Starch-based bioplastic may be as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, study finds

Bioplastics, heralded for supposedly breaking down more quickly, can cause similar health problems to other plastics

Starch-based bioplastic that is said to be biodegradable and sustainable is potentially as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, and can cause similar health problems, new peer-reviewed research finds.

Bioplastics have been heralded as the future of plastic because they break down quicker than petroleum-based plastic, and they are often made from plant-based material such as corn starch, rice starch or sugar.