Investigating the Use of Zea Mays (Cornstarch) Bioplastic as an Alternative to

Traditional Plastics

Science Investigatory Project (SIP)

10 – DIAMOND

EUI JIN G. CUADRO

EVA SOFIA I. SUBIATE

BERNICE JOY P. EUGENIO

GRACELE JIANNE T. DAQUEL

MARIAN MAE B. BAUTISTA

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND IT'S BACKGROUND

​ This chapter includes the introduction, objectives, hypothesis, scope, and limitation of

the study, the significance of the study, and the definition of terms used.

INTRODUCTION

Plastics' performance and adaptability make them essential to our society. Over 380 million

tons of plastic are produced annually by humans worldwide, with nearly half of that amount

going into single-use products. As a result, environmental issues have become more pressing.

The first environmental issue is ocean pollution, which harms sea life. With at least 2.7 million

metric tons of plastic garbage produced annually, the Philippines ranks third in the world for

plastic pollution, according to Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey (2015). It is believed that a

number of the rivers in the Manila metropolitan region serve as the primary routes for

land-based plastic garbage to enter the ocean (van Emmerik et al., 2020). The second issue is

that of sanitary landfills. According to an article published by the [Link], The Commission

On Audit (COA) report said as of 2021, there are 245 sanitary landfills in operation in the
Philippines. However, these barely cover 4,78, or 29.25 percent, of the 1,634 local government

units (LGUs) in the nation and are unable to handle the 12,091 tons of waste generated

annually, equivalent to almost 600 garbage trucks. Lastly, the greenhouse gases that cause

global climate change. Social concerns are raised by environmental issues, leading to the

development of bioplastics—an inventive and sustainable replacement for conventional plastic.

Bioplastics, which are produced from sustainable biomass sources like sugarcane, corn starch,

potato, wheat, and vegetable oils, have great potential to replace conventional plastics made

from fossil fuels. In general, their production reduces dependency on finite resources and

produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, alternative research has indicated a 25%

reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when conventional plastic is replaced with PLA

bioplastics derived from corn (Atiwesh et al., 2021). Because bioplastics are biodegradable and

compostable, they have the potential to reduce some of the environmental problems connected

to traditional plastics like ocean pollution. However, obstacles including cost, scalability,

processing, and infrastructure collection prevent bioplastics from being widely used.

Furthermore, the benefits they have for the environment depend on things like how land is used

to produce biomass and what energy sources are used for manufacturing. Investments in waste

management, sustainable procurement, and research are essential to maximizing these

advantages.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter provides an overview of the studies and literature that are relevant to and

necessary to finish this investigation.

In the study conducted by Arikan, E. B., & Ozsoy, H. D. (2015). A Review: Investigation of

Bioplastics, it is estimated that the worldwide bioplastics market is expanding at a rate of 20% to
25% annually. Some benefits include reduced carbon emissions, self-sufficiency, enhanced

energy efficiency, and environmental safety. They do, however, have certain drawbacks, like

high costs, recycling, using less raw resources, word misuse, and a lack of laws. Bioplastics

might be produced from by-products and recycling systems and production technologies could

be created for sustainability

In line with Momani, B. (2009). Assessment of the Impacts of Bioplastics: Energy Usage,

Fossil Fuel Usage, Pollution, Health Effects, Effects on the Food Supply, and Economic Effects

Compared to Petroleum Based Plastics, plastics have spread so easily throughout the modern

world because of its adaptability. In addition to having many other beneficial qualities, plastics

can be transparent or colored, stiff or flexible, brittle or robust. While certain plastics are good

insulators, others are electrically conductive. These kinds of vastly different qualities enable a

plastic to fill nearly any function. Plastics often have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which

makes them lighter and less bulky when used to make things. Plus, plastics are less expensive

substitutes for wood and metal in numerous applications, such as packaging.

Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the harm this causes to our ecosystem. According to the

same study cited in the first paragraph "A Review: Investigation of Bioplastics (2015)", Growing

volumes of plastic garbage have become an issue due to limited landfill capacity, increased

costs, and stringent regulations in many parts of the world. "Accumulation of plastics in oceans"

is the second environmental issue. For instance, one saltwater sample from long-term research

conducted in the North Atlantic found the equivalent of 580,000 plastic pieces per square

kilometer. Additionally, burning plastic releases harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.

From a study done by Saraswat Y., et al. (2014) Bioplastics from Starch, Since bioplastics

are made from renewable plant resources, there are many different ways to make plastics.
Compared to their conventional counterparts, one metric tonne of bio-plastics requires less

energy and produces 0.8–3.2 metric tonnes less carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it is free of

dangerous compounds like bisphenol A, which is included in several common plastics. Thus, it

is reasonable to say that, from the perspective of a financial executive, bioplastics are a way to

lower costs, and that, for astute industrialists and humanity as a whole, they represent a

promising future.

Limitations and downsides persist in all inventions, and bioplastics are no exception. In

Shamsuddin I. M., et al. (2017) Bioplastics as Better Alternative to Petroplastics and Their Role

in National Sustainability: A Review, it is possible to make bioplastics from plant cellulose,

starch, proteins, oils, and lignin (wood). Similar to polymers, Bioplastics are made of

interconnected molecules that join to produce biopolymers or lengthy polymer chains. Most

Bioplastics can decompose in the surroundings by microbes through a procedure known as

biodegradation. This method generates water and CO2 in an aerobic environment or CH4

operating in anaerobic environments (without air), such as in a landfill.

The most important drawback of PHA production is its production cost, but the good news

is that the price of PHA production is decreasing, whereas petroleum oil price is increasing

constantly. This further supports the idea that, even with the high cost of mass production, it is a

worthwhile investment given that it will end up being more cost-effective and superior over time.

In recent years, a study about recent developments in the application of bioplastic was

initiated from Cruz, R. M., et al. (2022). Bioplastics for Food Packaging: Environmental Impact,

Trends and Regulatory Aspects. The study introduced the idea of using bioplastic as a potential

to replace conventional plastics in the food packaging industry. The report shows that, however,

the current limitation is mainly due to the poor mechanical properties and barrier properties of
starch-based packaging materials due to the properties of starch itself. Researchers can solve

this problem by physically or chemically modifying starch or mixing it with other biopolymers and

functional additives. After meeting the basic conditions of food packaging, starch-based active

packaging can be prepared by adding antioxidant or anti-bacterial substances, which can

extend the shelf life of food and reduce food waste. Starch time and temperature indicator films

can detect food freshness in real time by the color reaction. Starch-based films are widely used

in food packaging and have a good protective effect on fresh food. In the future, it will be

possible to prepare active or smart packaging using starch-based materials.

As technology advances, innovations in production processes are expected. In a study by

Palsra, S., & Chauhan, C. (2020). Bioplastics-Environment Friendly and Innovative Plastic: A

Review, the global market of bioplastics (report in Allied Market Research) was valued at

$21,126.31 million in 2017 and expected to reach $68,577.25 million by 2024, registering a

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18.8% from 2018 to 2024.

With a production capacity of 2.05 million tons in 2017, the global bioplastics industry is

expected to reach 2.44 million tons by 2022. Bioplastics are growing at a rate of 20-25% per

year, while conventional plastics are only growing at a rate of 4-9% per year. According to the

estimation of the European bioplastics industry, the global bioplastics industry will experience a

growth of over 20% per year. The only drawback of the global bioplastics demand is the high

production cost in comparison to conventional plastics.

OBJECTIVES

General Objective:
 ●​ To investigate cornstarch bioplastic as a potential alternative to petroleum-based

based plastics.

Specific Objectives:

●​ To develop a sustainable bioplastic using Zea mays (cornstarch) as the primary

exponent.

●​ To assess the sustainability attributes, including durability, biodegradability, and

cost-effectiveness of bioplastics.

●​ To compare the efficacy of bioplastics with traditional petroplastics.

HYPOTHESES

This research conducts a meticulous examination of bioplastics, positioning them as a

potential alternative to traditional petroplastics. The hypotheses formulated are outlined as

follows:

●​ Null Hypothesis (Ho): Cornstarch bioplastics exhibit no significant difference in

sustainability attributes compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

●​ Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): Cornstarch bioplastics exhibit a significantly higher level of

sustainability attributes compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

In the overarching narrative, the primary objective is to rigorously examine the potential of

cornstarch bioplastics as a superior alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This

research aims not only to introduce bioplastics as an alternative material but also to assert their

superiority as a conscientious choice for those seeking to adopt a more environmentally

sustainable option. The ultimate goal is to position cornstarch bioplastics as the forefront
solution, transcending their role as mere alternatives and establishing them as the preferred

choice to replace the conventional plastics deeply ingrained in our daily lives. The hypotheses

put forth to challenge the status quo, suggesting that cornstarch bioplastics exhibit significantly

higher sustainability attributes compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, thus

advocating for their widespread adoption as a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.​ What are the most effective methods for producing cornstarch bioplastic while ensuring

sustainability and durability?

2.​ How do the sustainability attributes (durability, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness)

of cornstarch bioplastic compare to those of traditional petroleum-based plastics?

3.​ What are the environmental impacts of cornstarch bioplastic compared to traditional

petroleum-based plastic?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The present study to be conducted relating to Bioplastics greatly benefits:

The Public. This study provides the public with facts, data, and information concerning the

potential of bioplastics to replace traditional plastics giving them a wider range of understanding

through the use of cornstarch.

LGUs. This research provides facts, data, and information to Local Government Units about

the use of bioplastics that may help to resolve the prevailing plastic pollution in our country.
 Farmers. This study aids farmers with information and awareness about zea mays starch

that may help them with their income in the future with the development of bioplastics in the

market industry.

Students. This research provides students with further knowledge, skills, and information

about the use of cornstarch as an alternative to conventional plastics that may help them in their

academics and future research.

Future Researchers. This study helps researchers to acquire new knowledge about the

significance of Bioplastic as a possible alternative to petroleum-based plastics, and it also may

provide them with innovations that may help to make it possible to be used as a substitute for

environmentally harmful plastics in the market.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The main goal of this study is to thoroughly investigate, examine, and develop a practical

and highly efficient method for creating a strong, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, bioplastic film.

This will involve experimenting with processing techniques, and additives to optimize the film’s

properties.

The study will only be focusing on starch-based bioplastic as the materials used were only

limited to water, vinegar, starch (Cassava or Corn), and Glycerol.

While striving for depth, this study acknowledges certain limitations. The exclusive focus on

starch-based bioplastic might restrict insights into alternative materials. Additionally, variations in

the types of starch used (such as cassava or corn) could potentially add complexities that the
study might not fully capture. The outcomes from certain areas could potentially be influenced

by the restricted resources that were considered.

The study is scheduled to commence in February of 2024 and is expected to last for two

months. The timeline includes the experimentation, the data analysis, and the creation of the

final bioplastic film.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Arikan, E. B., & Ozsoy, H. D. (2015). A Review: Investigation of Bioplastics.

Momani, B. (2009). Assessment of the Impacts of Bioplastics: Energy Usage, Fossil Fuel

Usage, Pollution, Health Effects, Effects on the Food Supply, and Economic Effects Compared

to Petroleum Based Plastics.

Saraswat, Y., Patel, M., Sagar, T., & Shil, S. (2014, December). Bioplastics From Starch.

Shamsuddin, I. M., Jafar, J. A., Shawai, A. S. A., Yusuf, S., Lateefah, M., & Aminu, I. (2017).

Bioplastics As Better Alternative to Petroplastics and Their Role in National Sustainability: A

Review.
Cruz, R. M., Krauter, V., Krauter, S., Agriopoulou, S., Weinrich, R., Herbes, C., ... & Varzakas, T.

(2022). Bioplastics for Food Packaging: Environmental Impact, Trends and Regulatory Aspects.

Palsra, S., & Chauhan, C. (2020). Bioplastics-Environment Friendly and Innovative Plastic: A

Review

Emmerik T. V., Klaveren J. V., Palmos D. A., Tachuling M. A., (2020) Manila River Mouths Act as

Temporary Sinks for Macroplastic Pollution

Ashter, S. A. (2016). Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering

Atiwesh, G., Mikhael, A., Parrish, C. C., Banoub, J., & Le, T. A. T. (2021). Environmental Impact

of Bioplastic Use: A Review

Revisions:

●​ Rephrased introduction

●​ The use of “et al.”

●​ Reorganization of the RRL

●​ New Objectives

●​ New Hypothesis
●​ New Research Questions

●​ Application of the APA-style Format