February 20th 2019
Scientists from Gdańsk University of Technology found a new alternative to plastic cutlery, a material that decomposes in three months.
The ingredients of the fully organic bioplastic include potato and corn starch. The material has proved firm enough to become a substitute for the traditional plastic used in, for example, disposable cutlery or plates. Products made of the new bioplastic may be decomposed with food leftovers and are fully degradable in three months.
“We use easily-accessible natural or renewable resources, that constitute an important advantage over commonly-used petroleum products,” said Professor Helena Janik, leader of the research team.
Work to improve its properties has lasted for several years and the invention is patent-protected in Poland, France, Germany, and the UK.
Waste coming from disposable plastic, such as plates, cutlery, and straws, comprises over two-thirds of all the pollution in the oceans. Single-use plastic utilities are to be banned in the EU starting in 2021.
Source: https://polandin.com/41385486/polish-bioplastic-invention-from-potato-and-corn-starch