The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) in the Philippines has developed a biodegradable food packaging material that protects food and extends its shelf.
ITDI Material Sciences Division chief Blessie Basilia said that this is made possible through the science called nanotechnology in which things are structured at the atomic and molecular levels.
The biodegradable film is made from starch and clay, both locally available materials. Clay comes in layers tightly held together, so it is processed first so that it can blend effectively with starch.
Initially, the clay is treated with ions in a process called ion exchange which results in wider spaces between the layers of the clay. This treated clay is called organoclay or nanoclay.
Nanoclay is blended with thermoplastic starch made from cornstarch to help increase the latter's strength.
The clay-plastic blend goes through the similar process and equipment in making petroleum-based plastics and the product passed the migration test required for packaging films.
Developed by DOST, the green packaging technology will help address the disposal of food packaging wastes and also benefit the packaging and plastic industries in the Philippines.
Nanotechnology is one of DOST's priority among emerging technologies through its sectoral council Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development which funded and monitored the project.
