A team of scientists at 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 Dr Blessie Basilia said this is made possible through the science called nanotechnology in which things are structured at the atomic and molecular levels.
According to the scientists, the film is made from locally available materials starch and clay. The clay comes in layers that are tightly held together.
Initially, the clay is processed and is then treated with ions in ion exchange process resulting in wider spaces between the layers of the clay.
The treated clay is called organoclay or nanoclay that 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 resulting 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.
