Move Towards Sustainable Packaging with Cornstarch Trays

Cornstarch trays made by reputed manufacturers are biodegradable in nature. Such trays are highly suitable for carrying restaurant food, as a result of which many food outlets have procured them. Food items, whether hot or cold, are able to maintain their serving temperature over a long time in these trays.

Microwave friendly

Microwaves as heating equipment are available in virtually all homes and restaurants these days. When food is present in microwave-friendly trays, it naturally becomes easier to heat it up. Every individual likes to eat hot food, which is another reason why cornstarch trays for meals are popular around the world. They are also suitable for occasions such as parties and picnics which require catering to a large number of people.

Sustainable packaging for every industry

Cornstarch is one of the types of sustainable packaging, and it is great to see that the food industry has started to give it some serious importance. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has stated that roughly 300 million tones of plastic waste are being produced every year. Unfortunately, just 9% of this is being recycled while 79% ends up in dumps, the natural environment, and in landfills.

When disposed off correctly, cornstarch packaging materials will break down into water and carbon dioxide over a number of months. On the other hand, if this material is not disposed correctly, the material will take even longer to get decomposed, especially if there’s no light or oxygen available.

Easily produced

This corn-based packaging material is preferred by several companies since corn is cheap, very easy to produce, and also sustainable. Among various sugar sources, it is the most abundant and least expensive commercial sources.

Advantages of cornstarch packaging

This material has many distinct advantages in comparison to synthetic polymer materials. Here is the list of advantages:

• Foods always remain safe
• The packages are great for print applications
• It has low flammability
• It is resistant to food fats and oils
• It is compostable
• Cornstarch has an aroma barrier
• UV resistant
• It can be recycled by regrinding

Compostable tableware

Some of the terms that are likely to become common during the use of eco friendly tableware are cornstarch cutlery and eco-friendly bagasse plates. Cornstarch cutlery can easily be consumed after eating food, while the plates have the following advantages:

• Very stable– High quality raw materials are generally put into egg tray making machines to prepare eco-friendly tableware. Damages and breakages can be ruled out completely.
• Lightweight– The types of plates and cutlery mentioned above can easily be used at social functions such as weddings. By virtue of being lightweight, they are easy to carry.
• Help save time, energy, and money– Compared to traditional tableware, these are helpful in saving water and time. There is no need to use water to keep them clean.
• Hygienic – Since these are always pre-packed, one can be sure about the levels of hygiene

Sustainable Packaging: The Food Industry is Taking Action – DirectIndustry e-Magazine