The present invention discloses a molded article having a surface feature created by a light reactive agent interacting with light from a light source, and a method for making the same. The article is molded from a slurry comprised of an aqueous solution that includes a plurality of fibers and a light reactive agent. The slurry is molded into a three-dimensional solid fibrous molded part. The solid fibrous molded part is exposed to a light source such that the light reacts with the light reactive agent to create at least one surface feature. The surface feature can be, for example, a texture or a color change.

A composition and method directed to the formation of a biodegradable composition with enhanced mechanical properties is provided. The composition includes starch in an amount from 15-45%, chitosan in an amount ranging from 1-50 wt %, polyacrylamide in an amount ranging from 1-10 wt %, and water in an amount ranging from 25-85 wt %. The composition can be provided for food packaging or otherwise as a protective material.