Progression is evident in every field. Packaging is no exception. In these hard times when global warming is on the rise and pollution is deteriorating living standards, the world is adopting more eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options.
From 2017 to 2022, sustainable packaging use grew by 130% with a 117% increase. The sales of eco-friendly packaging containing products grew by 75%. That is why corn starch packaging is gaining popularity because of its non-toxic, sustainable, and ec-friendly properties.
Cornstarch packaging is an eco-friendly and safe option transforming packaging standards. Made from fermenting corn starch, corn starch packaging breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in a few months if disposed of correctly.
Surprised to know? Let us do a deep analysis of the corn starch packaging, its use, the making process, and all about it.
Let us dive in directly.
What Is Corn Starch Packaging?
The latest addition to sustainable packaging is corn starch packaging. It is made from corn using plant sugar and starch. It is a cost-effective, readily available, and eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Corn starch is purely produced from agricultural waste, which saves money and ensures biodegradability.
Manufacturing Process of Corn Starch Packaging
The manufacturing process of corn starch packaging is very straightforward. It is made from polylactic acid commonly known as PLA by fermenting plant sugar and starch. First of all, it soaks corn kernels in water. Then it is extracted, purified, and refined. The polymerizers and plasticizers are adders.
After completing the basic steps, the corn starch is formed in desired shapes and sizes. Later it is kept for cooling down and the quality is checked before distribution.
The packaging made from this type of corn starch emits fewer greenhouse gasses than traditional plastics. And later, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in months.
Through this process, the different types of corn starch packaging are obtained. These are:
- 2002D for thermoforming
- 3051D for injection molding
- 4032D for producing films
- 6201D for staple fiber production
- 7000D for bottle making
Main Types of Cornstarch Packaging
Corn starch packaging has many uses. It is one of the versatile and functional packaging. Its uses are many, such as making meat trays, producing other types of trays, custom boxes or containers, deli containers, lids, plates, shipping boxes, packing boxes, food boxes, and e-commerce boxes. Corn starch packaging is used in all types of packaging, such as,
- Meat trays
- Produce trays
- Containers
- Deli containers
- Lids
- Plates
An Array Of Benefits of Cornstarch Packaging
Cornstarch packaging is right now considered the best packaging for the food industry. It is safe for food contact and contains no toxic material. It ensures that it does not contaminate or negatively affect the packaged food.
Moreover, corn starch packaging is biodegradable and compostable. It is best for the environment. This packaging contains top-notch features and is best for printing with logos, descriptions, and visuals that are advantageous for branding and labeling purposes.
Additionally, packaging boxes made from corn starch packaging offer a good aroma barrier and UV resistance. The packaged products remain in the best condition. Moreover, these boxes are waterproof and recyclable, giving complete benefits to the packaging.
As it is made from renewable materials, its making decreases waste. Corn starch packaging is also characterized by low flammability, and it can be repurposed as fertilizer after use. Its resistance to food oils and fats without the need for additional coatings or chemicals makes it an ideal choice for various food products.
Cornstarch food packaging increases the shelf life of the edibles. It ensures that carbohydrates and other food items can be stored for extended periods without spoilage.
Moreover, cornstarch packaging is effective because it is insoluble in water and resists oils and fats naturally. It eliminates the need for additional chemical coatings. These properties make it a reliable and safe option for food preservation.
These are the main benefits of corn starch packaging for food and other industries:
- Resistant to oils and fats
- Cost-competitive
- Durable
- Low flammability
- High aroma barrier
- Excellent for printing
- UV resistant
- Safe for food (FDA-approved)
Sustainable and Environmental Benefits of Corn Starch Packaging
Cornstarch is the best option for sustainable packaging. Made from renewable resources such as corn, it lowers carbon consumption. This packaging decreases greenhouse gas emissions compared to other packaging materials.
It is 100% biodegradable, 100% recyclable, and 100% compostable. It contains no toxins that are best for food packing, medical packaging, and other sensitive packaging. It will minimize the landfill trash that is filled by other packaging materials and plastics.
Read more: Paper tube of sugar
Trends with Corn Starch Packaging
Corn starch packaging is still in progress. It needs research and development to increase production and quality. However, there have been basic improvements in the field. It is said that increasing the quantity of ethanol production helps boost cornstarch production.
The more production of torn starch is affordable and low-cost the packaging. Which in turn, sustainable packaging will reduce carbon emissions.
Innovations are being made. The experiments with nano biocomposites are enhancing the effectiveness of cornstarch in food packaging.
Another progress is that combining cornstarch with plant oils is another trend. It strengthens packaging boxes and creates active films with improved moisture barriers.
Cornstarch Packaging for Apparel, Fashion and ECommerce
Cornstarch packaging is a great option for the apparel and fashion industry. Apparel packaging is one of the highest packaging-consuming sectors contributing 8-10% of global carbon emissions. Therefore, corn starch packaging, a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, is the best option for the cosmetic industry to reduce packaging waste.
E-commerce business is a growing packaging-consuming industry with billions of sales yearly. The corn starch packaging can show better results when used in e-commerce businesses. Corn starch types of packaging, including resealable product bags. Corn starch boxes will surely help to mitigate the environmental impact of the e-commerce industry.
Similar Eco-Friendly Materials
Searching for more eco-friendly materials for packaging purposes? Here are a lot of other materials that brands can use for packaging purposes that are compostable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. Here is the long list of eco-friendly packaging materials.
- Biodegradable packing peanuts
- Recycled cardboard
- Glassine
- Green cell foam
- Potato starch
- Grape skin
- Sheep wool
- Chicken feathers
- Palm
- Coconut
- Milk
- Cellulose
- Shrimp cells
- Kraft paper
- Mushroom material
- Eucalyptus
- Seaweed
- Biodegradable plastics
- Corrugated bubble wrap
- Air pillows
- Organic ecological textiles
- Edible films
Limitations of Corn Starch Packaging
Cornstarch packaging has some drawbacks. One significant issue is that it cannot decompose effectively in natural conditions, which can lead to environmental concerns.
It can contaminate recycling streams, complicating the recycling process. Composting corn starch packaging can make regular compost more acidic, potentially harming the composting environment. Another concern is that it is often made from genetically modified corn. Modified corn is not an ethical way to produce corn. That is why it questions on ecological grounds.
Moreover, the use of cornstarch packaging can also contribute to food waste issues. Particularly in the context of global food shortages. The machinery and industry for processing and composting cornstarch packaging are underdeveloped right now which can also limit cornstarch packaging practical practical application.
Consequently, a large portion of cornstarch packaging ends up in landfills, where it can produce methane gas as it decomposes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Final Thoughts
Corn starch packaging is an eco-friendly and functional packaging solution. It is compostable and biodegradable with great other uses. It lowers carbon emissions and waste because of its renewable properties. It is not only the best option, but also an affordable packaging option. All top-class brands are using more and more cornstarch packaging.
If you too want to get custom boxes made of corn starch printed with visuals and customized in the sizes and shapes of your choice, Your Box Packaging is the packaging company to contact. We create sustainable packaging around clients' choices with free shipping and free delivery. Contact us any time to give innovative packing to your top-notch products with corn starch packaging.
