Corn Starch Vs. Plastic Food Containers: What’s The Difference?

As sustainability continues to be a top priority in the foodservice industry, restaurants and consumers alike are looking for alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Corn starch-based containers have emerged as a promising alternative to plastic take out food containers, offering a biodegradable option for food packaging. But how do these two types of containers compare? In this article, we'll dive into the differences between corn starch containers and plastic containers and explore the pros and cons of each, especially in the context of disposable food containers and custom to go boxes.

Corn starch containers are made from the starch extracted from corn. The starch is processed into a bioplastic, which is then molded into food containers. These containers are biodegradable and compostable, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers. Unlike traditional plastic take out food containers, which can take hundreds of years to break down, corn starch containers break down much more quickly, especially under composting conditions.
Biodegradable: The primary appeal of corn starch containers is that they are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, causing less long-term pollution compared to plastic.
Compostable: Many corn starch containers are also compostable, which means they can turn into organic matter when placed in a composting environment, making them more eco-friendly than plastic alternatives.

Plastic food containers, like the ones often used for takeout, have been the go-to choice for food packaging for many years. They are inexpensive, durable, and highly versatile, which makes them a popular choice for restaurants, especially for disposable food containers and custom to go boxes.
Durable: Plastic containers are strong, lightweight, and resistant to moisture, making them an ideal option for packaging all types of food.
Non-Biodegradable: The major downside of plastic containers is that they are not biodegradable. They can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing significantly to landfill waste and plastic pollution in oceans.
Recyclable: While many plastics can be recycled, the process is often not as efficient as it could be, and plastic recycling rates remain relatively low.

Paper Take Out Containers Plastic MFPP Carryout Food Containers

Let's break down some of the key differences between corn starch-based containers and plastic take out food containers.

One of the most significant differences between the two types of containers is their environmental impact. Plastic containers can take centuries to decompose, contributing to long-lasting pollution. In contrast, corn starch containers are biodegradable and compostable, meaning they break down more quickly in landfills or composting environments.

Corn Starch: Fully biodegradable and compostable in appropriate conditions.
Plastic: Non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down.

Plastic containers are generally more durable than corn starch containers. They are less likely to crack or break under pressure, making them ideal for packaging food that requires a more robust container. Custom to go boxes made from plastic are often used for foods that need to stay sealed or protected during transport.

Plastic: Highly durable, resistant to cracks and leaks, and often used for hot or wet foods.
Corn Starch: While durable, corn starch containers can be more susceptible to breaking down when exposed to moisture, especially if not properly handled or stored.

In terms of cost, plastic take out food containers tend to be more affordable than corn starch containers. The production process for plastic is well-established and relatively inexpensive. However, as the demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging grows, corn starch containers are becoming more competitively priced.

Plastic: Inexpensive and widely available.
Corn Starch: Typically more expensive than plastic, though prices are expected to decrease as the market for sustainable packaging grows.

Certain foods, especially those with high moisture content or hot temperatures, may not be best suited for corn starch containers, as they can become soft or disintegrate over time. Plastic take out food containers offer better protection for such foods, keeping them fresh and intact during transport.

Plastic: Great for hot, wet, or greasy foods; better at maintaining food integrity.
Corn Starch: Works well for dry or cold foods; may not be suitable for long-term storage of hot or very wet items.

Plastic containers, though recyclable, are often not recycled properly, leading to a significant waste problem. Corn starch-based containers, on the other hand, are not just biodegradable but also compostable, which makes them a more sustainable choice when it comes to disposal.

Plastic: Can be recycled, but not always, and often ends up in landfills.
Corn Starch: Biodegradable and compostable, which reduces waste in the long term.

Both types of containers have their place in the food packaging industry. Here's a quick guide on when to use each:
Corn Starch Containers: Best for cold or dry foods, takeout orders where sustainability is a key consideration, or for restaurants that want to emphasize their commitment to the environment. Custom to go boxes made from corn starch are a great choice for businesses looking to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Plastic Containers: Ideal for hot, wet, or greasy foods that require sturdy and leak-proof packaging. Plastic take out food containers are perfect for foods that need to be kept fresh, sealed, and protected during delivery.

disposable food container

Looking toward the future, the demand for sustainable food packaging is likely to continue rising, with more restaurants and foodservice providers opting for biodegradable and compostable options. Corn starch containers will likely become more affordable as production scales up, and businesses begin to shift toward more eco-friendly practices.
Customization: Expect to see more custom to go boxes made from sustainable materials like corn starch, as businesses increasingly use packaging as a branding tool. Personalization of disposable food containers will likely continue to grow in popularity.
Smart Packaging: The rise of smart packaging, which includes sensors to monitor food temperature or freshness, may also make its way into corn starch-based containers as technology and sustainability intersect.

Choosing between corn starch containers and plastic take out food containers depends on your priorities as a business or consumer. If sustainability and reducing environmental impact are your primary concerns, corn starch containers are a great option. They offer a biodegradable, compostable alternative to traditional plastic. However, if durability and cost are more important to you, plastic containers may still be the best choice for certain foods.
In the end, both types of containers have their strengths and weaknesses. The best approach is to evaluate your packaging needs and make a decision based on the type of food you're packaging, your environmental goals, and your budget.

Looking for custom to go boxes, disposable food containers, or plastic take out food containers? Huizhou Yangrui Printing & Packaging Co., Ltd. offers a wide range of food packaging solutions, including eco-friendly options like corn starch containers and customizable designs for your business.
To inquire about products, contact them at sales@packagingbag5.com or call +8618086443226 for more information.

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