Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and
other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one "hard"
biopolymer and at least one "soft" biopolymer. "Hard" biopolymers tend to
be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition
temperature greater than about 10.degree. C. "Soft" biopolymers tend to
be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition
temperature less than about 0.degree. C. While hard and soft polymers
each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft
polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties
superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves.
Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides,
polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The
polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and
sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the
bulk hand feel. Wraps will typically be manufactured to have good
"dead-fold" properties so as to remain in a wrapped position and not
spring back to an "unwrapped" form.