Abstract: A single-layer or multiple-layer foil of substantially reduced gas-permeability comprises at least one layer which consists, at least in part, of substantially thermo-plastically processable starch. In order that this single-layer or multiple-layer foil is at least approximately insensitive to moisture it is proposed that at least one layer comprises furthermore at least one hydrophobic polymer, such as a polyolefin, which is mixed with the starch upon the production of said at least one layer, and/or that the starch is at least partially cross-linked on the surface of said at least one layer and/or that said at least one layer is covered by at least one additional layer which is at least approximately insensitive to moisture.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable filter tow or filter material from renewable raw materials for the use as a tobacco smoke filter element of cigarettes, cigars or pipes as well as a method for preparing it, wherein fibers, films or foams prepared in an extrusion method from biopolymers based on thermoplastic starch or its polymer compositions are processed to the filter tow or filter material according to the present invention.The advantages of this invention reside in the use of mainly renewable raw materials, a fast and complete biodegradability of the natural biopolymer filter material, a pollutant-reducing flavor-increasing filtering effect and an economically favorable preparation method.