A new type of bioplastic made from renewable resources and biodegradable materials could replace traditional packaging materials in the future. Researchers have been experimenting with bioplastics for several years, some of which are partially or fully made from renewable resources. Some of these biodegradable plastics are already being used as packaging materials, but their percentage of use is still low. Most packaging materials are made from petroleum, and only a small percentage of them are recycled globally. The rest ends up in landfills, is burned, or dumped into the ocean. According to recent estimates, eight million tons of plastic waste are disposed of every year. However, this could change in the near future.
Peggy Tomasula and her team at the American Chemical Society have developed a film made from a type of protein that can dissolve after a certain period and can even be eaten. The film has smaller pores, which allows less oxygen to pass through, making it less elastic than traditional plastic films but helps to preserve food. The team is currently working on adding vitamins and flavors to the film, which could be used as an additional option in the market. For example, cornflakes could be sprayed with the protein film instead of being coated with sugar to keep them crispy in milk. The film could also be sprayed on the inside of pizza boxes to prevent them from becoming saturated with grease. However, the product is not yet market-ready, and more time is needed for development. The researchers estimate that the biodegradable film could reach the market by 2019.
The use of bioplastics made from renewable resources and biodegradable materials could significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or oceans. While the development of these materials is still ongoing, the potential benefits are clear. As more companies and researchers invest in the development of bioplastics, we may see a future where traditional plastic packaging materials are replaced by more sustainable alternatives.
