaging was one of the first successful areas of application for starch-based biodegradable polymers. Loose-fill starch-based foam is used for packaging consumer products as an alternative to polystyrene and polyethylene. While, biodegradable plastics have made some inroads into these markets, the future prospects for their growth in loose-fill are not so exciting as they are in some other areas of packaging. 

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