Starch is a natural polysaccharide extracted from plants such as corn, wheat, potatoes and rice. It is used as a raw material in the production of bioplastics due to its biodegradability and its ability to be transformed into polymers, thus serving as an ecological alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Although many bioplastics, especially those based on starch, are designed to be biodegradable, the biodegradability of a bioplastic depends on its chemical composition and environmental conditions (such as humidity and temperature). Some bioplastics can completely decompose under industrial composting conditions, while others require specific conditions to degrade.

Bioplastics offer several advantages, including a reduction in dependence on petro-based plastics, potentially lower carbon footprint, and in many cases, better biodegradability. This can help reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment and promote the use of renewable resources.

Starch is first extracted from plant sources, then processed and mixed with various plasticizers and additives to improve its ability to be transformed. The mixture is then polymerized, often by microbial fermentation or other green chemistry methods, to produce long chain polymers. These polymers are finally transformed into final products through processes such as extrusion and molding.

The production costs of bioplastics can be higher than those of petroleum-based plastics, mainly due to relatively smaller production volumes and production technologies. However, with the increasing demand for more sustainable alternatives and the improvement of manufacturing processes, bioplastics are gradually becoming more competitive. Regulatory initiatives and tax incentives for environmentally friendly materials can also improve their economic competitiveness.