Corn starch dinnerware refers to disposable eco-friendly tableware made mainly from corn starch through bio-based material processing technology. This kind of dinnerware takes advantage of the thermoplasticity of corn starch and is formed through injection molding, compression molding and other processes. It is an important part of the biodegradable tableware market.

Production Process Flow

Raw Material Proportions and Pretreatment

According to the requirements of GB 4806.7-2023, the raw material proportions for corn starch dinnerware are as follows:

• Corn starch: 70% - 85% (conforming to the GB/T 8885-2017 standard for edible corn starch)
• Polylactic acid (PLA): 10% - 20%
• Food-grade plasticizer: 3% - 5%
• Other additives: 2% - 5%

Production Process Flow:

1. Raw material pretreatment: Dry corn starch at 80℃ for 4 hours to reduce moisture content to ≤1%
2. Mixing process: Use a high-speed mixer to blend raw materials according to the formula ratio, with temperature controlled at 60±5℃
3. Plasticizing extrusion: Use a twin-screw extruder with segmented temperature control:
   • Zone 1: 120-130℃
   • Zone 2: 140-150℃
   • Zone 3: 150-160℃
   • Die head: 155-165℃
4. Hot pressing molding: Mold under 160-180℃ and 10-15MPa pressure
5. Cooling and shaping: Use a segmented cooling process with a cooling rate controlled at 1-2℃/s
6. Edge trimming: Remove burrs with an automated edge trimming machine
7. Quality inspection: Conduct full inspection according to GB 18006.3-2020 standard
8. Ultraviolet disinfection: Irradiate with 254nm ultraviolet light for 30 minutes
9. Aseptic packaging: Complete packaging in a 10,000-level clean workshop

Product Features of Corn Starch Dinnerware

1. Raw Material Sustainability

• Raw Material Source: Primarily non-food corn and processing by-products are used
• Resource Efficiency: 0.8 tons of dinnerware can be produced from each ton of corn starch
• Carbon Footprint: 60% lower than traditional plastics (Data source: China Plastics Processing Industry Association 2024)

2. Environmentally Friendly Production Processes

• Wastewater Discharge: No process wastewater is discharged during production
• Energy Consumption Index: The comprehensive energy consumption is reduced by 40-50% compared to traditional plastics
• VOC Emission: Volatile organic compound emissions are less than 10mg/m³

3. Performance Indicators

Physical Properties (in accordance with GB/T 18006.2-2020):

Safety Performance:

• Bisphenol A: Not detected (Detection limit: 0.01 mg/kg)
• Heavy metal migration: Complies with the limit requirements of GB 31604.1-2015
• Microbial indicators: Total colony count < 100 CFU/g

4. Degradation Characteristics

Industrial Composting Conditions (in accordance with GB/T 38082-2021):

• 45-day biodegradation rate: ≥ 60%
• 90-day biodegradation rate: ≥ 90%
• Final products: CO₂, H₂O and biomass

Under natural conditions:

• Soil degradation cycle: 12 - 24 months
• Ecotoxicity of degradation products: Tested in accordance with GB/T 27855-201

Technical Advantages

1. Environmental Friendliness

• Renewable raw materials: Corn is an annual crop and can be sustainably supplied
• Complete degradation: It degrades completely into harmless substances under suitable conditions
• Carbon emission reduction: The carbon emissions throughout its life cycle are reduced by 2.1 tons per ton of product compared to traditional plastics

2. Convenience of Use

• Microwave Compatibility: Can be heated for 3 minutes at 800W power
• Refrigeration Performance: Resistant to low temperatures of -25℃
• Hot Food Serving: Can withstand short-term exposure to 100℃ high temperatures

3. Safety and Reliability

• Free of harmful substances: No bisphenol A, phthalates, etc.
• Food contact safety: Certified by GB 4806.7-2023
• Comfortable to use: Smooth surface, comfortable touch

Performance and Economic Efficiency

Excellent Performance Characteristics

According to the 2024 research report from "Packaging Engineering", the tensile strength of the corn starch dinner plates reaches 25-35 MPa, and their carrying capacity exceeds 2.5 kg, fully meeting the daily usage requirements. The surface smoothness is comparable to that of traditional plastics, providing an excellent user experience.

Economic Efficiency is Continuously Improving

With technological advancements and large-scale production, the cost of corn starch dinner plates has been steadily decreasing. Industry data shows that the cost has dropped by 35% compared to 2020 in 2023, and it is expected to be on par with traditional plastic tableware by 2025.

Correct Disposal Methods

After use, the corn starch plates should be disposed of in accordance with local waste classification requirements. In areas with industrial composting facilities, it is recommended to place them in the food waste or dedicated compostable waste collection points. It should be noted that although the corn starch plates are biodegradable, they still need to be subjected to specific conditions to achieve complete decomposition. Therefore, they should not be casually discarded in the natural environment.

Development Prospects and Outlook

According to the "Action Plan for Plastic Pollution Control in the 14th Five-Year Plan" issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, by 2025, the annual production of degradable plastic products will reach 2 million tons. Corn starch plates, as an important component, are expected to occupy 30% of the market share. With the enhancement of consumers' environmental awareness and the continuous promotion of policies, corn starch plates are expected to achieve large-scale popularization within the next five years.

Conclusion

Each of us can contribute to environmental protection by choosing eco-friendly products like corn starch plates. With the continuous advancement of technology and the continuous reduction of costs, corn starch plates will surely become an important carrier for building a green and low-carbon lifestyle, injecting new impetus into the construction of a beautiful China.