The danger of plastic waste is terrible. Not only polluting water and soil conditions, plastic has also pollute the oceans and threatened the survival of marine animals.

Therefore, we need to consider the use of bioplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics. Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics which environmentally friendly . Amazingly, you can make your own bioplastic at home.

How to Make Bioplastic for Various Packaging

Below we will discuss how to make simple bioplastics at home. It will certainly be more economical and be a fun activity with children. Watch it right away, OK?

1. Providing Materials

Before starting how to make bioplastic, you need to provide all the necessary materials. There are various combinations of materials for how to make bioplastics environmentally friendly . Among them:

1 ml white vinegar

10 ml water

1.5 g corn flour

0.5-1.5 g glycerol

1-2 drops food coloring (optional)

Food coloring is only used if you want a way to make bioplastic with a certain color. Otherwise, the bioplastic will have a clear or transparent color.

Meanwhile, glycerol or also called glycerin, can be purchased at chemical stores or purchased in online marketplaces.

Next, prepare the necessary equipment, including:

• Pot
• Spatula
• Stove
• Aluminum foil paper
• Toothpick

2. Mix the ingredients into the pot

After making sure all the ingredients are available, we will now mix all the ingredients into the pan, except for the food coloring. Actually, how to make bioplastic is quite easy, it doesn't even matter if the order is not according to the recipe when you put it in the pan.

Use a silicone or heat-resistant spatula when stirring and mixing all ingredients until combined. Keep stirring gently until all the lumps are gone or well blended.

Don't worry if the mixture turns milky and watery. Because, it should be like that at the stage of mixing how to make bioplastics.

If you accidentally add the wrong amount of ingredients, start over.

3. Heat the Pan to Medium

After all the ingredients are well mixed, place the pot on the stove. Then, heat it on medium heat. Stir all the ingredients continuously again slowly while heating over the heat, until it boils.

Later, when heated the mixture will appear to thicken and become clearer or transparent. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, being careful not to overheat the mixture.

Avoid heating the mixture for too long as it will form like lumps. Next, if you want to add color to your bioplastic, add a little bit of food coloring while continuing to stir slowly.

4. Pour the mixture on the aluminum foil paper

Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and spread it on a sheet of aluminum foil. Be careful because this bioplastic is very hot.

If you see any bubbles, pop them with a toothpick. Also note that if you want to print bioplastic into a certain shape, do it immediately before the mixture cools down.

5. Store Bioplastic in a Cool and Dry Place

Finally, how to make bioplastics is to store or put bioplastics in a cool and dry place. Allow up to 2-3 days for the bioplastic to harden during this drying phase.

Keep in mind, if you use a thicker mold or shape, it usually takes longer to dry.

How to make bioplastics for shopping bags

First of all, it is important to note that bio plastic bags are a type of packaging made from natural or vegetable materials, so that these plastic bags can be biodegraded.

The main purpose of how to make bioplastic for shopping bags is to reduce environmental damage and prevent climate change impacts . Several types of bioplastic bags are made from very popular raw materials such as potatoes, corn, and soybeans.

However, there are also several other materials that can be used to make biodegradable bioplastics. Among them: jute bags, paper bags, wooden bags, and others. Everything can be made at home while making quality time with children and family.

1. Materials Provided

In general, corn flour is one of the main ingredients needed in the process of making bioplastics for shopping bags. In addition, there are other ingredients such as vinegar, water, and glycerin.

In addition to these ingredients, you will need a container and a spoon. Next, provide a non-stick pan or container to make it easier to stir the bioplastic mixture.

2. Steps of Making Bioplastics

Now, let's start how to make bioplastic for shopping bags. Follow these steps:

• Take a container or pan.
• Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• Add 4 tablespoons of water and mix with cornstarch until dissolved.
• Add 1 tablespoon of glycerin, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and mix well.
• Once well mixed, heat it over low heat while continuing to stir.
• When the dough is not lumpy and the texture is thick, turn off the stove and remove from heat.
• Leave the dough on the surface of the non-stick pan.
• When the dough is finished heating, you can immediately shape it to make shopping bags. It's important not to wait until it cools down, as it will harden and be difficult to shape.
• After forming the bag, let it dry for 2-3 days.

And that's the process of how to make bioplastics environmentally friendly . Besides being easy to make at home, the ingredients can also be easily obtained around the house. It might not work at first, but don't worry! Keep trying.

You can also use other organic ingredients such as banana flour, potato starch, oranges, mangoes, tomatoes, and others. You can also experiment with other organic ingredients at home. So, what about you, are you interested in making your own bioplastic bag at home? Good luck.