The use of amylose produces a translucent paper that is opaque to oxygen and nitrogen, has little carbon dioxide and fat, and is edible; since the 1970s, this paper has been used as a package for bread enzymes. It is expected to be increasingly used in the food industry.
The high-linear hydroxypropyl starch is soluble in water to form a transparent and edible film. Oxygen cannot penetrate, and it is suitable at room temperature and at different relative humidity. It is suitable for film for food coating and packaging.
The United States has applied for a patent for the production of a film from amylose. This film is insoluble in cold or hot conditions. It can package both powdered and frozen foods. The American Corn Company has established a large experimental plant for amylose membranes in Nebraska. Peoria Laboratories conducted experiments with hydroxypropyl amylose (71%) films showing that hydroxypropylation enhances resistance to cracking. This type of film is suitable for packaging dry products.