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.
