Natural starches present unique molecular architectures that can be transformed into packaging materials through controlled gelatinization and crosslinking. Current industrial processes achieve tensile strengths of 20-45 MPa and water vapor transmission rates below 100 g/m²/day, but face challenges with moisture sensitivity and thermal stability during processing.

The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining starch's biodegradability while engineering its structure to match the barrier properties and mechanical strength of conventional plastics.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including UV-induced crosslinking systems, clay-polymer barrier coatings, controlled pore formation through ultrasonic processing, and hybrid composites with natural fibers. These and other approaches focus on scalable technologies that can meet commercial packaging requirements while preserving end-of-life biodegradability.

1. Corn Starch as Eco-friendly Bioplastic and the Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analysis

fatima a alqadri, shuaa mohammed alsaiari, jawaher salem alsaiari - Oriental Scientific Publishing Company, 2025

The study's goal is to prepare bioplastic by corn starch environmentally favorable. Corn Water, gelatin, glycerin, a food coloring coconut oil, and cotton were used make bioplastic. data demonstrate that biodegradable, with an average weight loss of 57.9%. It was partially soluble in ethanol water but totally HCl. Swelling test showed no change when immersed chloroform, slight water. degrades more quickly as temperatures rise. thermodynamic parameters results the activation energy Ea 36.5 Jmol-1,the positive values Gibbs energy, entropy S had suggesting non-spontaneous less organized structure behavior negative H value indicating exothermic nature.The rate kinetic rises concentration increased. manufactured possesses features such minimum swelling insoluble will be making it commercially feasible renewable resource.

2. Valorization of Cassava Peel and Shrimp Shell Waste for Bioplastic Film Development: Extraction, Characterization, and Response Modeling

andre e picar, b molina, joachim florenzo dejuras - Galaxy Science, 2025

Accumulation of waste food materials, such as cassava and shrimp peels, continues to contribute rise in greenhouse emissions. This study aims produce a bioplastic film made from extracted peel starch (CPS) shell chitosan (SSCHT), plasticized with sorbitol (SOR) using constrained D-optimal mixture design. Films were assessed terms tensile strength, elongation at break, contact angle, opacity, functional groups. Significant models generated strength (p = 0.0148), angle 0.1049) opacity 0.6529). Cassava had significant < 0.001) effect on due hydrogen bonding chitosan, whereas break was significantly 0.0017) affected by its structural similarity larger molecular weight compared glycerol. Contact increased the incorporation 0.4647) minimizing hydrophilic regions for external water molecule penetration. Opacity 0.0013) reduced refraction swollen granules. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) verified interactions CPS/SSCHT/SOR film, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided insights thermal stability industrial use. provides insight into potential valorization green extra... Read More

3. Thermoplastic Cellulose Acetate Compositions with Organic Peroxide and Fillers for Enhanced Melt Flow and Biodegradability

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, 2025

Highly-filled, high-performance thermoplastic cellulose acetate compositions with improved processability and biodegradability for applications like food packaging. The compositions contain cellulose acetate, plasticizers, and an organic peroxide additive. The peroxide lowers the glass transition temperature of the cellulose acetate without degrading it, enabling melt processing. The compositions have high melt flow and can contain fillers like biocarbon, minerals, and starches. The biodegradability is maintained due to the peroxide facilitating filler dispersion and adhesion. The compositions can be made into articles like food packaging and cutlery.

4. Next-Generation Bioplastics for Food Packaging: Sustainable Materials and Applications

xiaokun shi, lijuan cui, chao xu - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

As the global plastic pollution problem intensifies and environmental hazards of traditional petroleum-based plastics become increasingly significant, development sustainable alternative materials has an urgent need. This paper systematically reviews research progress, application status future trends new generation bioplastics in field food packaging. Bioplastics are categorized into three main groups according to their sources degradability: biobased biodegradable (e.g., polylactic acid PLA, polyhydroxy fatty ester PHA, chitosan, cellulose-based materials); non-biodegradable Bio-PE, Bio-PET); non-biobased PBAT, PCL, PBS). Different processing technologies, such as thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion molding coating can optimize mechanical properties, barrier properties freshness retention promote scenarios containers, films smart Although still face challenges terms cost, degradation conditions industrial support, promising directions found large-scale utilization non-food raw agricultural waste, algae), nano-composite technology enhance performance, intelligent packaging f... Read More

5. Glyoxylate Starch Composition Synthesized via Chloroacetamide and Glyoxal Reactions

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, 2025

A synthesized glyoxylate starch composition that can be used as a natural, biodegradable paper strength agent. The glyoxylate starch is made by reacting starch with chloroacetamide to form a modified starch, then reacting that with glyoxal to create the glyoxylate starch. It can be added to paper pulp during manufacturing to improve wet and dry strength properties.

6. Horchata Processing Waste: A New Source for Starch Film Production

anita patronespa, m e martinesparza, chelo gonzalezmartinez - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

Starch films were obtained by solvent casting and thermoprocessing using glycerol as a plasticiser from new starch source: tiger nut waste horchata production. The (TNS) showed barrier capacity to water vapour gases in the typical range of other films, such corn (CS) with high oxygen. tensile properties affected processing method, exhibiting higher stiffness resistance break lower stretchability than more common CS films. Thermoprocessed TNS less soluble their solubility was that cast However, all exhibited similar swelling power. Thermal stability also for showing thermal degradation pattern starchglycerol Therefore, production can be used obtain thermoplastic packaging applications, characteristics comparable most

7. Edible Container Composed of Upcycled Brewers Spent Grain, Oat Protein, and Starch with Heat-Resistant Leakproof Structure

AMAI LLC, 2025

Edible container made from upcycled ingredients that can hold hot liquids like boiling water for extended periods without leaking. The container is made from a dough of brewers spent grain, upcycled oat protein, and starch that is baked into shape. It contains natural materials that are safe to eat and can be used as an alternative to disposable containers. The upcycled ingredients are brewers spent grain, oat protein, and starch. The container can be molded into different shapes and sizes without requiring a separate coating process.

8. Biodegradable Resin Composition with Thermoplastic Starch and High Melt Flow Biodegradable Polymer

SK INNOVATION CO LTD, 2025

Biodegradable resin composition for films with improved biodegradability and barrier properties. The composition contains thermoplastic starch, a biodegradable polymer with high melt flow index (>30 g/10 min), and a plasticizer. The biodegradable polymer content is 30% or less. This provides enhanced biodegradability without sacrificing film properties like gas barrier and processability. The composition can be used to make biodegradable films with improved barrier properties compared to pure starch films.

US2025178310A1-patent-drawing

9. Cellulose Fiber Paper with Bio-Based Wax Coating and Heat-Sealable Layer

MATIV HOLDINGS INC, 2024

Low opacity, biodegradable, and heat-sealable paper made from cellulose fibers coated with a bio-based wax to reduce opacity and improve barrier properties. The paper has a base sheet of refined softwood cellulose fibers with a basis weight of 10-25 g/m2. It is coated with a transparency agent like a coconut-based wax and a heat-sealable coating like a thermoplastic starch or protein. The coated paper has opacity less than 35% and can be used for packaging without supercalendering.

10. Thixotropic Aqueous Coating for Packaging Materials with Smectite Clay-Polymer Crosslinked Barrier

NABACO INC, 2024

Coating packaging materials like paper and cardboard with a thixotropic aqueous mixture to improve barrier properties like reducing gas and moisture transfer through the material. The coating composition contains smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and a cross-linking agent that links the clay to the polymer. Applying the mixture to a surface and heat treating crosslinks the clay-polymer barrier. This provides coated packaging with improved barrier properties for replacing single-use plastic in produce shipping.

WO2024249334A1-patent-drawing

11. Biodegradable Nanocomposite Films with Biosynthesized Zirconium Nanoparticles Capped with Arachisan

SUJITHA POMBALA, 2024

Biodegradable nanocomposite food packaging films that provide enhanced antimicrobial and oxidation inhibition properties to prevent spoilage and pathogen growth. The films are made by incorporating biosynthesized zirconium nanoparticles capped with a bioactive compound called Arachisan derived from peanut leaves. The ArZrNPs provide antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They also scavenge free radicals to prevent oxidation. The nanoparticles are dispersed in biodegradable polymer films for sustainable packaging with extended shelf-life and reduced pathogen risk.

IN202441069725A-patent-drawing

12. Biodegradable Packaging Material from Phosphorylated Sugarcane Bagasse with Enhanced Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Robustness

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2024

Eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials made from sugarcane bagasse that are sustainable, flame retardant, mechanically robust, thermally stable, and have low environmental impact compared to plastic alternatives. The process involves delignifying the bagasse, phosphorylating it, homogenizing, sonicating, casting, freezing, and freeze-drying to create films, aerogels, boards, boxes, plates, and sheets. The phosphorylation step enhances the properties like solvothermal stability, degradation resistance, and flame retardancy.

13. Tubular Paper-Based Packaging Unit with Integrated Oxygen and Moisture Barrier Layers

NESTLE SA, 2024

A packaging unit with oxygen and moisture barrier properties for long-term storage of food products without compromising the product quality. The packaging unit has a tubular shape with a removable closure. The packaging body and closure are made of paper with high cellulose content and barrier layers against oxygen and moisture. This provides a sustainable and compostable packaging option with extended shelf life for sensitive foods. The paper-based construction reduces environmental impact compared to plastic, while the barrier layers prevent oxidation and moisture absorption. The tubular shape provides shock absorption.

14. Paper-Based Packaging Method Utilizing Kraft Paper with Embossed Structural Layer and Flat Cover Layer

MONDI AG, 2024

A sustainable packaging method that replaces plastic bubble wrap with paper-based packaging articles that have similar cushioning properties. The method involves continuously supplying Kraft paper with a minimum machine direction stretch of 5% at temperatures between 10-40°C. The paper is plastically deformed to form a structured layer with embossments or flutes. This layer is then joined with a flat cover layer to create a compound layer that forms the packaging article. The paper-based packaging has a similar cushioning effect as bubble wrap but without requiring high temperatures or moisture for deformation. The packaging can be formed into envelopes, boxes, etc.

15. Biodegradable Packaging Composition from Fried Food Waste, Biomass, and Solvent

Hanyang University Industry-University Cooperation Foundation, Gyeongsang National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, 2024

Eco-friendly packaging composition made from fried food waste, biomass, and a solvent. The composition can be molded into 3D structures and used as a sustainable packaging alternative. The fried food waste provides a binding agent, the biomass adds strength, and the solvent helps mix it all together. The composition is derived from fried food scraps, like oil-rich crumbs, and uses biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

16. Cushioning Packaging Material Comprising Natural Pulp Blend with Starch and Biodegradable Wax Coating

ECOMASS CO LTD, 2024

Eco-friendly cushioning packaging material made from natural pulp like sugarcane and bamboo instead of plastic or wood pulp. The packaging material is manufactured by processing paper made from the natural pulp. To reduce dust generation from the short fibers of sugarcane pulp, a small amount of bamboo pulp is added during fabric production. The paper surface is coated with starch and biodegradable wax to improve strength and water resistance. This allows replacing traditional plastic cushioning materials with a more sustainable option that reduces plastic usage, carbon emissions, and environmental pollution.

KR102699550B1-patent-drawing

17. Biodegradable Bioplastic Nutrient Packaging Containers Comprising Polylactic Acid, Succinate-Based Aliphatic Polyesters, and Cellulose-Based Bioplastics

PACIFIC PHARMA CO LTD, 2024

Eco-friendly bioplastic nutrient packaging containers that are fully biodegradable and made from renewable resources. The containers are produced using bioplastic materials like polylactic acid, succinate-based aliphatic polyesters, and cellulose-based bioplastics. The containers have improved processability compared to previous bioplastics, allowing them to be manufactured using blow molding and extrusion methods. The containers are designed to be fully biodegradable in the natural environment, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

KR20240127129A-patent-drawing

18. Packaging Material with Unlaminated Paper and Transparent Front Sheet Bonded by Water-Based Adhesive

JBFS INC, 2024

Product packaging material with high paper content and transparency to reduce plastic use. The packaging has a pouch formed between a main sheet of unlaminated paper and a transparent front sheet made of either film or cellophane. They are bonded together using water-based adhesive. The paper weight in the packaging exceeds 50% or 60% to increase recyclability. The transparent front allows product visibility while reducing plastic content compared to fully plastic packaging.

19. Food Packaging Film with Modified Oat Starch, Betalain, and Cellulose Nanofibers for Spoilage Monitoring

NAT UNIV PUKYONG IND UNIV COOP FOUND, 2024

Smart food packaging film containing modified oat starch, betalain, and cellulose nanofibers that can monitor food spoilage without using synthetic pigments. The film is made by extracting starch from oats, treating it in subcritical water, extracting betalain from beet peels, mixing with cellulose nanofibers, and drying. The modified oat starch has higher solubility and lower crystallinity compared to natural oat starch, allowing better dispersion with betalain. The cellulose nanofibers reduce betalain temperature sensitivity. The film contains betalain instead of synthetic pigments for color without harming food.

KR20240124561A-patent-drawing

20. Paper-Based Packaging Material with Paper-Plastic-Paper Structure

NEUROPACK CO LTD, 2024

Paper-based plastic packaging material and a pouch-shaped container made from it. The packaging material replaces aluminum and synthetic polymers in conventional packaging to reduce environmental impact. It uses paper as the main barrier layer, along with a thin plastic layer on one side. The paper provides moisture and oxygen blocking, while the plastic adds strength and sealability. The paper-plastic-paper structure allows barrier properties comparable to aluminum packaging without the recycling issues. The paper-based plastic pouch container can be used for products like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

WO2024167055A1-patent-drawing

21. Paper-Based Packaging Film with Biopolymer and Vegetable Wax Coating for Barrier Properties

22. Molded Fiber Packaging with Hydrophobic Coating for Water Resistance

23. Sugarcane Bagasse Packaging with PLA-PBAT Bioplastic Coating for Enhanced Moisture Resistance

24. Edible Film Comprising Biopolymers and Nutrient-Rich Extracts from Fruit Peels

25. Corrugated Cardboard Packaging with Heat-Bonded Polylactic Acid Foam

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