{"id":2443,"date":"2023-07-28T15:38:51","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T19:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/why-cornstarch-packaging-is-beneficial-to-your-business\/"},"modified":"2025-01-13T14:09:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T19:09:16","slug":"why-switching-to-cornstarch-packaging-is-beneficial-to-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/why-switching-to-cornstarch-packaging-is-beneficial-to-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cornstarch Packaging Is Beneficial To Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll dive deeper into the most popular biodegradable packaging option, <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/catalog\/l\/product-type-filter:disposable-food-container.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cornstarch packaging<\/a>. If you haven\u2019t already made the switch, we\u2019ll lay out everything you need to know to take the leap toward more sustainable efforts in your packaging!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Cornstarch Packaging?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_cornstarch-food-packaging-3.jpg\" alt=\"White and brown bioplastic cornstarch packaging container on a green background.\" class=\"wp-image-14804\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:13px\"><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PakFactory<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes packaging options such as;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/cornstarch-take-out-bowl.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bowls<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/cornstarch-take-out-container.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Containers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike petroleum-based plastic, cornstarch containers are biodegradable and renewable, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly packaging material and plastic alternatives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How is Cornstarch Packaging Made?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_diagram-cornstarch-packaging-production-process.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram of the production process of bioplastic cornstarch packaging container.\" class=\"wp-image-14822\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/catalog\/l\/product-type-filter:disposable-food-container.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cornstarch containers<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are even an array of PLA plastic types or grades to choose from, including;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2002D \u2013 used for thermoforming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3051D \u2013 great for injection molding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4032D \u2013 ideal for producing films<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6201D \u2013 used to produce staple fibre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>7000D \u2013 ideal for making bottles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Lifecycle of a Cornstarch Container<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For starters, at the beginning of this package\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once this eco-packaging reaches the consumer, it is used like any other product before moving into the end phase of its lifecycle, disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_diagram-cornstarch-packaging-lifecycle-1.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram of the life cycle of bioplastic cornstarch packaging container.\" class=\"wp-image-14805\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But is it worth investing in?&nbsp; The short answer is yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Cornstarch Packaging Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the exponential growth in the environmentally friendly movement, starch packaging materials and other bioplastics are quickly gaining market share. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/fr\/news-release\/2021\/06\/09\/2244626\/0\/en\/The-Biodegradable-Packaging-Market-was-valued-at-USD-89-57-billion-in-2019-and-is-expected-to-reach-a-value-of-USD-121-38-billion-by-2025-at-a-CAGR-of-5-3-over-the-forecast-period-.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Globe News Wire<\/a>, the biodegradable cornstarch packaging market will reach USD 126.85 billion by 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_cornstarch-food-packaging-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"White and brown bioplastic cornstarch packaging container with food and utensils on a blue background.\" class=\"wp-image-14802\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what exactly are the benefits of cornstarch packaging for your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Pros &amp; Cons of Cornstarch Packaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_diagram-pros-and-cons-of-cornstarch-packaging-2.jpg\" alt=\"Pros and cons of bioplastic cornstarch packaging containers.\" class=\"wp-image-14807\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The main advantage of using cornstarch packaging is that it is <strong>renewable <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starch packaging materials are also <strong>100% biodegradable, recyclable and compostable<\/strong>, making them great for an eco-friendly initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of this, <strong>no harmful toxins<\/strong> are present in the material, making it much safer to produce and use for consumers. Cornstarch is effective as food packaging since it is <strong>100% food-safe<\/strong>, has a <strong>high aroma barrier<\/strong>, and is <strong>resistant to food fat and oils<\/strong> without additional coatings or chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_cornstarch-food-packaging-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"White and brown bioplastic cornstarch packaging container on a green and brown background.\" class=\"wp-image-14803\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:13px\"><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PakFactory<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, cornstarch packaging has <strong>low flammability<\/strong> and <strong>works well for printing applications<\/strong>, allowing businesses to brand their packaging without causing harm to the environment and offer a high-quality customer experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But while these cornstarch benefits seem significant enough to make the change, it\u2019s still essential to cover both sides of the coin. Let\u2019s examine the drawbacks to ensure you are well informed about your decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, because cornstarch is so new as a packaging material, <strong>infrastructure is not in place yet to fully support it<\/strong>. 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of packaging also relies on <strong>customer behaviors<\/strong>. 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 <strong>make regular compost more acidic<\/strong>, posing a threat to the environmental impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><strong>Why You Should Switch to Cornstarch Packaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its drawbacks, cornstarch containers are still much more eco-friendly than plastic. So now that you\u2019ve seen all the benefits and disadvantages of this eco-friendly alternative, you might still wonder, is it worth switching to this biodegradable packaging?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_cornstarch-food-container-with-sleeve-1.jpg\" alt=\"Brown bioplastic cornstarch packaging container with sleeve design.\" class=\"wp-image-14801\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:13px\"><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/dribbble.com\/Martinie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Chris Martinie<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Consumers have become much more conscious of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/g\/greenwashing.asp#:~:text=Greenwashing%20is%20the%20process%20of,company&#039;s%20products%20are%20environmentally%20friendly.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">greenwashed<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/uncategorized\/2023_07_General-Request-a-Quote-2.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-14793\" title=\"Stickers and Labels\"><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make the Jump to Sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>With impending bans on single-use plastics looming, switching to more sustainable options is fast becoming a necessity rather than a choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Were you looking to learn more about your sustainable packaging options? <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get in contact with our product specialists<\/a> to discuss your options today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Take a deeper dive into biodegradable packaging and why you should make the switch to custom cornstarch packaging for your business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2230,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[75],"class_list":["post-2443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-about-packaging","tag-featured"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2443"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3276,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443\/revisions\/3276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2443"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2443"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}