Is Cornstarch Compostable Resin the Eco-Friendly Solution We Need?
As the world becomes more aware of the impact of plastic on the environment, alternatives are being sought after to reduce waste. One such alternative is cornstarch compostable resin. Here's what you need to know:
1. What is cornstarch compostable resin?
Cornstarch compostable resin, also known as polylactic acid (PLA), is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. As it is made from natural materials, it is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic.
2. How is it made?
Cornstarch compostable resin is made from a process where cornstarch is broken down into simple sugars. Then, microorganisms create lactic acid from the simple sugars. After that, the lactic acid is polymerized to create a long-chain polymer called polylactic acid (PLA).
3. What are the benefits of using cornstarch compostable resin over traditional plastics?
• Biodegradable: Cornstarch compostable resin is biodegradable, meaning that it can break down naturally into non-toxic components when disposed of properly. Traditional plastics do not biodegrade, which means they can cause environmental damage for years after disposal.
• Renewable: As it is made from renewable resources, cornstarch compostable resin reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which are finite resources.
• Low greenhouse gas emissions: The production of PLA requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases than the production of traditional petroleum-based plastics.
• Versatile: PLA can be used for a variety of applications, including packaging, food containers, disposable cutlery, and even 3D printing.
4. Are there any downsides to using cornstarch compostable resin?
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to using PLA as well. Some of these include:
• Limited heat resistance: Cornstarch compostable resin has a lower heat resistance than traditional plastics, which means it may not be suitable for some applications.
• Limited shelf life: If it is not stored correctly, PLA can start to break down before it ever gets used. This means that it may not be the best option for products that need to have a long shelf life.
• Cost: Cornstarch compostable resin is currently more expensive to produce than traditional plastics, although as demand grows, this cost is expected to decrease.
5. Is cornstarch compostable resin the eco-friendly solution we need?
Overall, cornstarch compostable resin offers many benefits that make it an attractive eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. While there are some downsides, the environmental benefits of using PLA are clear. As consumers become more aware of the impact of plastic on the environment, demand for alternatives like cornstarch compostable resin is likely to continue to grow. It may not be the perfect solution, but it is certainly a step in the right direction towards reducing our reliance on harmful plastics.
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