Why Cornstarch Panels Are Not Recyclable, And The ...

Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of plastic packaging, and are demanding that manufacturers and suppliers offer more sustainable alternatives.

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An increasing number of states and local authorities are also taking action to prohibit single-use plastics such as polystyrene containers.

In response, cornstarch panels have emerged as a non-plastic alternative touted as a sustainable solution to packaging needs, including insulated packaging. 

The issue is that recycling facilities and local municipalities are speaking out against their recyclability.

Cornstarch packaging is made through the fermentation process of the corn plant&#;s sugars and starch, which creates polylactic acid (PLA). This is then mixed with polymers made from alkene to create a product that can then be used to manufacture an array of packaging containers from trays and lids to bags, plates and foldable boxes.

Since cornstarch also provides reasonable thermal protection, it is increasingly being used as an insulated packaging material.

In the race to be green, many businesses have embraced cornstarch packaging and, in so doing, accepted many of its claimed environmental benefits without a great deal of scrutiny.

On closer inspection, however, cornstarch packaging is neither the most sustainable insulated packaging solution nor the best in terms of thermal performance.

Why cornstarch panels are not recyclable

The main contentious claim made by many manufacturers of cornstarch panels is that they are fully curbside recyclable.

This isn&#;t true.

Cornstarch panels have no recycling value. They cannot be reprocessed into another material that a recycling facility can then sell.

Cornstarch panels are frequently marketed, however, as curbside recyclable on the basis that they doesn&#;t interfere with the recycling process. Even this claim is dubious though.

The difficulties with composting cornstarch

As a biodegradable material, cornstarch packaging can be composted instead of recycled. However, this is another contentious claim cornstarch packaging manufacturers often make.

Technically, cornstarch packaging is compostable, but there are very few facilities that can compost cornstarch in large quantities.

This is because PLA requires very specific environmental conditions in order to break down. That&#;s to say, a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, a plentiful supply of microbes, and the right amount of moisture.

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Even then, the resulting compost is highly acidic and must be mixed with an alkaline substance if it is to be used as a fertilizer.

As such, cornstarch packaging is not suitable for home composting nor do most consumers live close to a facility that can compost it industrially.

IPC&#;s alternative to cornstarch packaging: CelluLiner paper insulated packaging

So, if cornstarch panels are neither curbside recyclable nor easily compostable, where does this leave businesses and consumers looking for sustainable packaging alternatives?

For insulated packaging solutions, we suggest 100 percent paper-based materials as a superior alternative. The key benefit of using 100% paper insulated packaging is that your customers can conveniently recycle it curbside once received.

IPC&#;s CelluLiner insulated packaging is made using numerous layers of paper that contain thousands of small air pockets per cm3 to substantially slow heat transfer. It&#;s available in various forms to suit different packaging needs:

Introduction

Corn starch packaging has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional plastic packaging, due to its biodegradable and compostable nature. However, while corn starch packaging has clearly positive environmental advantages, it is also important to consider the possible disadvantages associated with the use of this type of packaging. In this article, we will explore some of the potential drawbacks of corn starch packaging.

The disadvantages of corn starch packaging

One of the main concerns regarding corn starch packaging is its durability. It has been suggested that corn starch packaging may break down too quickly, leading to products becoming damaged or spoiled. This is particularly true in humid or wet environments, where the packaging material may become weakened or degraded. Furthermore, corn starch packaging may not be suitable for products that require long shelf lives or that need to be transported over long distances.

Another disadvantage of corn starch packaging is its cost. While it is true that corn starch is a renewable resource, the production of corn starch packaging can be expensive, particularly when compared to traditional plastic packaging. This is due to the fact that corn starch packaging requires specialised equipment and processes, and there is currently less demand for this type of packaging on the market. Thus, the higher cost of production may make corn starch packaging less affordable for some businesses.

In addition, a concern has been raised about the potential for cross-contamination of food products due to the use of corn starch packaging. This is because corn is a common allergen, and some individuals may be allergic to corn-based products. In some cases, corn starch packaging may contain trace amounts of corn protein, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate measures to prevent cross-contamination when using corn starch packaging for food products.

Another possible disadvantage of corn starch packaging relates to its biodegradability. While the ability of corn starch packaging to break down naturally may seem like a positive attribute, there are still concerns about where this process takes place. In particular, there may be negative environmental impacts associated with the disposal of corn starch packaging in certain environments. For example, if corn starch packaging is disposed of in a landfill, it may break down more slowly and release harmful gases such as methane. Alternatively, if it is disposed of in water, it may lead to the release of pollutants that can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Finally, there may be limitations with regards to the availability of corn starch as a feedstock for packaging production. While corn starch is a renewable resource, there are concerns about whether it can be sustainably sourced in sufficient quantities to meet the growing demand for this type of packaging. Furthermore, there may be competition for the use of corn starch as a food product, which could further limit its availability for use in packaging production.

Conclusion

Corn starch packaging is an impressive innovation that has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging. However, as with any new technology, it is important to consider the possible disadvantages associated with its use. While the disadvantages of corn starch packaging are not insurmountable, they underscore the need for continued research and development in the field of sustainable packaging. Ultimately, by carefully evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different types of packaging, we can work to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

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