What is PSM?
Plastarch Material (PSM for short) is a resin made from corn starch designed suppliment or even replace conventional petroleum based plastic. Years of research in pursuit of bio-based and compostable alternatives to traditional plastics has lead to the development of a process that converts corn starch successfully into a material which displays plastic characteristics. In addition to a high percentage of corn starch，PSM contains several additional natural modifying agents, providing a variety of resin options including the bio-based HL-100 series and compostable HL-300 series. The HL-100 series resins can provide all the properties of a traditional resins with the benefits found by blending in renewable resources. While the HL-100 resins are not fully biodegradable or compostable, they do offer a high bio-based content. HL-300 series resins are perfect for applications where the finish product is intended to be composted. HL-300 series resins are fully compliant with EN13432 and ASTM D6400 compostability standards.
PSM resins are ideal for a wide variety of applications including food packaging (even microwavable containers), industrial packaging, medical products and disposable items. The high heat tolerance and other superior manufacturing characteristics make it a great fit for many thermoforming, injection molding, blown film, and foaming applications. For applications where commercial composting is the preferred end of life option, then HL-300 resin are ideal
The PSM Advantage
PSM offers many advantages over conventional petroleum based plastics and alternative manufacturing materials.
| Item | Traditional Petroleum-based Plastics | PSM Bio-based Materials (HL-100 series) | PSM Biodegradable Materials (HL-300 series) |
| Source of Raw Material | Non-renewable resources | Partially renewable resources | Substantially renewable resources |
| Temperature Tolerance | High | High | High |
| Compostability | Non-compostable | Non-compostable | Fully Compostable |
| Combustability | Harmful gas emissions | Safe Combustion | Safe Combustion |
| Price point | Competitive | Competitive | Higher |
| Price stability | Fluctuates with price of crude oil | Stable | Continues to fall |
PSM Raw Material for Manufacturing
PSM Granular Resin
Bio-based Resin
- HL-101 Blown Film formulation
- HL-102 Extrusion/Sheet formulation
- HL-103 Injection mold grade
- HL-104 Foaming grade
Biodegradable/Compostable Resin
- HL-301 Blown Film formulation
- HL-302 Extrusion/Sheet formulation
- HL-303 Injection mold series
- HL-304 Foaming grade
PSM Sheet Material
- HL-201 Plate and Sheet Material
Final Product
- Trays
- Bowls
- Cups
- Plates
- Utensils
- Hangers
- Golf tees
- Packing foam
- Tooth brushes