Flexible and water-stable biopolymer films for food and non-food packaging applications
Bio-based composite films made from corn starch reinforced with vetiver-derived cellulose fibers offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. The technology delivers flexible, water-stable packaging materials suitable for both food and non-food applications, supporting circular economy and renewable material goals.
Overview
This solution addresses the global challenge of single-use plastic pollution by replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics with bio-based composite films. The technology combines corn starch as a renewable matrix with cellulose fibers derived from vetiver roots, creating flexible and water-stable films suitable for food and non-food packaging applications. By utilizing agricultural residues and renewable feedstocks, this approach supports sustainability goals while delivering functional packaging materials.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Corn starch matrix reinforced with vetiver-derived alpha-cellulose fibers
- Nano-cellulose produced through ball milling of synthesized alpha-cellulose
- Solution casting fabrication method for uniform film production
- Variable reinforcement compositions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight) enabling tunable mechanical and barrier properties
- Potential for chemical modifications including acetylation, grafting, and etherification to further enhance performance
- Characterization validated through SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and DSC techniques for structural, thermal, and morphological analysis
- Applicable to films, fibers, and nano/micro particle formats derived from polysaccharides and proteins
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at the laboratory research and development stage. Initial composite formulations have been fabricated and characterized using established analytical techniques. Future validation will expand the polymer source base, develop additional product formats, and refine material properties through targeted chemical modifications to advance toward commercial readiness.
About PRESIDENCY UNIVERSITY
Presidency University is a large state private university in Bengaluru with more than 20,000 students and a professionally oriented academic profile. Its nearly 100-acre campus combines advanced laboratories, research facilities, prototyping resources, and sponsored-research support. Industry engagement runs through consultancy, industry-linked curricula, corporate partnerships, mentoring, internships, and access to Bengaluru’s technology ecosystem. The university reports support from national bodies including DST, DBT, UGC, and ICSSR. A Section 8 technology business incubator provides co-working, prototyping, investor access, and support for startup formation and scale-up.
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