Office of Environmental Sustainability
Cornware Utensils
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Corn Starch Products (CSP) - 100% compostable & biodegradable is the next step taken to make NUS canteens green. CSP is a new green alternative to regular disposable tableware and packaging materials as it requires significantly lesser fossil resources and generates far fewer greenhouse gases than conventional plastic. Therefore we should start reducing the use of “disposable-ware” and take this essential step towards a healthier future for our environment by using this renewable and sustainable resource instead. In fact, more than 750 million pieces of CSP’s oven-to-table service have been manufactured since its inception. |
CSP is made mainly from cornstarch which is blended and polymerized with aliphatic materials. These materials are completely biodegradable after 180 days and can also be used as fertilizers. CSP can withstand a temperature range of -20°C to 130°C and will not produce toxic smoke when incinerated. It also breaks down safely in a landfill/waste facility environment. There is also no toxic leach into the food stored in it. In addition, the durability of CSP is very high and it is completely oil and water proof.
CSP is among the first green products that can be used as bake ware as well as on the stovetop. Latest technology improvement also allows CSP to be microwaveable. The price of these products is also very much comparable to the conventional plastics.
In Singapore, a wide range of CSP brands have gained Singapore Environment Council’s Green Label. Whilst internationally, some CSP brands have been accredited by various recognised organisations, including ISO certification.
So, the next time you have a party, ditch styrofoam and plastics! Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils made from corn!
This write up was completed in May 2011 by Ramanathan Ramasamy, Intern with OES
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Related Sites
 Organic Food Recycling
Used Cooking Oil
Eco-Friendly Food Packaging
Cornware
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