A 100% Biodegradable Plastic Presents an Exciting Sustainable Development
Alyson Wyers — May 8, 2014 — Eco
References: wyss.harvard.edu & psfk
A team of researchers are taking biodegradable plastic to the next level. The new manufacturing material is made from shrimp and is 100% biodegradable, making it an extremely viable sustainable alternative.
A group from Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a biodegradable plastic made from chitosan, which is extracted from shrimp shells. Unlike other bioplastics, which are plant-based but do not fully degrade, or regular plastics which are filling landfills at an alarming rate, this new brand can completely break down.
Most of the world's chitosan supply comes from discarded shrimp shells that usually end up in the garbage or are reused in fertilizers, dietary supplements or cosmetics. This is the first time anyone has been able to 3D and complex shapes from the material.
A group from Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a biodegradable plastic made from chitosan, which is extracted from shrimp shells. Unlike other bioplastics, which are plant-based but do not fully degrade, or regular plastics which are filling landfills at an alarming rate, this new brand can completely break down.
Most of the world's chitosan supply comes from discarded shrimp shells that usually end up in the garbage or are reused in fertilizers, dietary supplements or cosmetics. This is the first time anyone has been able to 3D and complex shapes from the material.
Trend Themes
1. Biodegradable Shrimp Shell Plastic - The use of shrimp shells to create a fully biodegradable plastic presents an opportunity to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly products.
2. Chitosan-based Bioplastics - Developing bioplastics made from chitosan presents a potential innovation opportunity in sustainable packaging and manufacturing materials.
3. Circular Economy for Shrimp Waste - Using discarded shrimp shells to create biodegradable plastics can help create a circular economy and reduce waste in the seafood industry.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - The biodegradable shrimp shell plastic can be used as an alternative packaging material that is more sustainable and eco-friendly.
2. Manufacturing - Chitosan-based bioplastics can potentially be used as a more sustainable and bio-compatible manufacturing material in industries such as medical implants or drug delivery systems.
3. Seafood - Creating a circular economy for the seafood industry, using discarded shrimp shells to create biodegradable plastics, can lead to new opportunities for waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
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