Tapioca
• Tapioca is a starch extracted from the storage roots of the cassava plant.
• It is a staple food in many parts of the world and its flour is used as a thickening agent in many preparations
• It is also used to manufacture biodegradable packaging.
• It is a staple food in many parts of the world and its flour is used as a thickening agent in many preparations
• It is also used to manufacture biodegradable packaging.
The starch is processed into several forms: hot soluble powder, meal, pre-cooked fine or coarse flakes, rectangular sticks and spherical "pearls".
Brazil, Thailand and Nigeria are the world's largest producers of cassava. Currently, Thailand accounts for about 60 percent of worldwide exports.
It is used to make biodegradable, anti-microbial coatings and packaging for food. It is a viable plastic replacement and is renewable, reusable and recyclable.
Additives can be added to tapioca to enhance the physical, chemical and thermal properties.
Other tapioca resin products include gloves, capes and aprons.