Have you ever thought about making your biodegradable food packaging? If you have a small business or you want to make use of this in your home, there’s an easy way that you can come up with homemade biodegradable plastic cups, and it’s easy to do.
Bioplastic is derived from a renewable resource, and it’s not that complicated to make. In fact, it can be made in your kitchen. So, the question is, how do you make it? We have listed a step by step procedure here for you to follow. Once you get everything just right, you can create your bowls, glasses, cups, anything that has to do with homeware all at your disposal.
What is Bioplastic?
Before getting started, you first need to know what you are making. Bioplastic is made out of resources like cellulose or starch. Unlike ordinary plastic that contains harmful ingredients like petroleum, bioplastic is eco friendly and biodegradable. This kind of plastic has a lot of advantages, and the most common are made out of Polylactic Acid or PLA.
Cooking Procedure for Making Bioplastic
Okay, so now that you know what you are making, its time to get down to business. Bioplastic is very easy to make. Here’s how to do it:
What you will need:
- 1 tsp vinegar – make sure that it has 5% acidity
- 4 tbsp water
- Cooking spoon
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin – This can be bought at any local pharmacy
- 1 tbsp potato, corn or any other starch
- Hot plate
- Cooking pot
- Aluminum foil
How to make it:
Step 1: Using a cooking pot, mix 4 tbsp of water with starch.
Step 2: Add 1 tsp of vinegar into the mix
Step 3: Add 1 tsp of glycerin into the mix
Step 4: Mix the ingredients thoroughly inside the pot on medium heat. Make sure to stir it continuously. As you mix it, you should see the mixture turn clear and gel-like. As soon as it starts to bubble, the mixture is already ready to be removed from the heat. Do not keep it in the pot because it will burn when left there too long.
Step 5: Once the gel is ready, transfer it into a flat sheet of aluminum foil, parchment paper, or mold.
Step 6: Leave it there to cool for about an hour and then shape the material to form the appropriate design that you want. It could be a cup, or a bowl, or anything. If you are having a hard time shaping it, you can use a mug to develop it, or you can use your hands.
Step 7: As soon as you get the design that you want, and you have managed to shape it properly, let it cool for about 24 hours.
Done! If you want to be a little creative, you can add some color solutions.
