Using cornstarch to produce self-destruct packaging

To replace the current plastic bag, Tien Thanh Company in Ho Chi Minh City has just released a kind of food and drink packaging using 80% of the main raw material is corn flour, not causing environmental pollution and self-decomposition.

The remaining 20% ​​of products are safe food additives. Unlike PE plastic box, this self-destruct packaging has characteristic ivory color of cornstarch and aroma like popcorn. The outstanding feature is high temperature resistance: it is possible to put a food container in the microwave to heat the dish.

The most important characteristic is that after use, the packaging from cornstarch will biodegrade in the environment. If buried in the ground with high humidity, the time for packaging decomposition is about 6 months.

After a successful trial production phase, Tien Thanh company officially launched the product to the domestic market and exported on June 19. It is expected that in 2009 the company will invest in a framework to diversify products to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Producing plastic boxes from corn flour.(Photo: TT)

According to Tien Thanh company representative, about 500 billion plastic bags are used globally every year, while it takes 500 to 1,000 years to break down this type of packaging.

Currently, most Vietnamese use plastic bags as packaging. This persistent bag makes up more than 7% of the total daily waste in HCMC. Material from PVC, when burned, will create dioxin causing poisoning, shortness of breath, dysfunction and birth defects for young children .

More harmful, using plastic bags containing food can infect metals such as lead, toxic substances that cause lung cancer.

Production of plastic bags has been banned in many countries around the world.