BIODEGRADABLE MOISTURE-IMPERMEABLE PACKAGES FOR CONSUMER GOODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing
date of United States Provisional Application No. 61/025,518,
filed February 1, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to biodegradable
packages that are shaped to contain a wide variety of consumer
goods, including for example, cosmetic compositions.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] The disposal of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable
(non-renewable) waste is a pressing environmental challenge.
Contributing to the problem is the disposal of packaging
materials for a variety of household and personal care
products. These materials are typically are made of plastic
and/or metal.
[0004] Various attempts have been made to address this
problem. International Patent Application Publication
WO 91/06601, for example, teaches biodegradable polymer
compositions containing one or more polymers and a filler.
The filler contains a degradation-enhancing material and a
biodegradable safening material. , According to the
specification, the safening material inhibits the degrading
activity of the enhancing material. Thus, once the safening
material is degraded, the activity of the degradation enhancer
is restored.
[0005] International Patent Application Publication
WO 96/03886 teaches biodegradable moldings for packaging food
or non-food products. The moldings contain a self supporting
base, obtained by baking a suspension based on a starch
product, and a water-resistant film made of wax components.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060265952
Al teaches containers dimensioned and configured so as to

accommodate consumable products such as cosmetics, hair and
skin care products, foods, small appliances and optical disks.
The containers are made of a biodegradable material containing
plant seed.
[0007] U.S. Patent 6,533,854 teaches shaped bodies useful
as packaging materials. The bodies are made from a bakeable
mass produced by mixing from 7.8 to 8.5% by weight of
cellulosic fibers, from 16.1 to 17.6% by weight of native
starch, from 5.4 to 6.0% by weight of pregelatinized starch
and from 68.0 to 70.6% by weight of water. The bakeable mass
is formed into a shaped body and then baked to produce a
biodegradable package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to biodegradable
packages that can be made at least predominantly, and in some
cases, entirely from food-grade ingredients. Thus, the
packages of the present invention are both environmentally
friendly and made of renewable ingredients. In addition, they
may be shaped and configured to contain a wide variety of
consumer goods, especially cosmetic compositions. The
biodegradable packages contain at least one shaped body that
in preferred embodiments is rigid or substantially rigid so
the package maintains its shape and ability to hold the
consumer good during prolonged storage without breaking.
[0009] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention
is directed to a biodegradable package, comprising a first
shaped body formed from a first composition that contains:
(i) a source of starch; (ii) a strengthening agent; (iii)a
binding agent; (iv) a plasticizer; and a first moisture-
impermeable film covering at least a portion of the first body.
In preferred embodiments, the package contains a cosmetic
composition that is easily removable.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is directed
to biodegradable package, made by a process comprising:

(a) preparing a moldable composition comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a starch-containing material;
(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and
(v) a plasticizer;
(b) introducing the moldable composition into a
mold to form a shaped body;
(c) baking the shaped body; and then
(d) covering at least a portion of the shaped body
with a moisture-impermeable film.
[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is directed
to a moldable composition, comprising: (i) a solvent
comprising water; (ii) a starch-containing material; (iii) a
strengthening agent; (iv) a binding agent; and (v) a
plasticizer. In preferred. embodiments, the moldable
composition further contains a bulking agent. In other
preferred embodiments, the moldable composition contains water
in an amount of about 2 0% to about 30% by weight, the starch-
containing material in an amount of about 35% to about 45% by
weight, the strengthening agent in an amount of about 6% to
about 12% by weight, the binding agent in an amount of about
0.5% to about 1.5% by weight, the plasticizer in an amount
of about 3% to about 6% by weight, and the bulking agent in an
amount of about 12% to about 18% by weight, wherein all the
amounts are based on total weight of the moldable composition.
In other preferred embodiments, the moldable composition is
characterized in that the starch-containing material includes
long-grain rice flour, the strengthening agent includes oat
fibers, the binding agent includes sodium chloride, the
plasticizer includes vegetable shortening and gluten, and the
bulking agent includes sucrose and maltodextrin.

[0012] Yet a fourth aspect of the present invention is
directed to a process for making a biodegradable package,
comprising a first shaped body, wherein the process comprises:
(a) preparing a first moldable composition
comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a source of starch;
(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and
(v) a plasticizer;
(b) introducing the first moldable composition into
a mold to form the first shaped body;
(c) baking the first shaped body; and
(d) covering at least a portion of the first shaped
body with a first moisture-impermeable film.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic exploded view of a
package in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a highly schematic exploded view of a
package in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015] The term "biodegradable" as used herein is generally
known in the art as a material capable of being broken down
especially into innocuous products by the action of living
things (such as microorganisms). Thus, the present invention
contemplates that one or more ingredients used to make the
moldable composition and/or the moisture-impermeable, film-
forming composition may be substituted with non-food-grade
equivalents to the extent that the biodegradability of the
package is not compromised.
[0016] The term "food-grade" as used herein refers to an
ingredient that is ingestible by, and non-toxic, to humans. A

food-grade ingredient, as used in the present invention, does
not necessarily impart palatability or nutrition to a food
product. Thus, Applicants' usage of the term "food-grade" is
believed to be substantially consistent with the criteria
described in Chapter 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In
addition, harvesting of any food-grade ingredients for use in
the present invention will have a negligible impact on the
global food supply.
[0017] Other than in the operating examples, or where
otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of
ingredients and/or reaction conditions are to be understood as
being modified in all instances by the term "about," which for
purposes of the present invention may be ±20% by weight, and
in some other embodiments ±10% by weight, or ±5% by weight of
any given value described herein.
[0018] MOLDABLE COMPOSITIONS
[0019] The packages of the present invention are formed
from moldable compositions which, in turn, are made from
biodegradable ingredients. These ingredients include a
solvent which includes water, a starch-containing material, a
strengthening agent, a binding agent, a plasticizer, and
optional ingredients such as bulking agents and auxiliary
agents. In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of these
ingredients, and desirably all of these ingredients, are of a
food-grade.
[002 0] SOLVENT
[0021] Suitable solvents for use in the present invention
include water. Water is typically employed in an amount of at
least about 5% by weight, preferably at least about 10% by
weight, and more preferably at least about 20% by weight of
the moldable composition. The upper limit is relatively
unimportant in the sense that excess water will evaporate with
baking. However, in preferred embodiments, the amount of

water is selected to avoid unduly long baking times. Thus,
amounts of water generally range from about 5% to about 60% by
weight, preferably from about 10% to about 50% by weight, and
more preferably from about 2 0% to about 3 0% by weight, based
on the weight of the total moldable composition.
[0022] Additional water-miscible solvents may be present,
including, for example, glycols, e.g., ethyl, propyl and butyl
glycols.
[0023] The amount of solvent present in the shaped body
included in the package, e.g., after baking, is typically less
than about 5% by weight, preferably less than about 3% by
weight, and more preferably less than about 1% by weight,
based on the total weight of the shaped body.
[0024] STARCH-CONTAINING MATERIAL
[0025] Suitable starch-containing materials for use in the
present invention are derived from vegetable sources such as
corn, tapioca, wheat, rice, rye, barley, millet, oats,
sorghum, and the like, including combinations thereof. These
sources of starch are most conveniently available commercially
in the form of flour. Two main constituents of starch are
amylase and amylopectin. Amylase provides stiffness and
rigidity to the shaped body, due in part to its ability to
form a gel when hydrated and then form a rigid solid upon
cooling. In addition, it is non-sticky relative to
amylopectin. Amylopectin, on the other hand, becomes
relatively viscous when hydrated, with less gel strength than
amylopectin. Thus, preferred starch-containing materials are
those which possess high amounts of amylase relative to
amylopectin. One such material is long-grain rice flour which
is particularly preferred for use in the present invention.
[0026] Other starch-containing materials, including those
in which the starch has been chemically modified, obtained by
fermentation, or derived from recombinant origin, may also be
useful.

[0027] Useful starch-containing materials may further
include starch derivatives, i.e., those sources of starch
whose properties have been altered by changing the natural
amylase/amylopectin ratio or by carrying out a
pregelatinization, a partial hydrolytic degradation or a
chemical derivatization.
[0028] In preferred embodiments, the source of starch is
substantially free of gluten, which for purposes of the
present invention refers to a source of starch that contains
less than about 0.5% by weight of gluten, based on the total
weight of the moldable composition.
[0029] The starch-containing material, e.g., vegetable
flour, is typically present in an amount of at least about 25%
by weight, preferably at least about 30% by weight, and more
preferably at least about 35% by weight, based on the weight
of the moldable composition. Thus, amounts of the starch-
containing material generally range from about 25% to about
55% by weight, and in some embodiments, from about 30% to
about 50% by weight, and in some other embodiments, from about
35% to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the
moldable composition.
[0030] STRENGTHENING AGENT
[0 031] Strengthening agents lend rigidity and structure to
the molded composition. Suitable food-grade strengthening
agents for use in the present invention include cellulosic
fibers. The cellulosic fibers may be obtained, from oak, pine,
maple, straw, corn stalks, rice hulls, wheat, oat, barley, oat
chaff, coconut shells, peanut shells, walnut shells, jute,
bagasse, bamboo, flax, kenaff, and the like (including various
cellulosic gums), including any combination of the foregoing.
The fibers will typically possess the following properties: a
length of at least about 20 microns; a moisture content of at
least about 8% by weight, based on the weight of the fiber;

and an ash content of no more than about 5% by weight, based
on the weight of the fiber.
[0032] A particularly preferred strengthening agent is oat
fiber, which may contain as much as 96% or more fiber (e.g.,
about 70% cellulose and about 25% hemicellulose), and wherein
the fibers may have an average length of about 250 microns and
an average thickness of about 25 microns.
[0033] The strengthening agent is typically employed in an
amount of at least about 2% by weight, preferably at least
about 4% by weight, and most preferably at least about 6% by
weight, based on the weight of the moldable composition. Too
much of the strengthening agent, e.g., fibers, should be
avoided - the shaped body would be subject to tearing when
sheared, causing deformation in the final surface. Thus,
amounts of the strengthening agent generally range from about
2% to about 20% by weight, and in some embodiments, from about
4% to about 16% by weight, and in some other embodiments, from
about 6% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of
the moldable composition.
[0034] BINDING AGENT
[0035] Binding agents aid in rigidity and decrease spoilage
(due to microorganisms). Salts, e.g., alkali metal and
alkaline earth metal salts, may be suitable binding agents. A
preferred binding agent is sodium chloride, such as table salt
(e.g., commercially available from Cargill under the tradename
Diamond® salt).
[0036] The binding agent is typically employed in an amount
of at least about 0.1% by weight, preferably at least about
0.2 5% by weight, and most preferably at least about 0.5% by
weight, based on the total weight of the moldable composition.
Thus, amounts of the binding agent generally range from about
0.1% to about 5%, and in some embodiments, from about 0.25% to
about 2.5%, and in some other embodiments, from about 0.5% to

about 1.5%, based on the total weight of the moldable
composition.
[0037] PLASTICIZER
[0038] A plasticizer is used to lend pliability to the
composition prior to baking. In those embodiments wherein the
shaped bodies are prepared by baking in a mold, the
plasticizer facilitates release or detachment of the body from
the mold. Suitable plasticizers include animal fats,
vegetable fats and lecithin, all of which are preferably used
in hydrogenated form, as well as food-grade derivatives
thereof. Particularly preferred plasticizers for use in the
present invention include vegetable shortening (commercially
available, e.g., from the J.M. Smucker Company, under the
trademark Crisco®), and gluten. These plasticizers may be
used either separately or in combination in the moldable
composition.
[0039] The plasticizer is typically employed in an amount
of at least about 1.5% by weight, preferably at least about 2%
by weight, and most preferably at least about 3% by weight,
based on the total weight of the moldable composition. Thus,
amounts of the plasticizer generally range from about 1.5% to
about 10% by weight, and in some embodiments, from about 2% to
about 8% by weight, and in some other embodiments, from about
3% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the
moldable composition.
[0040] BULKING AGENT
[0041] The moldable compositions may also contain a bulking
agent. These agents facilitate the baking process. Bulking
agents typically include a reducing sugar, e.g., sucrose,
glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, and combinations thereof.
Convenient sources of reducing sugars include confectioner's
sugar and granulated sugar, both of which contain sucrose.
Reducing sugars are susceptible to the Maillard reaction (a
chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar,

usually requiring heat) and caramelization, both of which
cause browning. Thus, preferred embodiments of the present
invention replace a portion of the reducing sugar(s) with a
non-reducing sugar, which reduces the extent of these
phenomena. The use of a non-reducing sugar as a bulking agent
may also promote more even coloration of the shaped body, as
well as adhesion of the moisture-impermeable film to the
shaped body. Examples of non-reducing sugars include
maltodextrin. The bulking agent is typically employed in an
amount of about 8% to about 2 5% by weight, and in some
embodiments, from about 10% to about 20% by weight, and in
some other embodiments, from about 12% to about 18% by weight,
based on the total weight of the moldable composition.
AUXILIARY AGENTS
[0042] The moldable compositions may also contain one or
more auxiliary agents. Representative auxiliary agents
include preservatives and coloring agents. Examples of
preservatives include ethanol, citric acid, ascorbic acid,
sodium benzoate, raisin paste, and combinations thereof.
Natural and artificial coloring agents may be useful. Natural
colouring agents such as saffron, paprika, beetroot, crocein
and carotene are preferred. The amount of coloring agent can
be determined simply by visual requirements.
FABRICATION PROCESS
[0043] According to one embodiment of the present
invention, the moldable composition may be made by, in one
container, mixing the plasticizer at about 25°C at low speed
for about 1 minute and then adding the solvent at about 32°C
to the plasticizer and mixing the two ingredients at low speed
for about 30 seconds. In a separate container, all the
remaining ingredients may be mixed together at low speed for
about 5 minutes. The contents of the two containers may then
be combined and mixed at low speed for about 10 minutes. Once
completed, the moldable composition may be stored, if desired,

typically at a temperature of about 27°C to about 32°C until
molding and baking.
[0044] The moldable composition may be formed into a body
having a desired shape using techniques known in the art.
Such techniques include pressing, extrusion, casting,
injection molding and the like. The viscosity and other
forming characteristics of the moldable composition may be
tailored to the particular forming process to be employed in
accordance with techniques that are well known in the art. A
particularly preferred forming process according to the
present invention is one in which the composition is poured or
pressed into a mold which is shaped and dimensioned to produce
a package capable of accommodating a consumer product.
Examples of such products include foods, both dry and not dry,
cosmetics (e.g., including hair care products, skin care
products, such as mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss,
foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, and eyebrow gel) ,
small articles such as those sold in cardboard boxes or in
blister packages, shopping bags of paper and cloth, boxes of
every type from delivery boxes to gift boxes to cardboard
crates and so on.
[0045] The molded package may then be baked. The baking
process may be performed directly in the mold where the mold
is needed to retain the shape of the molded body or, where
possible, the molded body may be removed from the mold prior
to baking. The time and temperature of baking are indirectly
proportional. In that regard, the lower the temperature, the
longer the baking time, and the higher the temperature, the
shorter the baking time. Operating conditions are chosen to
minimize baking time without compromising the basic qualities
of the resultant shaped body, particularly from the
standpoints of structural integrity (e.g., rigidity) and
aesthetic appeal. Baking is typically carried out at a

temperature of from about 100°C to about 250°C for
approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
[0046] At least a portion of the shaped body (and
preferably the entire shaped body) is then covered with a
moisture-impermeable film. The film is formed from a
composition containing at least one coating material.
Suitable coating materials include cellulose, gums such as
guar or Arabic, waxes (e.g., in emulsion form), starches,
gluten, egg albumin, egg white, food-grade shellac, whey
protein, lecithin and combinations thereof. A variety of
additives may be included in the composition depending on the
nature of the film to be produced. Coloring agents are one
such example. As in the case of the moldable composition, the
coloring agent, which may include natural and artificial
agents alike, is added to impart color to the film. Natural
coloring agents such as saffron, paprika, beetroot, crocein
and carotene are preferred. The amount of coloring agent to
be added can be easily determined by visual requirements.
[0047] The film-forming composition may be made into a
viscous mixture using well-known techniques and applied
directly onto the shaped body. Application may be by
spraying, dipping or other methods. Alternatively, the
viscous mixture may be cast or otherwise formed into a film
which may then be applied to the shaped body.
[0048] The moldable compositions and forming techniques
described above may be used to form packages for consumer
products, including packages for cosmetic products. A package
10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is
shown in Fig. 1. Package 10 includes a first or lower body 12
having an opening 14 to a cavity 16 (shown in dashed lines)
for receiving a product, such as a cake of facial makeup 18.
Lower body 12 may be formed from a first moldable composition
as described above. A second or upper body 20 is adapted to
close the opening in lower body 12. Body 20 may be formed

from a second moldable composition as described above. The
second moldable composition may be the same as or different
from the first moldable composition from the standpoint of
composition, shape or both composition and shape. Body 20 may
include an opening 22 to a cavity 24 (shown in dashed lines)
sized and shaped to lower body 12. That is, lower body 12 may
be formed with an outer diameter X, and the cavity 24 in upper
body 20 may be formed with a diameter Y which is slightly
larger than diameter X so that lower body 12 is receivable in
cavity 24 in a force-fit fashion. The inner side walls of
cavity 24 and/or the outer side walls of lower body 12 may be
tapered so that the side walls become more tightly engaged as
lower body 12 and upper body 20 are pressed together.
Although package 10 according to this embodiment is shown with
a cylindrical cross-section, the packages of the present
invention may be formed with any cross-sectional shape
desired.
[0049] A package 30 according to another embodiment of the
present invention is shown in Fig. 2. Package 30 includes a
first or lower body 32 which is substantially the same as body
12 of package 10 described above. That is, lower body 32 has
an opening 34 to a cavity 36 (shown in dashed lines) for
receiving a product, such as makeup 37. However, rather than
having an upper body which fits around the outer circumference
of lower body 32, package 30 includes a second body or lid 38
which closes opening 34. Thus, lid 38 has a first portion 40
having a diameter which is substantially the same as the outer
diameter of lower body 32. A lower disk-shaped portion 42 has
a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the
opening 34 in lower body 32. When lid 38 is assembled to
lower body 32, the lower portion 42 of the lid frictionally
engages the inner side walls of opening 34 to hold the lid in
assembled relationship to the lower body. Again, lower body

32 and lid 38 may be formed from the same or different
moldable compositions as described herein.
[0050] The foregoing describes only two exemplary
embodiments of the packages which may be formed in accordance
with the present invention. , Thus, packages having any shape
or configuration may be formed as desired.
[0051] Furthermore, although packages 10 and 30 are
described as having first and second bodies formed from
moldable compositions as described herein, the present
invention is not limited thereto. That is, it is contemplated
that only one of the first and second bodies may be formed
from a biodegradable moldable composition as described herein,
while the other body is formed from a conventional material,
such as plastic or metal. For example, where a lower body
having a cavity for receiving a consumer product is formed
from a moldable composition having a series of threads
adjacent the opening thereof, the second body may be more
accurately molded from a plastic material having inner threads
which are sized to mate with the threads on the lower body.
[0052] The present invention will be better understood from
the examples which follow, all of which are intended for
illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to unduly limit
the scope of the invention in any way.
EXAMPLES
[0053] Example 1: Moldable Compositions



[0054] Biodegradable, shaped bodies made from the moldable
compositions described in the above-table were prepared in
accordance with the following procedures.
Benchtop Process
[0055] Dough
1. Combine and mix all dry ingredients at low speed for 5
minutes. Set aside.
2. Mix shortening and water at low speed for 30 sec.
3. Add dry ingredients to water/shortening mixture and
mix at low speed for 10 minutes.
[0056] Cookie Molding and Baking
1. Hold dough in plastic bag and keep warm by placing in
90 °F water.
2. Place and pat dough, sufficient to fill mold, into
floured mold.
3. Place a sheet of wax paper on top and invert on pie
press platform.
4. Press for 4 sec.
5. Discard wax paper.
6. Extract molded dough using shop vacuum with perforated
plate attachment (drapery vacuum attachment)
7. Trim and discard excess dough.
8. Place molded dough piece on baking screen.
9. Bake in oven at 375 °F with convection for 14 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking
screen.

[0057] Example 2: Moisture-Impermeable Moldable Composition

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0058] The present invention has applicability in the field
of biodegradable packaging for consumer goods such as cosmetic
compositions.
[0059] All publications cited in the specification, both
patent publications and non-patent publications, are
indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art
to which this invention pertains. All these publications are
herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication were specifically and individually
indicated as being incorporated by reference.
[0060] Although the invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be
understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of
the principles and applications of the present invention. It
is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may
be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit

and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims.

We claim:
1. A biodegradable package, comprising:
a first shaped body formed from a first composition
including:
(i) a starch-containing material;
(ii) a strengthening agent;
(iii)a binding agent; and
(iv) a plasticizer; and
a first moisture-impermeable film covering at least
a portion of the first body.
2. The biodegradable package of claim 1, wherein the
first body defines a cavity having an opening, the package
further including a second shaped body formed from a second
composition including:
(i) a starch-containing material;
(ii) a strengthening agent;
(iii)a binding agent; and
(iv) a plasticizer; and
a second moisture-impermeable film covering at least
a portion of the second body.
3. The biodegradable package of claim 2, wherein the
first and second compositions are the same.
4. The biodegradable package of claim 3, wherein the
first and second moisture-impermeable films are formed from
the same composition.
5. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the first composition further includes a bulking agent.
6. The biodegradable package of claim 5, wherein the
bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of
reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and combinations thereof.
7. The biodegradable package of claim 5, wherein the
reducing sugar is selected from the group consisting of
sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose and combinations
thereof.

8. The biodegradable package of claim 6, wherein the
non-reducing sugar includes maltodextrin.
9. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the starch-containing material is derived from a
vegetable source.
10. The biodegradable package of claim 9, wherein the
starch-containing material includes long-grain rice flour.
11. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the strengthening agent incluis cellulosic fibers.
12. The biodegradable package of claim 11, wherein the
cellulosic fibers include oat fibe.
13. The biodegradable packac f any preceding claim,
wherein the binding agent includes scdium chloride.
14. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the plasticizer includes a vegetable fat.
15. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the plasticizer includes gluten.
16. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein each of the starch-containing material, the
strengthening agent, the binding agent, the plasticizer, and
the bulking agent is a food-grade ingredient.
17. The biodegradable package of claims 1, or 2 or 5.,
wherein the first composition, the second composition or both
the first and second compositions further include an auxiliary
agent.
18. The biodegradable package of claim 17, wherein the
auxiliary agent is selected from the group consisting of
colorants and preservatives.
19. The biodegradable package of any of claims 2-18,
wherein the first body has an outer cross-sectional size and
the second body defines a cavity having an opening with an
inner cross-sectional size larger than the outer cross-
sectional size, whereby the first body is adapted to be
received in the opening of the second body.

20. The biodegradable package of any of claims 2-19,
wherein the first and second bodies are formed by a molding
process.
21. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
wherein the first film, the second film or both the first and
second films include at least one coating material selected
from the group consisting of cellulose, gums, waxes, starches,
gluten, egg albumin, egg white, food-grade shellac, whey
protein, lecithin and combinations thereof.
22. The biodegradable package of any preceding claim,
further including a cosmetic product disposed in the first
body.
23. The biodegradable package of claim 22, wherein the
cosmetic product is selected from the group consisting of
mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, foundation, pressed
powder, loose powder and eyebrow gel.
24. A biodegradable package, made by a process
comprising:
(a) preparing a moldable composition comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a starch-containing material;
(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and
(v) a plasticizer;
(b) forming the moldable composition into a shaped
body ;
(c) baking the shaped body; and
(d) covering at least a portion of the shaped body
with a moisture-impermeable film.
25. A moldable composition, comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a starch-containing material;
(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and

(v) a plasticizer.
26. The moldable composition of claim 25, further
comprising a bulking agent.
27. The moldable composition of claim 26, comprising
water in an amount of about 20% to about 30% by weight, the
starch-containing material in an amount of about 35% to about
45% by weight, the strengthening agent in an amount of about
6% to about 12% by weight, the binding agent in an amount of
about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight, the plasticizer in an
amount of about 3% to about 6% by weight, and the bulking
agent in an amount of about 12% to about 18% by weight,
wherein all the amounts are based on total weight of the
moldable composition.
28. The moldable composition of claim 26 or 27, wherein
the starch-containing material includes long-grain rice flour,
the strengthening agent includes oat fibers, the binding agent
includes sodium chloride, the plasticizer includes vegetable
shortening and gluten, and the bulking agent includes sucrose
and maltodextrin.
29. The moldable composition of any of claims 25-28,
further comprising an auxiliary agent.
30. The moldable composition of claim 29, wherein the
auxiliary agent includes a colorant, a preservative or a
combination thereof.
31. The moldable composition of claim 26, wherein each
of the starch-containing material, the strengthening agent,
the binding agent, the plasticizer and the bulking agent is a
food-grade ingredient.
32. A process for making a biodegradable package,
comprising:
(a) preparing a first moldable composition
comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a starch-containing material;

(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and
(v) a plasticizer;
(b) forming the first moldable composition into a
first shaped body;
(c) baking the first shaped body; and
(d) covering at least a portion of the first shaped
body with a first moisture-impermeable film.

33. The process of claim 32, wherein the baking step is
conducted at a temperature of at least about 100 °C.
34. The process of claim 32, wherein the baking step is
conducted at a temperature between about 100 °C and about 250
•C.
35. The process of claim 32, wherein the baking step is
conducted for a time of between about 10 minutes and about 20
minutes.
36. The process of any of claims 32-35, wherein the
covering step comprises dipping the first shaped body into a
composition that forms the first moisture-impermeable film.
37. The process of any of claims 32-35, wherein the
covering step comprises spraying a composition that forms the
first moisture-impermeable film onto the first shaped body.
38. The process of any of claims 32-35, wherein the
covering step comprises separately forming the first moisture-
impermeable film from a moisture-impermeable film-forming
composition, and applying the formed film to the first shaped
body.
39. The process of claim 32, wherein the first shaped
body defines a cavity having an opening, and wherein the
process further includes forming a second shaped body adapted
to close the opening, wherein the second shaped body is made
by:

(e) preparing a second moldable composition
comprising:
(i) a solvent comprising water;
(ii) a source of starch;
(iii) a strengthening agent;
(iv) a binding agent; and
(v) a plasticizer;
(f) forming the second moldable composition into
the second shaped body;
(g) baking the second shaped body; and
(h) covering at least a portion of the second
shaped body with a second moisture-impermeable film.
40. The process of claim 39, wherein the first and
second moldable compositions are the same.
41. The process of claims 39 or 40, wherein the first
and second moisture-impermeable films are the same.
42. The process of any of claims 39-41, further
comprising placing a cosmetic product in the opening of the
first shaped body.

A biodegradable package includes a shaped body formed from a composition that contains: (i) a
source of starch; (ii) a strengthening agent; (iii) a binding agent; (iv) a plasticizer; and a
moisture-impermeable film covering at least a portion of the shaped body.