The transition toward sustainability and a circular economy requires addressing the growing issue of post-consumer plastic waste, which poses significant environmental and economic challenges. Biopolymers derived from renewable resources offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Among these, corn starch is a widely available and cost-effective polymer with strong potential for developing biodegradable and compostable materials aligned with circular economy principles.
As part of the SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS project (WP1 – PPS1), this study presents the formulation and characterisation of biopolymer blends incorporating varying concentrations of corn starch. The mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of the blends were systematically evaluated, and the formulations were optimised for the injection moulding process. The results highlight the impact of starch content on material performance, providing valuable insights for the design of sustainable polymer systems for industrial applications.