Water-disposable tampon applicators and biodegradable composition for use therein

A water-dispersible, toilet-disposable, biodegradable applicator for tampons comprising a self-supporting, open-ended tube having a composition consisting essentially of 45 to 90%, by weight, starch, 5 to 40%, by weight, plasticizer and 5 to 15%;

• by weight water and wherein the starch contains a) 40% or less of amylose or b) more than 40% by weight amylose modified with up to 20%, by weight propylene oxide, and is dispersed by being gelatinized prior to formation of the applicator to provide water-dispersibility to the applicator and a substantially rigid plunger or inner tube movably received within said open-ended tube and adapted to expel a tampon therefrom.