The starch group at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center (WRRC), is researching the potential for making containers for the fast-food industry from wheat starch. Disposable containers containing potato starch, water, and cellulose fiber are currently being developed by the private sector. The cost of these containers could be substantially reduced if they were made from a starch that was less expensive, such as wheat starch.

Researchers at WRRC have developed formulations containing wheat starch that can be molded, using a wafer process, into lightweight foam panels. The panels, white in color, have densities in the range of 0.09 cc to 0.18cc. These results indicate that low-density foam panels with high tensile strength can be made using wheat starch in place of potato starch. The next phase of the research will involve applying various coatings to the starch-based panels and testing to determine their effect on water-vapor permeability. The Washington and Idaho Wheat Commissions provided seed money for this project. WRRC is seeking a commercial partner with expertise in bio-based packaging to join them in research and development.

Contact: Gregory Glenn at (510) 559-5677