This Plastic Alternative is Antioxidant and Antimicrobial and Plant-Made
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — October 29, 2015 — Eco
References: afns.ualberta & phys.org
Researchers at Canada's University of Alberta have discovered a way to make a plastic alternative out of potato by-products.
The province of Alberta has a booming potato processing industry. While this is great for the region's economy, it also creates a lot of waste. Luckily, a team of brilliant researchers at the University of Alberta has figured out how to turn the peels and rejected potatoes into an incredible plastic alternative.
They've created a thin film similar to Saran wrap, with applications in the food and cosmetics industries. Not only is the plastic alternative an eco-friendly solution, it also has bioactive properties. Potatoes contain phenol, which is a natural plant-protecting compound also found in apples and grapes. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that are captured in the plastic alternative, meaning that it would preserve things much more powerfully than typical plastic wrap.
The province of Alberta has a booming potato processing industry. While this is great for the region's economy, it also creates a lot of waste. Luckily, a team of brilliant researchers at the University of Alberta has figured out how to turn the peels and rejected potatoes into an incredible plastic alternative.
They've created a thin film similar to Saran wrap, with applications in the food and cosmetics industries. Not only is the plastic alternative an eco-friendly solution, it also has bioactive properties. Potatoes contain phenol, which is a natural plant-protecting compound also found in apples and grapes. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that are captured in the plastic alternative, meaning that it would preserve things much more powerfully than typical plastic wrap.
Trend Themes
1. Bioactive Plastic Alternatives - Turning plant by-products into eco-friendly plastics with bioactive properties.
2. Waste-to-value Solutions - Converting potato waste into innovative products through sustainable processing methods.
3. Enhanced Packaging Materials - Developing plastic alternatives with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for improved product preservation.
Industry Implications
1. Food Processing - Exploring opportunities to integrate bioactive plastic alternatives for sustainable and enhanced food packaging.
2. Cosmetics - Incorporating bioactive plastic alternatives into cosmetic packaging to provide added benefits and promote sustainability.
3. Sustainable Materials - Increasing the use of waste-to-value solutions and bioactive plastics in various industries to promote eco-friendly practices.
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