Washington, Oct 5  Packaging foams like those that keep computer monitors firmly in place inside cardboard boxes could be made with eco-friendly starch from potatoes, wheat or corn, instead of from petroleum, says a new research.

Opting for starch in place of petroleum-derived polystyrene (foam) would lessen the US dependence on petroleum, says plant physiologist Gregory M. Glenn of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in California.

For nearly two decades, Glenn has been developing and patenting innovative "green" techniques for transforming common place plant starches like the silky white cornstarch kept in kitchen cupboards everywhere into convenient, biodegradable foamed goods like shipping liners, dinnerware and more.

Co-inventor Simon K. Hodson collaborated with Glenn in developing two recent technologies. Both approaches yield strong, durable, and versatile biofoams that look like familiar polystyrene foam goods.

Like those conventional foams, the biofoams can be manufactured to a range of densities and can be die-cut or moulded into a seemingly limitless array of shapes, sizes and thicknesses, says an ARS release.

These biofoams aren't waterproof, but a moisture barrier, made from plant sources such as corn, can be added, ensuring that the finished foam is still derived exclusively from renewable, biodegradable resources. (IANS)