Is cornstarch packaging cheaper than plastic?

Sustainability efforts continue to rise for all industries across the market. Businesses worldwide endeavor to make a concerted effort to meet sustainable consumer demands while maintaining high-quality product packaging. 

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The restaurant industry, in particular, has seen an enormous influx of sustainable packaging options. From biodegradable to recyclable packaging, the restaurant industry is taking significant steps toward eco-friendly solutions. 

In this article, we'll dive deeper into the most popular biodegradable packaging option, cornstarch packaging. If you haven't already made the switch, we'll lay out everything you need to know to take the leap toward more sustainable efforts in your packaging! 

What is Cornstarch Packaging?

Source: PakFactory

Cornstarch is a biodegradable packaging material that can replace polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic. Available in transparent and opaque materials, cornstarch can be used in various ways, but the most popular way to utilize cornstarch packaging is for takeaway food. 

This includes packaging options such as;

• Trays
• Lids
• Bags
• Plates
• Bowls
• Containers

Unlike petroleum-based plastic, cornstarch containers are biodegradable and renewable, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly packaging material and plastic alternatives. 

How is Cornstarch Packaging Made?

Cornstarch is part of a more significant movement of emerging bioplastics derived from agricultural waste or byproducts. More companies are starting to create their own environmentally safe alternatives to plastics using various renewable resources like vegetables, oil, fats, recycled food wastes, and, you guessed it, cornstarch.

Cornstarch containers use polylactic acid (PLA) plastic made by fermenting the plant sugar and starch. Compared to traditional plastics, PLA plastic is much more environmentally friendly and sustainable as it releases fewer greenhouse gases during production and does not include toxic materials. 

Not only is PLA plastic better in production and the exclusion of toxic materials, but when disposed of correctly, it can serve as fertilizer and only takes several months to break down instead of the hundreds of years traditional plastics take.

There are even an array of PLA plastic types or grades to choose from, including;

• D ' used for thermoforming
• D ' great for injection molding
• D ' ideal for producing films
• D ' used to produce staple fibre
• D ' ideal for making bottles

On top of being more environmentally friendly, cornstarch packaging is very cost competitive to traditional plastics, using the cheapest commercially available sugars, so there is no need to worry about exorbitantly higher costs, overuse and limited supplies. Moreover, the FDA has also approved PLA for use as a polymer, and it is regarded as 100% food safe.

The Lifecycle of a Cornstarch Container

We briefly touched upon the lifecycle of cornstarch packaging in our previous section, but it is worth going into more detail about why this material is so much better than traditional plastics.

For starters, at the beginning of this package's lifecycle, it is derived from renewable resources, unlike petroleum-based plastic. And in the processing and manufacturing phase of its lifecycle, cornstarch plastic emits fewer greenhouse gasses than traditional plastic.

Once this eco-packaging reaches the consumer, it is used like any other product before moving into the end phase of its lifecycle, disposal.

The main characteristic of biodegradable cornstarch packaging is that it naturally degrades or can serve as fertilizer, leaving behind no negative environmental concerns or hazardous gases. Within months, cornstarch plastic can break down into just carbon dioxide and water, further helping to reduce the carbon footprint of both consumers and businesses. 

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

The Cornstarch Packaging Market

Because of the exponential growth in the environmentally friendly movement, starch packaging materials and other bioplastics are quickly gaining market share. According to Globe News Wire, the biodegradable cornstarch packaging market will reach USD 126.85 billion by .

Bio-based materials have many environmental benefits over time, and being renewable can make them an even better alternative to less eco-friendly options. As more companies pledge to change for a healthier planet, identifying and scaling sustainable packaging options is crucial to product and business success.

But what exactly are the benefits of cornstarch packaging for your business?

The Pros & Cons of Cornstarch Packaging

Using biodegradable packaging material offers companies many benefits, especially as a replacement for conventional plastics. Looking back at the lifecycle of cornstarch containers, we can already see the benefits to businesses and the environment.

The main advantage of using cornstarch packaging is that it is renewable since corn is affordable and readily available. Unlike petroleum-based plastic, there is no scarcity of resources, making it easier to utilize this kind of packaging material effectively and for the long term.

Starch packaging materials are also 100% biodegradable, recyclable and compostable, making them great for an eco-friendly initiative.

On top of this, no harmful toxins are present in the material, making it much safer to produce and use for consumers. Cornstarch is effective as food packaging since it is 100% food-safe, has a high aroma barrier, and is resistant to food fat and oils without additional coatings or chemicals.

Source: PakFactory

Furthermore, cornstarch packaging has low flammability and works well for printing applications, allowing businesses to brand their packaging without causing harm to the environment and offer a high-quality customer experience. 

But while these cornstarch benefits seem significant enough to make the change, it's still essential to cover both sides of the coin. Let's examine the drawbacks to ensure you are well informed about your decision. 

Firstly, because cornstarch is so new as a packaging material, infrastructure is not in place yet to fully support it. While this will improve over time, using cornstarch as a packaging material currently poses some challenges. Though the polymers in cornstarch packaging are indeed eco-friendly and compostable, only a few facilities can now accommodate them. 

This type of packaging also relies on customer behaviors. Because most customers will not compost the material properly, most cornstarch packaging will likely end up in landfills due to improper disposal. In addition, composting PLA plastic in large quantities could cause other issues, as doing so may make regular compost more acidic, posing a threat to the environmental impact. 

The only way to combat these issues is by raising awareness about this packaging material and the proper disposal process to prevent more packaging from ending up in landfills.

Why You Should Switch to Cornstarch Packaging

Despite its drawbacks, cornstarch containers are still much more eco-friendly than plastic. So now that you've seen all the benefits and disadvantages of this eco-friendly alternative, you might still wonder, is it worth switching to this biodegradable packaging? 

Yes! Cornstarch packaging material can significantly benefit your business and the environment, making this packaging solution worthwhile. It can help your business become more socially responsible and attract eco-conscious shoppers focused on supporting eco-friendly businesses.

Source: Chris Martinie

With competitive price and timely delivery, Tongqi sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Consumers have become much more conscious of greenwashed packaging and are much more knowledgeable about materials in the industry. Using cornstarch is an excellent start to help market your brand effectively and establish a more authentic connection with customers.

Make the Jump to Sustainability

With impending bans on single-use plastics looming, switching to more sustainable options is fast becoming a necessity rather than a choice. 

Even so, using more environmentally friendly and innovative options such as cornstarch packaging materials or other biodegradable options helps you stand out and highlights your commitment to an increasing push for sustainability. 

As we continue to learn more about the fate of plastics, exploring biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials is vital to stand out as a brand in the long run.

Were you looking to learn more about your sustainable packaging options? Get in contact with our product specialists to discuss your options today!

Foodservice packaging made from cornstarch is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional plastics due to cornstarch packaging's renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly characteristics.

As concerns for the amount of plastic in our landfills and oceans mounts, alternative solutions are increasing in demand and cornstarch packaging is one of the best there is for the foodservice industry.

For those who are not as familiar with this product, we have created a cornstarch packaging FAQ.

General Cornstarch Packaging FAQ

What is cornstarch packaging?

Cornstarch packaging is a plant-based plastics alternative. Made to look and function like plastic, it is actually not a true plastic at all but, rather, a food-grade based packaging solution that has passed all FDA testing requirements. 

What makes cornstarch packaging a bioplastic?

Bioplastics are plastic alternatives made from renewable sources such as corn starch, tapioca starch, and others. Bioplastics are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional plastics.

The manufacturing process for bioplastics is safer for the environment because it uses less resources and produces lower emissions. Plus, when bioplastics are disposed of correctly through composting, they reduce waste. 

How is cornstarch packaging made?

Cornstarch packaging is manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA) using fermented sugars from cornstarch. The process includes mixing the materials using a mild heat and then molding into bioplastic pellets which are then reheated and converted into shapes, like trays or containers.

Cornstarch packaging requires little energy to produce and is carbon-neutral.

What is cornstarch packaging used for?

Cornstarch packaging is a versatile, durable, and sturdy foodservice packaging solution. It is a plastics-alternative for clamshell containers, produce trays, meat trays, lids, and plates.

Packaging comes in a variety of thickness and texture options as well as varying strengths based on need.

Plastic vs. Cornstarch Packaging FAQ

How does cornstarch packaging compare to plastic?

Cornstarch packaging, sometimes called cornstarch plastic, is a safe, durable, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. It is made from 100% renewable resources, is plant-based and contains no toxins or chemicals that are harmful to humans.

Unlike plastics, cornstarch packaging is 100% compostable and biodegradable making it safe for people and the environment.

Learn more about the 5 benefits of going green with cornstarch packaging.

Does cornstarch packaging feel like plastic?

Cornstarch packaging is made to look and feel like traditional plastic, with many of the same user-friendly benefits such as flexibility, durability, texture and use cases.

Is cornstarch packaging better than plastic for food?

Cornstarch foodservice packaging has a high aroma barrier and is resistant to oils and fats. While cornstarch packaging will break down eventually in water (by design,) its durability ensures that food will not leach through the packaging.

Additionally, because there are no toxins used in the manufacturing of the packaging, the taste of your food will not be tainted by leaching chemicals as can occur with petroleum-based plastics.

Is cornstarch packaging recyclable?  

Unlike plastic, cornstarch packaging is not recyclable. Instead, it is designed to be a single-use, biodegradable and environmentally friendly solution that is an alternative to plastic. 

Which is more expensive? Cornstarch packaging or plastic?

Plastics are still cheaper to manufacture than cornstarch due to the massive amounts of plastic still being produced. However, as bioplastics, such as cornstarch packaging, become more popular, the supply chain will be able to reduce its costs as it switches over to sustainable raw materials that are actually cheaper and easier to produce.

In the end, we will all win as less money will be required to address concerns with our environment.

Eco-Friendly Cornstarch Packaging FAQ

What makes cornstarch packaging eco-friendly?

Cornstarch packaging is one of the best plastics-alternative solutions there is due to its renewability and eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Cornstarch packaging is also 100% renewable, biodegradable, and compostable, creating less of an environmental impact than petrochemical-based plastics.

Are there any toxins or chemicals used in making cornstarch packaging?

No toxic materials, harmful chemicals or plastics are used in the manufacturing of cornstarch packaging. Unlike with plastics, there are no toxins that can leach into your food when using cornstarch packaging.

Is cornstarch packaging biodegradable?

Yes ' cornstarch packaging is 100% biodegradable. Made from plant-based renewable resources without any added toxins or harmful chemicals, cornstarch packaging is designed to eliminate the challenges faced when using plastics which are not biodegradable.

How does cornstarch packaging break down in the environment?

As it degrades, cornstarch packaging breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. As long as adequate light and oxygen is available, it will compost properly. If there is a lack of adequate light and oxygen, cornstarch packaging can instead take years to degrade. 

How does cornstarch packaging impact the need for recycling plastics?

Since cornstarch packaging is 100% biodegradable and compostable, it reduces the need to recycle or dispose of the plastic it replaces. As bioplastics increase in popularity and use, they can make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste globally.

Our hope is that as more eco-friendly consumers and businesses adopt the use of cornstarch packaging bioplastics, we will recognize the impact in our landfills and oceans. 

What makes cornstarch packaging renewable?

Cornstarch packaging is made from corn which is the number one crop in the United States. Over 90 million acres of corn are grown in the United States each year for feed, industrial products, and food and beverage products like cereal, alcohol, and sweeteners.

Because it is made using plant-based materials, cornstarch packaging is among the most renewable and eco-friendly foodservice packaging solutions available.

Ask Servous About Cornstarch Packaging Options for Your Business 

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option to plastic food containers ' look no further!

Our complete line of sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable food packaging products answers the need of retailers who are seeking to maintain an eco-friendly environment for their customers. 

Let our sustainable food packaging specialists at Servous help you determine which of our many cornstarch container and tray options are right for you. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts so we can tailor the right solutions for your business, to meet your sustainability goals and your budget.

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