Chapter 2

Related literature

Efficiency of Cassava Starch as a Biodegradable Bag Cassava starch is effective in the development of

biodegradable packaging materials such as plastics in terms of durability and usability. It refers to a

white odorless tasteless granular carbohydrate substance found in cassava. The effectiveness of

biodegradable bags is maintained not only through the manufacturing and use life of the bags, they

continue after we use and dispose of them. In fact, when composted, this type of bag will contribute

water and carbon dioxide back to the environment. The biomass by-product can be used by farmers as

compost. Market studies estimate that the market for Biodegradable plastics will grow at 20% per year,

with increased awareness and an imminent plastic bag tax being the main reason for this increase. The

bags are derived from materials including cornstarch a raw material that is renewable and sustainable.

Effectiveness

Bio plastics made from organic cassava starch have low levels of tensile strength, making them

ineffective packaging materials. The shelf life of bio plastics is relatively low, it can damage packaged

foods due to the transfer of spoilage bacteria to the food. Corn starch packaging is a viable

biodegradable substitute. Like other certified biodegradable products, our corn starch will naturally

break down and decompose into elements like water and carbon dioxide that are safe and natural to the

environment.

RENEWABLE. Cassava starch is used to prepare biodegradable bags that are more biodegradable

than ordinary plastics. To prepare 10 kg of cassava starch, 48 kg of cassava tubers are needed. Along
with cassava starch, glycerine, vinegar and water are added to prepare a biodegradable bag and water.

Cornstarch is a renewable raw material, as opposed to fossil fuel-derived petroleum, it can be replaced

repeatedly in the soil,

AFFORDABLE. Cassava Bags are made of cassava starch, vegetable oil and organic resins. These bags

are completely biodegradable and compostable. For example, they do not harm the environment

throughout their life cycle. These eco-friendly bags break down in significantly less time when given to

composting. Besides that, cassava bags dissolve in water under high temperature, thus, it does not

contaminate the environment. Cornstarch plastic products look like regular plastic, but they are 100%

biodegradable and biodegradable. Cornstarch products are preferred because: They are made from a

renewable plant material. They replace fossil fuel based products.

Safety

According to SIVA GOUNDER cassava starch and corn starch biodegradable plastics are considered safer

for the environment from their manufacturing process which uses less resources and produces lower

emissions, through to their ability to be disposed of and return to natural matter.

These plastics are made from renewable materials such as corn starch, cassava starch and others. This

means that when they are disposed of correctly, they reduce waste. They are able to be either quickly

broken down (when it comes to landfill disposal) or composted back into the earth. Biodegradable

plastic materials take less energy and reduce dependence on fossils resources whilst improving a

product's carbon footprint. This may lessen the burden on our existing waste systems and also the

environment.
Reliability

Plastic usage is increasing the number of pollutants in the environment. Plastic particles and other

plastic-based pollutants are found in our environment and food chain, posing a threat to human health.

From this perspective, the biodegradable plastics material focuses on creating a more sustainable and

greener world with a smaller environmental imprint. This assessment should consider the entire life

cycle assessment of the objectives and priorities for producing a wide range of biodegradable plastics.

Biodegradable plastics can also have properties similar to traditional plastics while also delivering

additional benefits due to their minimised impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide, as

long as appropriate waste management includes such as composting, are contained. The demand for

cost-effective, eco-friendly materials increases to reduce waste management and pollution issues. This

study seeks to comprehensively understand biodegradable plastics production and applications

research, product prospects, sustainability, sourcing and ecological imprint. Academic and industry

interest in biodegradable plastics for sustainability has exploded in recent years. Researchers used the

triple bottom line to analyse the sustainability of biodegradable plastics (economic profit, social

responsibility, and environmental protection). The research also discusses the variables that influence

the adoption of biodegradable plastics and a sustainable framework for improving biodegradable

plastics' long-term viability. This study provides a thorough yet simple theoretical design of

biodegradable plastics. The research findings and future research endeavours provide a new avenue for

further research and contribution to the area.

This critical knowledge of plastics, state of the art ISO 9001 production site, extensive independent

third party testing results, and thousands of internal oxo-biodegradability tests for our customers

generated in our onsite laboratories operating in accordance with ISO17025, means that Wells Plastics

are partners who can contribute.

Biodegradable products which have been developed and are under constant evolution by a

company with over 38 years of research, development, production experience and knowledge - we

really know plastics and plastic processes.

Related Study 1

In a study entitled “Corn and Rice Starch-Based Bio-Plastics as Alternative Packaging Materials”

published in April 2019 by M. K. Marichelvam, Mohammad Jawaid and Mohammad Asim proposed a

similar study demonstrating the use of starch-based composites for different applications. Different

bioplastic samples are created, each with a unique blend of gelatin, glycerol, citric acid, and corn and

rice starch. After adding rice starch, the tensile characteristics were enhanced. Water solubility and

absorption, however, were decreased. Based on these findings, the best sample was examined for

thickness testing, bioplastic sealing properties, SEM, hydrophilicity, and thermogravimetric analysis. The

findings demonstrate the suitability of thermoplastic starches derived from rice and corn for packaging

applications. In conclusion, the starches from corn and rice degrade more quickly than the ingredients

used in current plastics. The material's mechanical properties and shelf life are both enhanced by the

addition of citric acid. The bioplastics have an average thickness of 0.25 mm (250 microns). 13.2%
moisture content is the average. The solubility in water is 11.9%. The biodegradability of the sample is

48.7%, and it is achieved in 15 days.

The aforementioned study is very comparable to the current findings. Both research aim to create a

product that is less hazardous to human health, biodegradable, and free of toxic chemicals. Both seek to

reduce humanity's dependency on fossil fuels while increasing the carbon footprint of a product. We

want individuals to be able to carry their belongings easily while not harming the environment.

Furthermore, our organization seeks to assist both terrestrial and aquatic creatures that are being

affected by plastics.

Related Study 2

In another study entitled "Cassava Eco-friendly Bags: Ideal Replacement to Toxic Plastic" published

in 2022 by Wahid. He suggested that cassava bags, which are made of vegetable oil, organic polymers,

and cassava starch, are entirely compostable and biodegradable. For instance, they do not harm the

environment at any point during their lifespan. When composted, these environmentally friendly bags

decompose much more quickly. Additionally, because cassava bags dissolve in water at high

temperatures without polluting the environment, they are not an environmental hazard.

The study Wahid conducted showed similarities to the on-going research. Both studies employ

organic and cassava starch-based products in an effort to significantly improve and conserve the

ecosystem that supports life on Earth.