Research on the Use of Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastics

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Article Critique
• Overview
Today, plastics derived from petroleum dominate the food packaging sector. Although these products are closely connected to the easement and betterment of human lives, research illustrates that they have limitations. In their study, Val Siqueira et al. (2021) opine that petroleum materials have brought convenience and attraction in the agro, food, and packaging industry. Such contributions have not taken place without hurting others. Therefore, petroleum materials have contributed to various problems related to safe-disposal and renewability. Based on the growing concern over environmental problems caused by petroleum products, researchers have shifted their focus toward the development and creation of ‘bio-plastics,’ which promote sustainable lifestyles.
Notably, derived from renewable resources, bioplastics is the term given to sustainable packaging materials. In the production of bioplastics, manufacturers use renewable resources obtained from agro/food materials, cellulose, materials from starch, etc. The adoption of these materials was after an evaluation by various scholars. Some of the benefits of bioplastics are their eco-friendly factor and the fact that they are safe for use in food applications. Accordingly, intending to enhance the mechanical and water barrier properties associated with them, bioplastics can be blended easily with other polymers and nanofillers (Val Siqueira et al., 2021).
After extensive research, most manufacturers appear to lean on using starch-based materials in food applications. In making this shift, packaging companies have begun commercializing the production of starch-based materials to enhance sustainability. Like all new products, starch materials have a limitation when subjected to a mechanical and vapor test. However, despite these limitations, starch-based materials seem to be the way to promote a sustainable planet in the future. Therefore, to support the roll-out of starch materials on a large scale, most countries have adopted regulations for banning conventional disposable plastics. For instance, Spain has already adopted a statute prohibiting the commercialization of single-use items, such as plastic cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, and microplastics in detergents and cosmetics. The states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil have prohibited the industrialization of plastic straws in restaurants, pubs, and eateries. In their concluding remarks, Val Siqueira et al. (2021) contend that the prohibition of commercializing microplastics demonstrates the world’s willingness to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
• Technical attributes
The production of bioplastics requires a well thought and detailed process that leads to its success. Therefore, in producing starch-based biodegradable plastics, the application of technology is paramount. In this paper, the authors explore the techniques involved in starch film production while offering insight into each model’s associated challenges. The production of starch films relies on the wet and dry processes, and each differs in its mode of application. For instance, the...