Compostable single-use commodities and associated methods

Abstract

Compostable polymeric resins are provided. The compostable polymeric resins are especially suitable for single-use plastic commodities such as cutlery, sauce cups, plates, and cup, and include a compostable polymer or copolymer and calcium carbonate. The compostable polymeric resins advantageously having desirable strength and biodegradability.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compostable resin formulation comprising:
 a compostable polymeric resin,   starch,   a biodegradable compatibilizer,   a mineral filler, and   titanium dioxide.   
     
     
         2 . The compostable resin formulation of  claim 1 , further comprising a biopolyester. 
     
     
         3 . The compostable resin formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the mineral filler comprises calcium carbonate. 
     
     
         4 . The compostable resin formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the mineral filler comprises between about 5% and about 30% of the compostable resin formulation by weight. 
     
     
         5 . The compostable resin of  claim 1 , wherein the compostable polymeric resin comprises cellulose acetate. 
     
     
         6 . The compostable resin of  claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable compatibilizer is polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, or polycaprolactam. 
     
     
         7 . The compostable resin of  claim 2 , wherein the biopolyester comprises polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, or polyhydroxybutyrate. 
     
     
         8 . The compostable resin of  claim 1 , wherein the compostable resin is suitable for injection molding. 
     
     
         9 . The compostable resin of  claim 1 , wherein the compostable resin is an increased strength compared to a comparable compostable resin without calcium carbonate.