Starch-based packaging materials

InnoWare Atlanta, USA, is producer of Expressions-ECO-effective, high-performing containers. They are more durable than typical compostable packagings 

Amcor and Plantic Technologies (both from Australia) have teamed up to develop biodegradable, flexible plastic packaging for confectionary. Plantic will provide its patented material, a plastic created from plants that dissolves rapidly on contact with water. Plantic is based on corn flour, a renewable and biodegrad- 

The utilization of TPS for the production of biodegradable plastics has increased and has been the object of several studies in the last decade. However, TPS has two main drawbacks namely its water affinity and its poor mechanical properties. To overcome these problems, the addition of other materials to TPS is necessary. In order to increase its water resistance, TPS has been blended with synthetic polymers and modified by cross-linking agents such as Ca and Zr salts. Substances such as waxes and lignin have also been tested to decrease the water uptake of starch-based materials. TPS s mechanical properties have usually been improved by addition of synthetic polymers, such as ethylene-acryhc acid and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. Another approach requires the use of natural fibers and mineral fillers. The inclusion of reinforcing fillers such as fibers could, however, enhance the degradation of thermoplastic starch because of the increase in the melt viscosity [79-81]. 

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Nvyro was established to produce cassava (tapioca) starch based packaging solutions. Tapioca is one of the cheapest sources of raw materials for manufacture of starch based biodegradable polymers. 

The environmental deterioration by solid waste from petroleum based packaging materials (Jayasekara and others, 2004). Consumer awareness about enviromnen-tal damage by non-degradable packaging sources is playing an importance role in the increased use of biodegradable plastics (Elizondo and others 2009). Starch has... 

Some commercial thermoplastic starch polymer based products were highlighted in Table 6.1, and some of them can be examined in more detail in this section. Probably one of the first starch based products developed was the National Starch expanded starch foam packaging material ECO-FOAM . ECO-FOAM materials are derived from maize or tapioca starch and include modified starches. This relatively short-term, protected-environment packaging use is ideal for thermoplastic starch polymers. National starch now has additional thermoplastic starch materials, blends and speciality hydrophobic thermoplastic starches for a range of apphcations including injection moulded toys, extruded sheet and blown film apphcations. [http //www.eco-foam.com/ loosefill.asp]. 

Av6rous, L., Fringant, C. and Moro, L. (2001) Starch-based biodegradable materials suitable for thermoforming packaging. Starch, 53, 358. 

Tsiapouris, A., Dresden, L. L. (2000). Water vapor sorption determination of starch based porous packaging materials. Starch, 52, 53-57. 

Starch-based materials represent the largest class of biodegradable polymer with 44,800 tonnes (including loose-fill foam packaging) consumed in 2005. Excluding loose-fill, starch-based materials amounted to 21,700 tonnes in 2005. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the second largest material class with 35,800 tonnes in 2005, followed by synthetic aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters with 14,000 tonnes. The embryonic PHA category amounts to around 250 tonnes. 

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. 

Netherlands based packaging company NNZ BV offers Okopack, a biodegradable starch-based material. Okopack is available in three varieties Okopack C is transparent with high gloss, with... 

In packaging, Ecoflex can be used as a coating material to make paper, cardboard or starch-based foam tougher and protect against fat, moisture and temperature variations. These are useful properties for hamburger boxes, coffee cups, packaging for meat, fish, poultry, fruit or vegetables, food dishes and fast-food boxes. 

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