We’ve taken plastic and styrofoam packaging for granted for so long that many of us have little to no idea of their environmental impacts.
Plastic takes centuries to break down completely, and even then, it will persist as microplastics. These microscopic shreds are eaten by animals, building up in the food chain until we eat the contaminated meat ourselves.
Fortunately, there is a significant shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging made from plant-derived materials. This includes cornstarch, of all things.
What is cornstarch?
Cornstarch (or corn flour as it is known in the UK) 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.
Recently, however, cornstarch has become a vital component in manufacturing sustainable, biodegradable plastic and styrofoam substitutes.
What is cornstarch packaging?
Cornstarch packaging is, as the name implies, made using polylactic acid (PLA) extracted from cornstarch to produce a plastic-like material (bioplastics).
Cornstarch plastic has all of the qualities that make petroleum-based plastics popular. However, it is more environmentally friendly and sustainable due to using plant starch in its production.
Additionally, this bioplastic can be made opaque or transparent and is easily molded to fit various practical applications.
Read more: Cornstarch Packaging: An Eco-Friendly Innovation
Types of cornstarch food packaging
Cornstarch packaging is an excellent option for food packaging, and its versatility means it can shaped into various types:
- Clamshell containers
- Meat trays
- Produce trays
- Sushi trays
- Shopping bags
- Takeaway food containers
- Resealable food bags
- Beverage cartons
- Multi-compartment lunch boxes/bento boxes
- Soup/salad containers
- Sauce bowls
How is cornstarch food packaging made?
The process of making cornstarch packaging is as follows:
- Corn is harvested and soaked to separate the endosperm from the fiber and gluten. The corn kernels are then immersed in hot water and sulfur dioxide solution, breaking it down into starch, protein, and fiber.
- The liquid melange is centrifuged to remove the corn oil, leaving behind pure starch.
- Enzymes are added to the cornstarch, converting it into simple sugars.
- Bacterial cultures are introduced into the sugars, fermenting them into lactic acid. The lactide molecules in the acid bond together to form polymer chains, resulting in polylactic acid.
- Pellets of PLA plastic are produced from this mixture. They are then melted down and molded into specific shapes for various applications.
- Once set and cooled, the finished packaging is removed from its mold and ready for transport and sale.
What is cornstarch food packaging used for?
The versatility of cornstarch food packaging lends itself to a wide range of uses in food and dining:
- Takeaway or delivery: Lightweight and oil-resistant cornstarch food containers are perfect for takeaway or food delivery. Plus, they are both microwave and freezer-safe.
- Dining events: Cornstarch plates or takeaway containers provide a more sustainable option for dining, parties, or catering events.
- Picnics: Cornstarch lunch boxes or container bowls make carrying foods to picnics or outings easier.
- Food storage: Cornstarch packaging is a great way to store food. Oil-resistant, leak-proof, and freezer-safe, it is everything you need to keep your meals safe.
Advantages and disadvantages of cornstarch food packaging
Cornstarch packaging offers a lot of pros that make it attractive to businesses and consumers. But it also comes with some cons.
Advantages
Cornstarch food 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 is energy efficient and emits less greenhouse gas than traditional packaging materials.
- Resistant to oils and fats: Suitable for containing oily foods.
- 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.
- Lightweight: Cornstarch food packaging is lighter than other materials. Thus, it will reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions from transport.
- 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
It is, however, vital that you understand the current limitations and disadvantages of switching to cornstarch food packaging:
- Cannot be composted at home: Cornstarch packaging will only decompose under 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 will lead to cornstarch packaging ending up in landfills or contaminating other recycling streams.
- Methane gas emissions: If left to decompose in landfills, cornstarch packaging will release 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 so new, there are currently only a few infrastructures to support its manufacture, composting, or recycling.
- Poor shelf life: Because of its biodegradability, cornstarch food packaging may lose integrity if not stored properly.
- 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 you purchase cornstarch food packaging?
You can purchase cornstarch food packaging from major online retailers such as Shopee. Or you can buy them from specialty suppliers.
FAQ
Is cornstarch food packaging environmentally friendly?
Yes. Cornstarch food packaging is non-toxic and biodegradable. This means that it will not persist in the environment, nor will it leach harmful chemicals into the soil or water.
Is cornstarch food packaging toxic?
No. Cornstarch by itself is non-toxic, and most cornstarch packaging does not contain harmful chemicals like dioxin or polyvinyl chloride.
Regardless, care must be taken when sourcing your cornstarch, as non-food grade corn may be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances.
Is cornstarch food packaging biodegradable?
Yes, cornstarch packaging is biodegradable. One of cornstarch’s chief advantages over plastic is that it will be decomposed by the natural action of microorganisms in the soil. This breaks the cornstarch down into simple sugars, which are harmless to plants and animals.
Is cornstarch food packaging 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.
How long does it take for cornstarch food packaging to decompose?
Cornstarch packaging decomposes within two months in a high-humidity composting environment at 60°C or 140°F.
Is cornstarch food packaging recyclable?
Yes. Cornstarch food packaging can be recycled, but it must be delivered to a specialized recycling facility to prevent contamination of the recycling stream.
The packaging must also be clean of any food scraps or grease; otherwise, it will be rejected.
Is cornstarch food packaging sustainable?
Yes, cornstarch is sustainable. Corn is a renewable resource, unlike oil. As such, it can be regrown to provide all the cornstarch we need.
However, corn farming has its environmental problems, such as soil depletion, deforestation to make space for farmland, and fertilizer pollution.
Improvements in corn farming are required to make cornstarch fully sustainable in the long run.
Will cornstarch replace plastic in food packaging?
Cornstarch offers a very attractive replacement for plastic, especially since it is an abundant and readily available renewable resource.
Additionally, cornstarch will not leach toxic chemicals into food, making it a safer option overall.
the world’s petroleum resources inevitably run out, cornstarch will become even more viable as a plastic replacement.
Is cornstarch food packaging expensive?
Yes. Currently, the average cost of cornstarch food packaging is higher compared to plastic.
Improvements have lowered the costs, however, and cornstarch is still a better investment in the long run. This is especially taking into account the fact that while corn is renewable, petroleum (the primary component in plastics) is not.
Is cornstarch food packaging flammable?
No. Cornstarch food 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.
Is cornstarch food packaging microwave-safe?
Yes. Cornstarch food packaging’s high heat resistance makes it perfectly safe for your microwave.
Is cornstarch food packaging freezer-safe?
Yes. Corn food packaging can be used in temperatures between -10℃ and 100℃ for up to 2 hours, making it suitable for refrigeration.
Is cornstarch food packaging waterproof?
While not completely waterproof, cornstarch food 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.
The future of cornstarch in food packaging
Cornstarch is already seeing widespread use in manufacturing food packaging. Unsurprising, given its abundance and the benefits that cornstarch packaging provides for businesses.
This popularity presents an exciting business opportunity that F&B brands and outlets should embrace. Through this, they will contribute to a greener future and reap the rewards of an improved brand image and greater customer loyalty.
Although still more expensive than plastic, cornstarch food packaging is far more cost-effective thanks to its renewability, biodegradability, and compostability. And with more improvements in the production process and technology, cornstarch is certainly well poised to become a major player in the future of sustainable food packaging.
