Plasticized starch is obtained from native starch, which is a “flour” derived from the glucose of cereals, tubers or fruits (e.g. wheat or potatoes). To use this flour, it can first be reacted with a plasticizer (e.g. glycerol): the result is a so-called plasticized starch, giving it a thermoplastic behavior that makes it easier to shape with plastics processing equipment (extruder, injection press, etc.).
This plasticized starch is generally used in blends with biodegradable polyesters (PBAT, PBS, PLA, etc.) to achieve good mechanical properties and obtain a compound known as a starch base.