University of Washington develops biodegradable plastic for backyard composting

New biodegradable plastics are compostable in your backyard
Sustainability

Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have made a significant breakthrough in developing a compostable and recyclable bioplastic that can degrade under garden compost conditions.

The findings of this groundbreaking research have been published in the Advanced Functional Materials journal.

The team, led by UW materials science and engineering doctoral students Ian Campbell and Mallory Parker, along with postdoctoral scholar Paul Grandgeorge, utilised powdered turquoise cyanobacteria cells, commonly known as spirulina, to create this innovative bioplastic.

Similar to a banana peel in a compost bin, the new bioplastic degrades within the same timescale.

By applying traditional plastic processing techniques involving heat and pressure, the spirulina powder was transformed into different shapes. The mechanical properties of the bioplastic are comparable to those of single-use or petroleum-derived plastics. The use of spirulina allows for large-scale cultivation, while the cells have the additional benefit of sequestering carbon dioxide as they grow, potentially making the biomass carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative.

The researchers acknowledge that further work is needed to address the bioplastic's brittleness and sensitivity to water before it can be used on an industrial scale.

New biodegradable plastics are compostable in your backyard
Mallory Parker, UW materials science and engineering doctoral student, adds spirulina powder to a UW logo mold. Once this mold goes in the hot-press, it will generate a UW logo-shaped piece of plastic © Mark Stone/University of Washington

They are currently studying the material's behaviour to overcome these challenges. Once these issues are resolved, the team plans to develop a range of bioplastics that can serve as sustainable alternatives to existing petroleum-based plastics.

Senior author Eleftheria Roumeli, UW assistant professor of materials science and engineering, said: We were motivated to create bioplastics that are both bio-derived and biodegradable in our backyards, while also being processable, scalable and recyclable. The bioplastics we have developed, using only spirulina, not only have a degradation profile similar to organic waste, but also are on average 10 times stronger and stiffer than previously reported spirulina bioplastics. These properties open up new possibilities for the practical application of spirulina-based plastics in various industries, including disposable food packaging or household plastics, such as bottles or trays.

Latest Packaging News

Lantech packaging machines ideal for use in e-commerce and logistics environments
Supplier News

Lantech packaging machines ideal for use in e-commerce and logistics environments

End-of-line packaging machine manufacturer Lantech offers a range of innovative packaging systems...
Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits
Technology

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits

Mexican pharmaceutical manufacturer IFA Celtics has launched new NFC-enabled smart packaging,...
Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way
Supplier News

Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way

The problem with moisture Moisture can be a real headache in homes and industries. It spoils food,...
Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification
Supplier News

Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification

Leading glass packaging supplier Croxsons has received B Corporation (B Corp) certification, a...
Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK
Sustainability

Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK

Mondelēz International, one of the world’s largest snacking companies, are partnering with DS...