Why Cornstarch Packaging Is Beneficial To Your Business

1. What is cornstarch packaging?

Cornstarch is a biodegradable packaging material that can be used instead of polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic. It is available in transparent and opaque forms and can be used in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly used for takeaway food.

Examples of this include:

Trays

Lids

bags

plates

bowls.

Containers

Compared to petroleum-based plastic, cornstarch containers are biodegradable and renewable, making them an ideal environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic.

2. What is cornstarch packaging?

Cornstarch belongs to a larger trend of new bioplastics made using agricultural waste or by-products. An increasing number of companies are developing their own green alternatives to plastics using different renewable materials, such as vegetables, oils, fats, recycled food waste and, as you might have guessed, cornstarch.

Cornstarch containers are made from polylactic acid (PLA) plastic, which is produced by fermenting plant sugars and starches. PLA plastic is far more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional plastics, as it emits fewer greenhouse gases during production and does not contain toxic substances.

PLA plastic not only fares better in terms of manufacturing and avoiding toxic substances, but when properly discarded, it can be used as fertiliser and only takes several months to decompose, as opposed to the hundreds of years conventional plastics require.

A range of types or grades of PLA plastic are available to select, including:

2002D, which is used for thermoforming.

3051D is excellent for injection moulding.

4032D is ideal for producing films.

6201D is used in the production of staple fibre.

7000D is ideal for making bottles.

Cornstarch packaging is highly competitive with conventional plastics in terms of cost as it uses the cheapest commercially available sugars. Therefore, one does not need to be concerned with high prices, excessive usage or scarcity. In addition, PLA is FDA-approved for use as a polymer and is considered 100% food-safe.

3. The lifecycle of a cornstarch container

In the previous section, we briefly touched on the lifecycle of cornstarch packaging. However, it is worth discussing in greater detail why this material is superior to traditional plastics.

Firstly, at the beginning of its lifecycle, this package is made from renewable resources as opposed to petroleum plastic. During the processing and manufacturing stage, cornstarch plastic generates fewer greenhouse gases than traditional plastic.

Once the consumer has finished with the packaging, it goes into the final stage of its lifecycle: disposal.

The primary feature of biodegradable cornstarch packaging is that it can naturally degrade or be used as fertiliser without causing any adverse environmental effects. Within a few months, cornstarch plastic decomposes into only carbon dioxide and water, which helps to reduce consumers' and businesses' carbon footprint.

But is it worth investing in? The short answer is yes.

4. The cornstarch packaging market

Due to the exponential growth of the environmentally friendly movement, starch-based packaging materials and other bioplastics are rapidly increasing their market share. According to Globe News Wire, the biodegradable cornstarch packaging market is expected to reach USD 126.85 billion by 2026.

Over time, the numerous environmental advantages of bio-based materials, coupled with their renewable nature, make them a superior alternative to less environmentally friendly materials. As an increasing number of companies commit to making the planet healthier, finding and developing sustainable packaging solutions is key to the success of products and businesses.

But what advantages does cornstarch packaging offer your business?

5. Advantages and disadvantages of cornstarch packaging.

There are numerous advantages to using biodegradable packaging materials, particularly as an alternative to traditional plastics. Examining the lifecycle of cornstarch containers reveals their positive impact on businesses and the environment.

The key benefit of cornstarch packaging is that corn is a renewable resource that is cheap and easily accessible. Unlike petroleum-based plastic, the resources are not limited, so this type of packaging material can be used efficiently and in the long term.

Starch-based packaging materials are also 100 percent biodegradable, recyclable and compostable, making them excellent for environmentally friendly projects.

Furthermore, the material contains no harmful toxins, making it safer to manufacture and use. Cornstarch is an excellent material for food packaging because it is 100 percent food safe, has a high aroma barrier and is not susceptible to food fats and oils without any extra coatings or chemicals.

Additionally, cornstarch packaging is non-flammable and suitable for printing, enabling businesses to brand their packaging without damaging the environment and providing a quality customer experience.

However, while these advantages of cornstarch appear considerable enough to justify the change, it is important to consider the disadvantages too. We will discuss the disadvantages so that you can make an informed choice.

Firstly, cornstarch is a relatively new packaging material, so the necessary infrastructure to support it does not yet exist. Although this will improve over time, there are currently some challenges associated with using cornstarch as a packaging material. The polymers used in cornstarch packaging are eco-friendly and compostable, but currently, not many facilities can accept them.

The success of this packaging also depends on customer behaviour. Most cornstarch packaging will probably end up in landfill as a result of improper disposal, since most customers will not dispose of the material correctly. Furthermore, large-scale composting of PLA plastic can cause acidification of regular compost, which threatens the environmental impact.

To address these issues, it is crucial to raise awareness of this packaging material and its disposal procedure, ensuring that more packaging does not end up in landfills.

6. Why you need to switch to cornstarch packaging.

Despite its disadvantages, cornstarch packaging is still much more environmentally friendly than plastic. Having seen all the advantages and disadvantages of this green alternative, you may be wondering whether it's worth switching to biodegradable packaging.

Yes! This packaging solution is worth considering, as it can benefit both your business and the environment. It can help your business to be more socially responsible and appeal to eco-conscious shoppers who prioritise buying from eco-friendly businesses.

Consumers are now far more aware of greenwashing and far more informed about materials in the industry. Using cornstarch is a great way to promote your brand and create a more authentic relationship with customers.

7. Get to Sustainability!

With bans on single-use plastics on the horizon, the need to switch to more sustainable alternatives is rapidly becoming a necessity, not an option.

Nonetheless, using more eco-friendly and innovative materials, such as cornstarch packaging or other biodegradable alternatives, will make your brand stand out and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing sustainability efforts.

As we learn more about the future of plastics, it is important to consider biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials if you want your brand to succeed in the long term.

Would you like to know more about sustainable packaging? Contact our product specialists today to find out how!