1. What is considered as a truly green material?

A truly green product should be 100% Biodegradable and 100% Compostable.

2. Why must polypropylene be present in Origo? wouldn't it be better if only starch is the only component?

Pure starch though cheap, cannot be easily thermoformed and does not produce sound structural qualities. Meaning to say, even if the product can be shaped, the end product is not waterproof, extremely powdery in feel and crumbles easily once it comes into contact with fluids. This product fails to meet commercial expectations and the product range is very limited even though it is biodegradable, compostable and boasts of very low carbon emissions when incinerated.

A good percentage (70%) of food grade - genetically non modified starch blended with polypropylene (petrol plastic PP - 30%) forms the basis of Origo. The overall structure of the product is strong, non brittle, naturally slightly tinted (ivory coloration) and most importantly, very affordable. Only the starch blended portion will biodegrade and produce lesser carbon dioxide when incinerated. The PP portion will still take a long period of time to biodegrade. It is better for 30% of a disposable product to be plastic than a 100% worth of plastic – an overall reduction in our dependency on petroleum. This composition though affordable, is only partially biodegradable and compostable (starch based portion only).

3. Why must yam be included in the composition of CornWare. Why can't corn or yam be used as the sole material?

A small portion of yam is part of the formula to achieve the desired biodegradation capabilities together with corn starch. Using total corn or yam will not be able to achieve the industrial standard for biodegradability.

4. Can Cornware products be washed and used again?

Yes, you can use it as many times as you deem fit. However, prolonged usage may result in the product turning brittle.

5. Can CornWare be used in a convection oven or in a steamer?

CornWare can be used in a convection oven / steamer with temperatures not higher than 150 degree Celsius.

6. Is it microwaveable? If it is, how many minutes can it be? 

Yes it is. The prudent temperature is at 125 degrees Celsius although a high 150 degrees Celsius is allowed. Maximum microwaving duration can be set for 15 minutes.

7. What happens when Cornware is exposed to temperatures higher than 150 degrees Celsius?

No leaching will occur. However, the product may become softer than usual.

8. Will the product stain the food that it is in contact with?

No it will not. Staining is not possible as the corn fibres have been technologically assimilated. There might be a negligible thin layer of corn starch powder on certain products due to the nature of the production process for them. This layer is food grade standard in accordance to US FDA standards and is 100% safe for food contact.

9. At what levels of pH is it acid proof?

CornWare can take acidity as low as pH 4 which is more than sufficient for the majority of the acidic foodstuffs commonly used.

10. How long can Cornware be stored for?

In a dry and cool condition, it can be kept for at least 3 years.

After that, they will become brittle and the coloration will become more yellow. If the cartons are left open, then the expiry date will be shortened. Although they are still safe for usage, it is not advisable since they break easily upon contact and is no longer functional.

11. Will Cornware biodegrade if buried in my own garden?

Like all bio-plastics, biodegradation is meant to be done in a compost facility/landfill. The environment in a compost facility/landfill is optimised for biodegradation. This allows the bio-plastics to biodegrade in a relatively short time as compared to biodegrading in a garden.

12. Can Origo be recycled?

Technically, starch-based plastics like Origo can be recycled. However, the volume available for recycling is not huge enough due to the fact that usage of such bioplastics is not as widespread. It is therefore not justifiable to build and maintain such a recycling facility.

13. Can Origo be eaten?

OrigoTM cannot be digested by the human digestive system, although it is not poisonous even if accidentally swallowed. However, certain animals like ducks, chickens and fishes can digest it. In fact, used Origo is fed to such animals as part of their feedstock.

14. Why are some of the products uneven in coloration?

Minute fluctuations in certain electrical processes involved in the production procedure will inevitably result in slight differences in the coloration of the end products. Overall, we strive for ivory coloured products for aesthetic reasons.

15. Can printing be done?

Yes but for now, we can only incorporate the prints on cups and bowls only. Full colored prints can be done too. However we try to discourage printing as the process wastes energy and resources and is not in line with our company's mission. Besides, coloring might compromise the strength of the end product. Embossment is a better recommendation since this method of production is more resource efficient.

16. How does the usage of CornWare help Singaporeans to go green?

Since Origo consists of 70% starch, once the used disposable has been thrown away and incinerated in Singapore's context, that 70% of starch will produce far less carbon dioxide compared to a disposable that is made from a 100% worth of petroleum.

17. How do I know that CornWare is green and safe?

In order to penetrate and convince the international market, we have under our belt a bevy of international certificates (see accreditations) which fully acclaims us on the following, all of which are reviewed every term.

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